Written By Lindsey Kunz
When someone is told that Lymph Balance Center specializes in Lymph Drainage Therapy, it throws them off.
This is completely understandable since it is an unfamiliar treatment, and therefore most people do not know what it entails. When someone becomes aware of the lymphatic system, it is because something has gone wrong or the system is misbehaving by causing unwanted congestion or swelling. Understandably it is scary when something in your body goes wrong that you do not understand and it can cause mixed emotions regarding diagnosis and treatments. At this point in time, you might not have a clue into what you’re getting yourself into, or you have typed “Lymphatic System” into Dr. Google and have seen some insane photos which does not give any peace of mind. This is why the ‘Initial Intake Appointment’ at
Lymph Balance Center is important and valuable.
From my perspective, Lymph Balance Center is very different from other massage therapy clinics in the city. We have amazing therapists that offer massage, but more importantly we all have specialized training in the lymphatic system. This also compliments massage and other types of treatment. I have worked at a few different clinics within the city and this is the first clinic I have been a part of that truly feels like a team. In the past, I have found that RMT’s become protective over “their” clients. This is not the case at Lymph Balance. I explain to clients that therapists are like different flavours of ice cream. Can you imagine only having one kind of ice cream for the rest of your life? I certainly can’t! As therapists, we all have different tools in our belts. However, we are all working towards the same goal to help you feel your best!
This is one of the reasons why intakes in our clinic are so beneficial. Sitting down and having a conversation with a therapist helps us to create the perfect treatment plan for you. As your treatment plan progresses, we understand that your perfect ice cream flavour may change. As therapists, we understand that the flavour you want today may change next week. We are committed to finding you the perfect ice-cream flavour!
We have two kinds of intake appointments. They have both been thought out so that you will receive the best possible treatment plan!
The first is a fifteen-minute appointment where a therapist will sit down with you prior to treatment and have a conversation about what is happening in your body. This is valuable because we can have a conversation and hear your biggest concerns/symptoms while discussing your chart. After this conversation, a treatment plan is created to suit your needs. Typically, you are at the clinic between 45 to 75 minutes depending on the length of your first treatment. You are then on the road to feeling your best!
The second intake appointment is significantly longer, and for good reason. This session is booked for 90 minutes in length. This is a longer appointment to provide a high-quality education for you on your Lymphatic System. We go over some main
topics including, but not limited to: the anatomy of the lymphatic system, reasons why the lymphatic system may not work effectively, compression garments, skin care and homecare or exercises. After going over all of these things, we evaluate what your system is doing and create a personalized treatment plan from there. During this appointment, we will do measurements of the affected limb as well as mapping out your lymphatic system, in its uniqueness. These appointments are often utilized when someone has a more complex case, has had one or more lymph nodes removed or undergone radiation.
In the clinic, we have two different types of therapists. The first are Lymph Drainage Therapists and the second are Certified Lymphedema Therapists. The main difference is that the Certified Lymphedema Therapists work with clients that have had lymph nodes removed, have a complicated case, or have issues that are considered idiopathic (unknown cause). Following either intake, the therapist will know if you need to see a Lymph Drainage Therapist or a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
As a therapist myself, I find the intakes to be extremely valuable for a variety of reasons. Firstly, I find it very beneficial to take the time to listen to my patients’ concerns. Secondly, these intakes get you fast tracked on a treatment plan that will be individually tailored to you. Thirdly, having the intakes helps the entire team at Lymph Balance because the therapists are able to obtain any required information that is shared on your chart. This will help you feel like you are not repeating your symptoms over and over when you see more than one therapist. Seeing a whole team is a great gift, as many eyes solve the very hardest of problems.
If you have any questions about the intakes we have at Lymph Balance Center, I would highly recommend calling the clinic at 403-472-3100 and speak to the wonderful team at the front. I can guarantee if they cannot answer a question right away, that search, find out, and get back to you right away!
I can speak for myself as well as all the therapists in the clinic that we look forward to meeting you and helping you feel your best.
