The Supine Studio

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Lymphedema Travel Tips: Flying, Hotels, and Long Work Days

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Travel can be exciting, but if you’re living with lymphedema, it also comes with a unique set of challenges. Long flights, tight schedules, and days packed with meetings or sightseeing can make swelling worse if you’re not prepared. The good news? With some planning and practical strategies, you can manage your symptoms and stay as comfortable as possible on the go.

At The Supine Studio, we specialize in supporting people living with lymphedema, both after surgery and for long-term management. Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, these tips can help you feel more confident and in control.

Flying with Lymphedema

Air travel is often the biggest hurdle for people with lymphedema. Cabin pressure, long periods of sitting, and limited space to stretch can all contribute to swelling. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Wear compression garments: If your doctor or therapist has recommended sleeves, stockings, or wraps, make sure to wear them during the flight. They help maintain circulation and prevent fluid buildup.
  • Move when possible: Aim to get up and walk every hour or two, even if it’s just a quick stroll down the aisle. If that’s not possible, try simple in-seat exercises like ankle circles, calf pumps, or shoulder rolls.
  • Stay hydrated: Airplane cabins are notoriously dry. Drinking water regularly (and limiting alcohol or caffeine) helps your body maintain balance and reduce fluid retention.
  • Pack smart: Keep your compression garments, medications, and a small water bottle in your carry-on so they’re always within reach.

Hotel Stays and Overnight Tips

Once you land, the environment in your hotel room can affect how your body responds to travel. Making a few adjustments can ease discomfort and support healthy circulation:

  • Elevate your limbs: If swelling worsens at the end of the day, try propping your arm or leg on a pillow while you rest or sleep. Elevation helps fluid move back toward the core of the body.
  • Stick to your routine: Keep your skincare, self-massage, or exercise routines as consistent as possible. Even short sessions can help keep swelling in check.
  • Request extras: Don’t be shy about asking for additional pillows or a small refrigerator to store cold packs if they’re part of your care routine. Many hotels are happy to accommodate.
  • Unpack wisely: Instead of living out of your suitcase, set up your space with everything you need daily, including compression garments and any exercise tools you brought along.

Managing Long Work Days

Conferences, back-to-back meetings, and networking events often mean long hours on your feet—or, in some cases, long stretches of sitting. Both can aggravate lymphedema. Here are some ways to navigate those busy days:

  • Plan movement breaks: Even a few minutes of stretching or walking between sessions can help reduce swelling and stiffness.
  • Wear comfortable clothing: Tight waistbands or restrictive fabrics can interfere with circulation. Choose breathable, stretchy fabrics that allow freedom of movement.
  • Stay mindful of posture: Crossing your legs or slouching at a desk for hours can slow fluid flow. Keep both feet flat on the floor, shoulders relaxed, and spine tall whenever possible.
  • Fuel wisely: Balanced meals and snacks that include lean protein, fruits, and vegetables can support energy and circulation. Avoid excess salt, which can make swelling worse.

A Few Final Reminders

Traveling with lymphedema doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is preparation, consistency, and giving yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly. If swelling worsens while you’re away, schedule a manual lymphatic drainage session when you return to help reset your system.

At The Supine Studio, we understand how important it is to keep living your life fully—work trips, vacations, and everything in between. Our goal is to support your long-term health with customized lymphatic care.

Ready to plan your next trip with more confidence? Schedule a session with us before or after you travel, and let us help you feel your best.

Who Needs Lymphatic Drainage?

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The lymphatic system is one of the body’s unsung heroes. While most people know about the circulatory system or the nervous system, the lymphatic system often works quietly in the background, keeping your body balanced, filtering waste, and supporting your immune defenses. When this system isn’t working as well as it should, it can leave you feeling sluggish, swollen, or uncomfortable. That’s where lymphatic drainage comes in—a specialized type of therapy designed to support and stimulate lymph flow. But who really benefits from it? Let’s dive in.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage?

Before answering who needs lymphatic drainage, it’s helpful to understand what it actually is. Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, rhythmic technique that encourages the natural movement of lymph fluid. Unlike Swedish or deep tissue massage, it isn’t about muscle tension or stress relief (though those can be welcome side effects). Instead, the goal is to reduce swelling, encourage detoxification, and restore balance to the lymphatic system.

Who Needs Lymphatic Drainage?

The short answer: more people than you might think. While it’s often associated with medical recovery, lymphatic drainage can benefit everyday individuals too. Here are the groups of people most likely to need it:

1. People Recovering from Surgery

Post-surgical clients are one of the top groups who need lymphatic drainage. Whether it’s cosmetic surgery, orthopedic surgery, or even dental work, swelling and fluid retention are common. Lymphatic drainage helps reduce that swelling, speeds up healing, and makes recovery more comfortable. Some surgeons even recommend it as part of the aftercare process.

2. Individuals with Lymphedema or Chronic Swelling

Lymphedema is a condition where lymph fluid builds up in certain areas of the body, often the arms or legs. It can occur after cancer treatments that involve lymph node removal, or due to other medical conditions. For these individuals, lymphatic drainage isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for maintaining mobility and comfort.

3. People Seeking Postpartum Recovery

Pregnancy places incredible demands on the body, and after childbirth, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet is very common. Many new mothers discover that lymphatic drainage provides gentle relief from this discomfort, while also offering a calming, restorative experience during the hectic postpartum period.

4. Athletes and Active Individuals

Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and with that can come inflammation, sore muscles, or sluggish recovery. While massage therapy is often part of an athlete’s routine, lymphatic drainage specifically helps reduce swelling and speeds up the elimination of metabolic waste after intense workouts or injuries. It’s like giving the body’s recovery system a boost.

5. People with Desk Jobs or Sedentary Lifestyles

You don’t need to be recovering from surgery or training for a marathon to need lymphatic drainage. If you sit for long hours at a desk, you may notice puffiness in your legs or ankles. Gentle lymphatic techniques can help move stagnant fluid and refresh your system, leaving you feeling lighter and more energized.

What to Expect During a LMD Session

If you’ve never experienced it, you might wonder what a lymphatic drainage session feels like. It’s not painful or deep like a typical massage. Instead, it’s soothing and feather-light, using gentle, rhythmic strokes that follow the body’s lymphatic pathways. Many clients describe it as deeply relaxing, almost meditative, while also noticing real physical changes like reduced swelling and a sense of lightness.

Specialized Lymphedema Care at The Supine Studio

At The Supine Studio, we focus on post-operative recovery and lymphedema care. Our approach combines advanced training with compassionate support, helping clients manage swelling, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility. Whether you are recovering from cosmetic or orthopedic surgery, or living with the daily challenges of lymphedema, we create tailored lymphatic drainage sessions designed to help you heal and feel more like yourself again.

How Therapeutic Cupping Massage Can Help Desk Workers Find Relief

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Photo of client getting cupping massage in Columbia, SC

In today’s digital world, spending hours at a desk is common across many professions. Whether you’re working from home or at an office, prolonged sitting, poor posture, and repetitive movements can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and even reduced circulation. While regular stretching and movement are essential, many people are now turning to therapeutic cupping massage as a powerful complement to their wellness routine.

If you spend most of your day seated, here’s why cupping massage might be the solution your body has been waiting for.

What Is Therapeutic Cupping Massage?

Cupping is a form of therapy rooted in ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine. During a therapeutic cupping massage, a practitioner places specially designed cups—usually made of silicone, glass, or plastic—on the skin to create a vacuum seal. This suction gently lifts the skin and superficial muscle layer, promoting circulation, loosening fascia, and encouraging the body’s natural healing processes.

At The Supine Studio, we use modern cupping techniques as part of a comprehensive approach to soft tissue care, tailoring each session to address the client’s specific tension and postural concerns.

How Desk Work Affects the Body

Sitting for long hours, especially without adequate ergonomic support, places repeated strain on several areas of the body:

  • Neck and shoulders often bear the brunt of craning toward a screen or phone.
  • Lower back muscles can become compressed or weak from prolonged sitting.
  • Hips and glutes may tighten and lose mobility.
  • Circulation slows in the lower extremities, which can cause fatigue and swelling.

Over time, this static posture can contribute to chronic discomfort, tension headaches, nerve impingement, and poor range of motion.

The Benefits of Therapeutic Cupping Massage for Desk Workers

Cupping provides unique benefits for individuals with sedentary lifestyles. Here’s how it can help:

1. Improves Circulation and Lymphatic Flow

The negative pressure created by cupping draws blood to the surface and stimulates the lymphatic system. This can help flush out stagnation and metabolic waste that build up in overused or tight muscles, promoting a feeling of renewed energy and lightness in areas that often feel heavy or fatigued from sitting.

2. Releases Muscle Tension

Unlike traditional massage that applies downward pressure, cupping gently lifts the fascia and underlying tissue. This decompression effect can provide deep relief for tension stored in the shoulders, traps, lower back, and hips—common problem areas for desk workers.

3. Reduces Pain and Enhances Mobility

Cupping has been shown to reduce pain levels associated with myofascial restrictions and trigger points. For those who experience discomfort after long workdays, regular therapeutic cupping massage sessions can improve flexibility and reduce the sensation of stiffness or tightness, making it easier to move without discomfort.

4. Supports Better Posture

By addressing imbalances caused by prolonged sitting, cupping can support better postural alignment. Releasing chronically tight areas makes it easier to engage underused muscles and adopt healthier body mechanics throughout the day.

5. Encourages Stress Relief

Massage therapy already offers mental and emotional benefits, and the soothing nature of cupping adds an extra layer of calm. Many clients find that therapeutic cupping massage not only reduces physical tension but also supports nervous system regulation—something we could all use during stressful workweeks.

What to Expect at The Supine Studio

At The Supine Studio, your session begins with a comprehensive intake to understand your work habits, posture, and areas of concern. We then incorporate cupping as part of your personalized massage treatment, targeting the regions most impacted by desk work. Whether you’re looking for occasional relief or want to make bodywork part of your monthly routine, we’re here to support your wellness goals.

Desk work might be unavoidable, but chronic discomfort doesn’t have to be. Therapeutic cupping massage offers a targeted, effective way to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and restore balance to your body. If you’re ready to feel looser, lighter, and more aligned, book a session with one of the qualified practitioners at The Supine Studio and give your body the care it deserves.

Schedule Your Massage Today

Swedish, Cupping, and Lymphatic Drainage Massage: What’s the Difference?

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Not all massages are created equal. Some are designed to soothe sore muscles after a long day, some dive deep to relieve chronic pain, and others are incredibly gentle—yet powerful—tools in healing after surgery or cancer treatment. Let’s break down three very different but equally important types of massage: Swedish Massage, Cupping Massage, and Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LMD).

Swedish Massage: The Classic Crowd-Pleaser

Swedish massage is probably what pops into your head when someone says “massage.” It’s the go-to option for relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being. Using long, flowing strokes, kneading , and gentle tapping or vibration techniques, Swedish massage is all about calming your nervous system and getting your blood flowing.

Best for:

  • First-time massage clients
  • Reducing general stress and tension
  • Boosting circulation
  • Loosening tight muscles in a non-invasive way

Swedish massage is like your favorite cozy blanket—comforting, reliable, and great for self-care maintenance. You’ll leave feeling lighter, looser, and maybe a little floaty.

Cupping Massage: A Powerful Deep Tissue Therapeutic Tool

Cupping massage adds a bit of flair (and suction) to the table—literally. Using silicone or glass cups, this technique creates negative pressure to lift the skin and underlying tissue. While traditional deep tissue massage presses into the muscle, cupping pulls up on it, giving tight areas room to release.

Some therapists move the cups in a gliding motion (dynamic cupping), while others leave them in place (static cupping) for a few minutes. It’s often used by athletes and folks with chronic pain because of its ability to break up stubborn tension and promote faster recovery.

Best for:

  • Chronic muscle tension and tightness
  • Improving range of motion
  • People who like deep work but with less pressure
  • People with chronic muscle injuries like Frozen Shoulder, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis.

Yes, it might leave those telltale round marks, but they fade, and the relief often speaks for itself. Fun fact: cupping massage is actually considered a form of deep tissue work because of how deeply it affects the muscle and fascia layers—just from a different angle.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Gentle Touch for Big Healing

Now for something completely different: Lymphatic Drainage Massage, often called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). This isn’t about deep pressure or muscle manipulation—this is a feather-light, highly specialized technique that targets your lymphatic system, the body’s waste management network.

Trained therapists use slow, rhythmic strokes and gentle pulsing movements to stimulate lymph flow, helping your body move excess fluid, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. But this isn’t your average spa massage—this technique is critical care for many people healing from surgery or undergoing cancer treatment.

Best for:

  • Oncology patients managing lymphedema or post-radiation swelling
  • Post-surgical recovery (especially after cosmetic or orthopedic procedures)
  • Reducing swelling, bruising, or scar tissue
  • Supporting the immune system during healing

In oncology care, LMD is often recommended after lymph node removal, radiation, or chemotherapy when the body’s natural lymph flow has been disrupted. For post-op clients, LMD helps reduce swelling, supports tissue repair, and can improve comfort during a physically vulnerable time.

Because LMD requires special training—especially for oncology or post-surgical work—it’s important to find a certified therapist who understands how to adapt their technique safely. And you’re in luck because Bailey is certified in LMD. You’re not looking for a “deep tissue” experience here. This is about supporting your body’s healing, not pushing into sore muscles.

So Which One Do You Need?

Each of these massage styles has its own superpower:

  • Swedish Massage is for relaxation and stress relief.
  • Cupping Massage is for deeper muscle and fascia release with a twist (or rather, a suction).
  • Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle but powerful therapy for people recovering from surgery or cancer-related treatments.

Still unsure? Contact The Supine Studio and we will talk through your goals, your health history, and any sensitivities you have to help guide you to the right service.

The best massage is the one that meets your body where it’s at—whether that’s on the road to recovery or just trying to make it through a stressful week.

Managing Lymphedema in the Summer: Tips and Strategies for Optimal Care

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Lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid, requires diligent management to maintain comfort and prevent complications. Summer’s heat, humidity, and increased outdoor activities can make it harder to manage symptoms, but with the right strategies, you can navigate the season comfortably and confidently.

Challenges Lymphedema Can Bring in the Summer

During summer, high temperatures and humidity can lead to increased fluid retention and make swelling worse. Heat dilates blood vessels, which can add to the discomfort. Outdoor activities, like swimming, hiking, or gardening, might also put you at risk for injuries or infections that complicate lymphedema management.

But don’t worry! With a little extra care, you can minimize these risks and enjoy all that summer has to offer. Here’s how:

Stay Cool and Hydrated

Managing your body temperature is key. Here’s what I recommend:

  1. Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps regulate your body temperature and supports your lymphatic system. Make it a habit to drink water consistently throughout the day, especially when you’re outside.
  2. Keep Cool: Use cooling towels, portable fans, or cold compresses to beat the heat. Just remember not to apply ice directly to your skin as it could cause damage.
  3. Choose the Right Clothes: Lightweight, breathable fabrics and compression garments designed for warm weather can help you stay comfortable.

Take Care of Your Skin

Healthy skin is your first line of defense against infections. Here are some tips:

  1. Apply Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum, hypoallergenic sunscreen to avoid burns or irritation.
  2. Inspect Your Skin Daily: Check for cuts, scratches, or insect bites and treat them promptly to prevent infections.
  3. Moisturize Regularly: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated and avoid dryness or cracking.

Stay Active—Safely

Exercise is great for encouraging lymphatic flow, but it’s important to choose activities that are gentle and safe. Here are my suggestions:

  1. Try Swimming: It’s a fantastic low-impact exercise that keeps you cool while promoting circulation. If you’re in a chlorinated pool, be sure to rinse off thoroughly afterward.
  2. Opt for Gentle Exercises: Activities like yoga, tai chi, or walking are perfect for staying active without overexerting yourself.
  3. Take Breaks: Whether you’re traveling or engaging in outdoor activities, make time to rest and elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling.

Make the Most of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Regular LMD sessions can make a big difference during the summer months. Here’s how I can help:

  1. Tailored Massage Sessions: I’ll adjust your treatments to address the challenges of summer and keep you feeling your best.
  2. Teach You Self-Massage: Between appointments, simple self-massage techniques can help you manage swelling.
  3. Support Compression Therapy: I’ll work with you to ensure your compression garments fit well and are appropriate for warm weather.

Plan Ahead for Travel

If you’re heading out on a trip, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  1. Pack Your Essentials: Don’t forget your compression garments, skincare products, and a small first-aid kit.
  2. Take Breaks on Long Trips: Stop to stretch and move around to keep your lymphatic system active.
  3. Monitor Your Symptoms: Be mindful of changes in swelling, and don’t hesitate to seek medical care if needed.

Teamwork Makes the Difference

Managing lymphedema is easier when you’ve got a team behind you. Here’s how to build your support network:

  1. Stay in Touch with Your Healthcare Providers: Regular check-ins with your doctor or lymphedema specialist ensure your care plan stays effective.
  2. Communicate with Me: Keep me updated on how you’re feeling so we can adjust your treatments as needed.
  3. Find a Support Group: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly encouraging.

Lymphedema doesn’t have to hold you back this summer. With a little extra planning and the right care strategies, you can enjoy the season’s activities while minimizing discomfort. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your lymphedema, book an appointment with me today. Together, we can keep you feeling great all summer long!

What Does a Lymphatic Massage Do for People with Edema?

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Edema, the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues, can result in swelling, discomfort, and other complications. For individuals managing this condition, lymphatic massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a therapeutic technique often recommended to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. But what does a lymphatic massage do for people with edema? Lets explore its benefits, mechanisms, and considerations for use.

Understanding Edema and the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. It is responsible for collecting excess interstitial fluid, filtering it through lymph nodes, and returning it to the bloodstream. When this system is compromised or overwhelmed—due to surgery, injury, infection, or chronic conditions such as lymphedema—fluid may accumulate, leading to swelling and discomfort.

Edema can manifest in various forms, including:

  • Peripheral edema: Swelling in the limbs, often caused by venous insufficiency or heart failure.
  • Localized edema: Swelling in a specific area, such as post-surgical swelling or trauma.
  • Lymphedema: A chronic condition where lymphatic system dysfunction leads to persistent fluid buildup.

Lymphatic massage is specifically designed to address these issues by promoting the proper flow of lymph and reducing fluid retention.

Mechanisms of Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage involves gentle, rhythmic strokes and pressure techniques applied in the direction of lymph flow. These movements stimulate the lymphatic vessels, encouraging the movement of lymph fluid toward lymph nodes and ultimately the venous circulation. By mimicking the natural pumping action of the lymphatic system, this technique helps to:

  1. Reduce Swelling: By promoting lymph flow, lymphatic massage can reduce fluid accumulation in affected tissues.
  2. Enhance Immune Function: The lymphatic system plays a critical role in immune response, and improved lymph flow can aid in removing waste products and pathogens.
  3. Alleviate Pain and Discomfort: Swelling can cause tension and pressure on surrounding tissues, leading to pain. Lymphatic massage can provide relief by reducing this pressure.
  4. Improve Skin Health: In cases of chronic edema, the skin may become thickened or prone to infections. Enhancing lymph flow supports better skin integrity.

Benefits for People with Edema

For individuals with edema, lymphatic massage offers several benefits:

  • Symptom Management: Regular sessions can significantly reduce swelling and associated discomfort, improving mobility and quality of life.
  • Post-Surgical Recovery: After procedures such as mastectomy or cosmetic surgeries, lymphatic massage helps manage swelling and accelerates healing.
  • Prevention of Complications: Chronic edema can lead to complications like cellulitis or fibrosis. Lymphatic massage aids in preventing these issues by maintaining healthy lymphatic flow.
  • Mental Well-Being: The soothing, repetitive nature of lymphatic massage can also promote relaxation and reduce stress, which indirectly benefits physical recovery.

Considerations and Precautions

While lymphatic massage can be highly effective, it is essential to approach this therapy with the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Several factors should be considered:

  • Contraindications: Lymphatic massage may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as active infections, deep vein thrombosis, or uncontrolled heart failure. Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial.
  • Customization: Techniques should be tailored to the individual’s needs, considering the type, severity, and underlying cause of edema.
  • Integration with Other Therapies: Lymphatic massage is most effective when combined with other treatments, such as compression therapy, exercise, and proper skin care.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Lymphatic Massage

Numerous studies highlight the efficacy of lymphatic massage in managing edema. For instance, research on breast cancer survivors with lymphedema has shown that MLD can reduce arm swelling and improve physical function. Similarly, individuals recovering from orthopedic surgeries report decreased swelling and faster recovery times with lymphatic massage.

The technique is also recognized as a complementary therapy in chronic conditions like venous insufficiency, where it helps address fluid retention that standard medical treatments might not fully resolve.

How to Access Lymphatic Massage

If you are considering lymphatic massage for edema, here are steps to get started:

  1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: A doctor or specialist can confirm if lymphatic massage is appropriate for your condition.
  2. Find a Certified Practitioner: Seek a therapist trained in manual lymphatic drainage techniques to ensure safe and effective treatment. Bailey at The Supine Studio is highly qualified to help you manage edema with expert lymphatic massage tailored to your needs.
  3. Follow a Treatment Plan: Consistency is key to achieving optimal results. Bailey may recommend a series of sessions and advise on complementary strategies to enhance benefits.

For people living with edema, the question “What does a lymphatic massage do?” has a promising answer: it offers a safe and effective way to manage swelling, alleviate discomfort, and improve quality of life. By enhancing lymphatic function, this specialized massage technique addresses the root causes of fluid retention and supports overall health. When performed by a skilled practitioner and integrated into a comprehensive care plan, lymphatic massage can be a transformative tool for managing edema and its associated challenges.

Schedule Your Lymphatic Massage Today
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