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THE CARE THAT YOU DESERVE
Marie-Anne Hiem is helping those affected with or at risk of getting Lymphedema.
Living With Lymphedema
Up to one in four breast cancer survivors will develop lymphedema at some point in their life.
There is no cure for lymphedema at this time. It is a lifelong condition. When diagnosed and treated early, you can manage it. Managing your lymphedema is the key from leading to more serious health problems.
It does not have to restrict your quality of life.
There is no cure for lymphedema at this time. It is a lifelong condition. When diagnosed and treated early, you can manage it. Managing your lymphedema is the key from leading to more serious health problems.
It does not have to restrict your quality of life.
Welcome!
I’m Marie-Anne Hisem
Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist. I have over 22 years of expertise in Manual Therapy in various techniques. My focus is helping patients with chronic swelling/lymphedema. I treat many pathologies including Post-Cancer Treatment, Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording), Post-Surgical Swelling, Post-Traumatic Edema and Lipedema.
I am also an ADP Authorizer for Lymphedema Management Devices with the Government of Ontario.
Compression garments are an essential part of managing Lymphedema. Therefore I expanded my field of knowledge by obtained my fitters certificate with Jobst, L&R CAN INC and Sigvaris.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part usually occurring in the extremities. It is the result of the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich edema fluid in the affected area. Lymphedema is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema is the result of lymphatic dysplasia. It may be present at birth but more often develops later in life without obvious cause. Secondary lymphedema is much more common and is the result of surgery or is a side effect of radiation therapy for cancer. Secondary forms may also occur after injury, scarring, trauma, or infection of the lymphatic system.
We Can Help With
Gold Standard for Lymphedema Treatment
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which includes manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) as a core component alongside compression bandaging/garments, exercise and skin care. While MLD itself is a gentle, specialized massage technique to improve lymph flow, it’s the combination of these therapies within CDT that provides the most effective and comprehensive management for chronic lymphedema.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage
And Lymphatic Massage?
Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an advanced technique performed by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and specialize in cancer and surgical rehabilitation. They typically see patients with localized swelling caused by a damaged lymphatic system. The Vodder method was developed by Dr. Emil Vodder, is primarily used in therapeutic settings to treat conditions like lymphedema management, radiation therapy and post-surgical edema.
Manual Lymphatic Massage is sought for cosmetic benefits like detox, body contouring, reducing bloating, and improving skin elasticity for a more holistic approach.
Vodder Method and Manual Lymphatic Massage are both types of lymphatic drainage, but they have different focuses and techniques.
And Lymphatic Massage?
Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an advanced technique performed by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and specialize in cancer and surgical rehabilitation. They typically see patients with localized swelling caused by a damaged lymphatic system. The Vodder method was developed by Dr. Emil Vodder, is primarily used in therapeutic settings to treat conditions like lymphedema management, radiation therapy and post-surgical edema.
Manual Lymphatic Massage is sought for cosmetic benefits like detox, body contouring, reducing bloating, and improving skin elasticity for a more holistic approach.
Vodder Method and Manual Lymphatic Massage are both types of lymphatic drainage, but they have different focuses and techniques.
What is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?
CDT is an intensive program that combines four different treatment approaches, including manual Lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exercise, and skin care.
Phase I (the intensive phase) consists of the mobilization of fluid and the initiation of a decrease in the proliferated connective tissue. To achieve maximum effectiveness or significant results, it is highly recommended for patients to be treated at least 5 times, 1 session per week for several weeks.
Phase II (maintenance phase) maintains the swelling reduction and aims for optimization of connective tissue reduction.
CDT is an intensive program that combines four different treatment approaches, including manual Lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exercise, and skin care.
Phase I (the intensive phase) consists of the mobilization of fluid and the initiation of a decrease in the proliferated connective tissue. To achieve maximum effectiveness or significant results, it is highly recommended for patients to be treated at least 5 times, 1 session per week for several weeks.
Phase II (maintenance phase) maintains the swelling reduction and aims for optimization of connective tissue reduction.
A Therapy Clinic That You Can Trust
Lymphedema should not be left untreated as it can gradually worsen and cause other health complications.
Complete decongestive therapy is an effective treatment for people with lymphedema. The many components of CDT help to manage your condition and improve your health-related quality of life.
Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor prior to starting treatment.
Complete decongestive therapy is an effective treatment for people with lymphedema. The many components of CDT help to manage your condition and improve your health-related quality of life.
Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor prior to starting treatment.