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Lymphland International Lymphedema Online
LISA BATEY: Name__Lisa Batey, LMT, CLT
Address_28 Berkeley Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Email: lb_massagetherapy@yahoo.com
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy?
My interest in massage stemmed from successful use of deep tissue work for swimming-related shoulder
injuries. When I started massage school, I thought I wanted to work strictly with athletes, and always, in the
back of my mind, I wanted to help people..not just offer spa treatment, but really aid in healing. I was
introduced to Manual Lymphatic Drainage during the first semester, loved the modality (the actual hands-on
work), and eagerly awaited 4th semester when the intro class was offered. By the end of the intro class, I
was completely hooked on the entire concept of the work. Breast cancer also runs in my family, so it came
naturally to project this healing/ helping nature on a condition that hits so close to home
Where did you study and how long?
I have a BA in Economics from Oberlin College. After moving to NYC, I decided to pursue massage, and
subsequently graduated from the Swedish Institute in 2005. Later in the year, I took certification courses
for complete decongestive therapy with the Vodder School, and finished with the Academy of Lymphatic
Studies. My hands on work is a melding of the two similar techniques.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been practicing massage since early 2005 and lymphedema therapy since November 2005. I have
my private practice, but I also treat patients at Westbury Total Health Care, on Long Island.
Do you have other areas of expertise?
I have a mean sports massage and deep tissue technique. I work with competitive swimmers and have
treated professional tennis players to promote healing from injury and general recovery. I don't mind
zonking clients out with a little Swedish, either.
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients?
I currently do not take insurance, although I am happy to provide a receipt. I accept payments of cash or
check only, so I cannot offer reductions for cash clients.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
It is so important to listen to clients. They will communicate exactly what they need. Whether it's outright
and verbal, or through gestures or posture, it's never a mystery. Therapist/ client communication is
important as well. A client feels more trusting and open when the therapist communicates well about
pressure, session goals, knowledge of condition, or asks questions to tailor a session to the clients' needs.
With openness and trust,
treatment more productive for the client.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, orMassage Therapy
Associations?
Just the AMTA- American Massage Therapy Association.
What else would you like us to know about you?
Come April, I will be a certified coach for US Masters Swimming. I currently coach 1-2 workouts a week,
and
swim at another 4. I have 2 cats: Ifrit and KT. They are are not fans of deep tissue, but don't mind a
little Swedish or lymphatic drainage.
SONNIE BLOCKI:Name: Sondra (Sonnie) Blocki
Address: 2200 Marquette Road
Suite 111
Peru, IL 61354
815-220-8787
Email: Sonnie (at) UnitedPhysicalTherapy (dot) com
Website: http://www.UnitedPhysicalTherapy.com
What inspired you to become involved in Lymphedema Therapy?
There was a need for Lymphedema Therapy in my area that was not being
met. We live in a rural community, and I hated to see people have to
travel miles to get Lymphedema Therapy.
Where did you study and how long?
I took an introductory course from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies for a total of 31 hours in April,
2006. I came back and practiced Lymphedema Therapy (Complete Decongestive Therapy, CDT). I so
enjoyed helping the people and helping them get their lives back on course, I then took the certification class
from Klose Training for the 135 hours in February, 2007. I have been practicing Lymphedema Therapy
ever since I began in April, 2006. I am planning on taking the LANA exam in 2008 to strengthen my
commitment to Lymphedema Therapy and my credentials.
How long have you been practicing?
Since April 2006
Do you have other areas of expertise?
I am a licensed physical therapist with 14 years experience. My strength is orthopedics which lends itself
very well to assisting Lymphedema patients. Usually people who have severe Lymphedema also have
significant mobility or strength issues because of the increasing weight and disability from their limbs.
Additionally, I am a certified garment fitter with Jobst and Juzo who both require certification for custom
fitting of garments. However, I utilize whichever brand of garment serves my patients? needs best.
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients?
I accept most major health plans. It is always wise to give us a call to let us assist you in determining your
coverage. I will always consider making therapy affordable for my clients.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
I listen to my patients. I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families. It helps me determine how I
can assist them so that they have long term success with their Lymphedema.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, or Massage Therapy
Associations?
APTA
What else would you like us to know about you?
I am here for the patient. My staff is here for the patient. We work in a private, quiet, and easily
accessible setting very conducive to Lymphedema Therapy. I am very approachable and very happy to
answer any questions a person may have about therapy or other resources regarding Lymphedema.
SANDY DUNCAN: Name: Sandy Duncan
Address: Healing Touch Massage Therapy
P.O. Box 3091, Palmer, Alaska 99645
Email: sduncan_213@yahoo.com
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy? My desire to help people, and by doing
something that would be non-invasive.
Where did you study and how long? I received my certification from the Vodder School of North America
in Victoria B.C. Canada. I finished the 160 hour course on Nov. 16, 2007.
How long have you been practicing? I have been a practicing massage therapist since July 2002
Do you have other areas of expertise? Oncology Massage
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients? I am currently in the
application process for becoming a Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield provider and I am looking into
Medicare and Aetna but have not started the process yet. So I guess you could say that at the time I do not
take Ins. but it is coming.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients? I believe in doing an intake
form on every client. Personal History is so important. Listening at length to what the client has to say, then
making a mutual game plan. I also believe on giving the client as much information as possible so the they
can make and educated decision as their active role.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, orMassage Therapy
Associations? I am a Member of the NCBTMB, AMTA, and just joined the National Lymphedema
Network as an associated Therapist, but haven't gotten my certificate yet.
What else would you like us to know about you? I have lived in Alaska for 50 years. I received my certified
Massage training from the University of Alaska in Anchorage. I currently have my own practice and provide
a variety of modalities to include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Oncology, Loren Berry's method of Biomechanics.
The focus of my practice is working with medically fragile clients. I am widowed and live with my 21lb. cat
named Harley.
ROSE FINIGAN:Name: Rosie Finigan
Address: NovaCare Rehabilitation
3156 Northside Drive
Key West, Fl 33040
Email: Rosiegal13@yahoo.com
What inspired you to become involved in
LymphedemaTherapy? I did my Master's thesis on
lymphedema, after I had met an occupational therapist
who treated individuals who had lymphedema. I planned
on becoming a certified therapist as soon as I could
after graduating
Where did you study and how long?
I became a certified lymphedema therapist from
the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, based in Sebastian,
Fl. In addition to taking the certification course, I
have taken several other lymphedema courses including
training in facial and genital lymphedema
How long have you been practicing? I have been an
occupational therapist for 6 years, I have been a
certified lymphedema therapist for 4 years.
Do you have other areas of expertise? I am also a
certified hand therapist (CHT).
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee
reductions for cash clients? We take medicare,
private, managed care plans, tricare. We offer a 30%
discount for cash clients
Rosiegal13@yahoo.com
Name: Nancy J Fortin, BOCO, CFo, CMT, CLT LANA
Address: 247A Lakeview Drive
So. China, ME 04358
Email: bandage2@hotmail.com
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy?
In 1984 I began working in the orthotic and prosthetic world fitting patients with compression garment,
breast prosthesis and bras. These patients continuously presented with lymphedema and when I met with
their physicians it became apparent to me that lymphedema was a large problem
that was going unaddressed by most of the medical community. I began to investigate the treatment for men
and woman who presented with lymphedema and it lead me to educating myself further in the field and
becoming a Cert. Lymphedema Therapist. I opened the first clinic in Northern Maine and ran it on my own
for several years as well as did private therapy .
Where did you study and how long?
I studied at the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as well as with Dr. Lerner and
Klose-Norton. I have spoken both nationally and internationally on this subject to my peers as well as
families afllicted with this disease
How long have you been practicing?
In all I have been practicing since 1985 (appr. 22 years)
Do you have other areas of expertise?
My other areas of expertise are problem wounds, Hyperbaric Oxygen, orthotics and prosthetics
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your
clients?
I believe each person is an individual and what works for one may not work for another. Several studies
with regards to the treatment of lymphedema and mix diseases lead to contraversial findings but I believe in
listening to the patient, assessing his/her needs in order to adapt to their activities of daily living and then
moving ahead from there.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema,
Physical Therapy, or Massage Therapy Associations?
I have been involved with several support groups for men/woman/children
and support people as well as Hospice, American Cancer Society, Maine
Breast Cancer Coalition, Maine Lymphedema Network, and several home health agencies in and out of the
state of Maine.
INTERNATIONAL - INDIA
ARUN REHKA:Name: ARUN REKHA GOGIA
Address: 28/31 Old Rajinder Nagar ,
New Delhi100060
INDIA
Phone Number (+91)- 11- 25852291, 25853090, Mobile (+91)9810126883
Email: rekhaaru@gmail.com
website: www.amlamed.com
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy?
My husband (Dr S B Gogia) is a Surgeon and Lymphoedema was his MS.(Master of Surgery) thesis
subject. He has since done much pioneering work in Lymphoedema since 1979. He is the only lympholgist
in North India and has hundreds of patients. Since I helped him in the clinic I got involved with the patients.
.
Where did you study and how long?
I have been helping in our clinic since 1995. I have a rich first hand experience of seeing a lot of
Lymphoedema Patients. Also attended a workshop last September that was organized By Norton School.
Also I keep reading journals and articles on lymphoedema.
How long have you been practicing?
As already mentioned assisting my husband since nearly 10 years but started administering MLD and
bandaging only from last year,
Do you have other areas of expertise?
Not applicable here. (Medical Software)
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients? Not applicable.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
My Husband and I work as a team. My husband sees the patients intially and takes care of the drug
treatment as well as other aspects of the care.
Each individual has a different history, onset, degree of the disease, and needs personal attention. No two
patients share same regime of therapy. I believe in a lot of psycho counciling and relating with my patients.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, or Massage Therapy
Associations?
I am closely associated with Lymphology Society of India as my husband is member and I work with
him.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I have seen hundreds of patients and I believe that this disease is really neglected .I am afraid Not much is
known to most of Medical fraternity about diagnosing and treating lymphoedema. So many times we run
into walls on what more can be done as whatever we do is too less.I am very happy to know that you share
so much of information on your site and I would want to introduce a similar kind of a platform for our
patients here in India, though most of them are not computer literate.
I am looking forward to learning and adapting whatever newer techniques available in order to help my
patients
TERRY KEMP:Name: Terry Kemp
Address: 313-260 Wyse Rd Dartmouth Nova Scotia, Canada & 301-5663 Cornwallis St Halifax, Nova
Scotia, Canada
Email: terrykemp@ns.sympatico.ca
What inspired you to become involved in Lymphedema Therapy?
I became interested in lymphatic drainage therapy through treating my massage therapy clients with very
basic lymphatic drainage techniques that I had learned in massage therapy school. This client didn’t have
any visible lymphedema however I suspect that her lymphatic system was under stress. The results were
very positive and I began to experiment with using the techniques with other conditions with success. A
Manual Lymphatic Drainage course was offered locally and I took it. 3 more MLD courses later and the
rest is history. I am amazed every day with how powerful this therapy is for many conditions and of course
lymphedema being one of most important.
Where did you study and how long?
I have taken 4 courses in MLD with the last course covering compression bandaging therapy. These were
offered through the Dr Vodder School NA. I took the first two courses in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the last
two in Victoria British Columbia with my graduation in November 2007. All together these courses add up
to 160 hours of training. My previous training is in Massage Therapy through a provincially accredited
school in Halifax. I graduated from this 2200 hour program in medically oriented massage therapy in 2002.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been a practicing massage therapist since 2002 and have included MLD therapy since April 2007.
Do you have other areas of expertise?
Expert is a strong word however I do focus on restoring healthy biomechanics in my clients. My
background as a mechanical engineering technologist definitely helps with my understanding of body
mechanics.
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients?
I do not generally bill for my clients with the exception of one insurance provider and under section B of the
motor vehicle act. Other than that I issue a receipt which can be used for reimbursement.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
Honesty, encouragement, and listening are the three things that come to mind. I make no bones about what
it takes to get better and at times I can be hard on my clients especially when I discover them not following
through with home care. At the same time I understand that situations can be difficult and offer
encouragement to work with what is happening as best possible. I am definitely not an all or nothing type
person so there is always some way to work with things as they are. Most of all I listen. Listen not just to
signs and symptoms but what is happening in their lives without crossing personal boundaries. If someone is
going through a particularly rough patch our treatment plan needs to be realistic about how much therapy
can be achieved during this time etc.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, or Massage Therapy
Associations?
I am listed on the Vodder NA site and through the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia
TOM KINCHELOE:
Name: Thomas A Kincheloe, OTR/L, CLT
Address: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Email: tkbv@earthlink.net
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy?
A doctor friend suggested I look into it because there are so many people with the disease and not enough
therapists to treat them. Where did you study and how long? I went to Norton School of Lymphatic
Therapy 2 years ago. How long have you been practicing? I worked with a few patients but didn't really get
into it full time until last October. Now I am getting more and more referrals...and I am delighted!
Do you have other areas of expertise?
I have some training in Myofascial Release Therapy but for the most part I just do occupational therapy if I
am not doing lymphedema therapy. I hope to go into lymphedema therapy full time, and I think the
opportunity is coming sooner rather than later.
What insurances do you take?
Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients? I work for a major hospital system. We take all kinds of
insurance, including Medicare. We will work something out with our patients if they have no insurance or
have only Medicare, which pays 80% for outpatient services. However, I really can't answer for the
accounting department. I do know the ladies there and know they do their best to help patients get what
they need.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
I believe in treating each patient as a unique individual with unique needs. I avoid categorizing patients. I look
at it this way: Someday I may be in their shoes and so how would I want my therapists to treat me -- as a
unique individual with special needs.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, orMassage Therapy
Associations?
I am a professional member of the National Lymphedema Network. And now so is our lymphedema clinic.
You can go to the NLN and search the Affiliated Treatment Centers under South Carolina. We are in
Conway, which is just outside of Myrtle Beach. I am also a member of the South Carolina Occupational
Therapy Association, and the Amputee Coalition of America -- a national non-profit organization dedicated
exclusively to amputees.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I love working with lymphedema patients. It is, to me, much more challenging than either Occupational
Therapy or Physical Therapy. There is more emotional involvement, and it takes therapists with genuine
compassion and understanding and patience to help those with lymphedema to work through the challenges
that face them daily. I am active with the lymphedema world and doing my best to make a difference such as
going to the nearby technical college and teaching the student nurses what lymphedema is all about, doing in-
services where I work, and, most recently, teaming up with another very experienced lymphedema therapist
(self-employed) to begin a project of educating the people in our region, both professional and non-
professional. I spend virtually every night of the week talking to lymphedema people on-line. Sometimes I
just read what they have to say without responding. Other times I am digging through my textbooks and
other resources to try and help with some of the answers. I am very active in this respect. I am also a life-
long above-knee amputee (and a volunteer mentor to other amputees) and so I know what it is like to live
with challenges not faced by the non-disabled people in our society. I truly believe that God put me here for
a reason, and using my skills and my experience in the way that I do, I feel as if I am meeting the goals He
has set for me. You might say, "I'm truly on a mission!"!
JAMES MORROW:Name: James Morrow
Address: 100 Medical Drive , Lymphedema Dept., lake Jackson , Tx. 77566
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy?
Involved in massage and wound healing when I learned about lymphedema and thought it would be
interesting. It has been a very satisfying career change.
Where did you study and how long?
Vodder Course in Austria
How long have you been practicing?
8 yrs.
Do you have other areas of expertise?
Trigger point, myofacial release, energy therapies
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients?
My practice is Hospital based.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
Every patient is an individual and needs the attention and therapy that will work for them.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, orMassage Therapy
Associations?
I am LANA certified and liscened massage therapist.
What else would you like us to know about you?
Interested in helping those with lymphedema seek the proper treatment for their condition. Combined
Decongestive Therapy is a very effective treatment. With the proper treatment and compliance this
condition is able to be controlled. In 8 years of therapy I have never had an edema that did not reduce, not
all patients have remained compliant. The challenge is to fit the proper treatment into a lifestyle. I enjoy this
challenge.
PAM MYERS:Name: Pam Myers
Address: Columbia, Missouri
Email: p_myers@mchsi.com
Website: http://ShowmeMassage.com
What inspired you to become involved in Lymphedema Therapy?
I was introduced to lymphedema through a course in Lymph Drainage
Therapy by the Upledger Institute. There is only one clinic in my
area that treats lymphedema and it is quite expensive. I felt that
there should be an affordable option as it is so important to treat the
condition early and often.
Where did you study and how long?
I am taking a series of workshops from the Upledger Institute in
Lymph Drainage Therapy leading to Lymphedema/CDP Certification.
I have completed a 500 hour program in Massage Therapy from the Massage
Therapy
Institute of Missouri.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been a licensed massage therapist for 3 years and have been
working with Lymph Drainage Therapy for about 1 year. I'm just starting
to work
with clients having lymphedema.
Do you have other areas of expertise?
I also offer Bowen Technique Therapy and Reiki.
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for
cash clients?
I have no experience with insurance but I'm willing to work with
the client in figuring it out.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of
your clients?
I ask the client to fill out a health/history form at the first
visit. We go over it together and this gives opportunity to
discuss issues that cannot be easily expressed on paper. During
treatment I ask the client for feed back and give them opportunity
to express their concerns. After all, the client knows their body best!
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema,
Physical Therapy, or Massage Therapy Associations?
I'm a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.
What else would you like us to know about you?
At this stage of my training I can treat secondary lymphedema
stages 0 to 1 and stage 2 if the client has been trained in
self-bandaging. Clients must be under the care of a physician and
go for regular checkups.
I encourage clients to follow guidelines for looking after lymphedema
and give moral support.
Name: Robin L. Shope LMT CLT
Address: 1305 Veterans Parkway suite 900 Email: massagenew@aol.com
Clarksville, In. 47129
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy?
A chance to help more people
Where did you study and how long?
Chattanooga, TN. A 2 week ACOLS certification course
How long have you been practicing?
I have been a practicing Massage Therapist for just over 12 years. I have been practicing MLD for less than
one year
Do you have other areas of expertise?
Deep tissue Massage
Swedish Massage
Hot stone Massage
Elder Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Sport Massage
and more
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients?
No insurance
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
Listen, listen and listen some more. Respect every individual and offer the work that they are seeking to the
best of my abilities.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, orMassage Therapy
Associations?
I am a member of The Hands On Trade Association as well as ACOLS
What else would you like us to know about you?
I am a person that loves to serve others to the best of my ability
Name__Rachel Stewart
Address__DCH Hospital, Outpatient Therapy, 809 University Boulevard East Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
Website/Phone__205-759-7860 to schedule appointments
Tell me a little about yourself: Tuscaloosa is a fairly small town in west Alabama. My husband and I moved
here from Montgomery, Alabama when he started Law School at the University of Alabama.
What inspired you to become involved in Lymphedema Therapy? I was first exposed to this specialty as a
student in Physical Therapy school and was interested immediately. I really enjoy the one on one time with
patients.
Where did you study and how long?
I graduated in 2000 from UAB (University of Alabama Birmingham) with a BS in Biology, in 2003 with a
MS in Physical Therapy and have attended a full 3 week certification course in March 2005 in Atlanta,
Georgia in the Casley-Smith method of Complex Lymphatic Therapy.
How long have you been practicing?
2 years as a Physical Therapist in Outpatient Therapy and 7 months as the sole Lymphedema Therapist in
Tuscaloosa, AL.
Do you have other areas of expertise?
Prior to beconig a lymphedema therapist, most of my experience in physical therapy is in outpatient
orthopedics.
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients?
To my knowledge we accept all major insurances including Medicare and Medicaid. We are a not-for-profit
organization and have a charity program for those who qualify.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
A thorough initial evaluation is performed on all patients. In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history,
we also discuss the patients curent lifestyle and the effects lymphedema has had on it. Patients are
encouraged to state their goals for therapy during this time.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, or Massage Therapy
Associations?
I am a member of the National Lymphedema Network, and am in the process of joining the International
Society of Lymphology. I have been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association until this year.
I feel the lymphedema associations are more relevant to my current practice at this time.
What else would you like us to know about you?
Although I am eager to accept new patients, as the only lymphedema therapist in this area, I have
accumulated a waiting list to begin the intensive phase of treatment that is now about 3-4 months wait. I
usually get patients in for an evaluation within a week of their referral. During this we usually discuss the
precautions for lymphedema and I typically recommend use of a compression garment to contain the limb
volume and prescribe the decongestive exercises until we can begin the daily treatments.
Most of my exposure at this time involves lymphedema of the arm, leg and trunk. My training did expose me
to treatment of the face and genitals but at this time I have not actually treated these specific conditions.
Also, because of the Physical Therapy State Practice Act, I am unable to consult with patients in any way
unless I have a doctor's referral for that patient. If you would like to schedule an appointment I usually
recommend the following wording on the referral:
Diagnosis: (Edema/Lymphedema) of the (Arm/Leg/Trunk...)
Referral: Complex lymphatic therapy with compression garment as indicated
Name: Venus Tsang, LMT
Address: Manhattan, New York City (no address right now)
Email: venus@tlctherapy.com
What inspired you to become involved in Lymphedema Therapy?
At massage school, one of my instructors who is a lymphedema Therapist, he said that massage would do
more harm than good if we do not understand a client with lymphedema or has the potential to get
lymphedema. It is so important to understand our lymph system as to be a ‘safe and effective’ massage
therapist
Name: Wouter Vanderhorst, Healing The Generations
Address: 14141 46th Street North, Suite 1202, Clearwater, Florida 33762
phone: 727-535-6746, fax 727-536-6006
Email: wouter@healingthegenerations.com
www.healingthegenerations.com
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy?
The direct hands-on approach is right up my alley and that is why I like the whole Decongestive Therapy. It
is not only the Manual Lymph Drainage, but also the skin care, exercises and bandages that make it more
interesting. I also like to see the progression of wound healing with compression therapy.
Where did you study and how long?
I am a graduate of a Physical Therapy program of the Netherlands in 1988. Which, at that time, was a 4
years Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy.
How long have you been practicing?
19 Years as a Physical Therapist of which 18 years in Florida and Tennessee. 7 Years with Manual Lymph
Drainage and 5 years with Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Do you have other areas of expertise? Manual Therapy by Maitland for Pheripheral Joints and Spinal
Mobilization.
What insurances do you take?
Most Insurances accepted, just call our office and our office manager would be able to check what your
eligibility is and benefits: 727-535-6746. Medicare, AvMed, Tricare Standard, Secure Horizons UHC
PPO, BCBS FL PPO, Evercare UHC Medicare Complete PPO, Universal Healthcare, Aetna PPO
Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients?
That is determined by the evaluation and the treatment. Reduction are available upon request and certain
frequencies.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
Listening and evaluating on an ongoing basis is very important. During patient teaching I will understand what
their specific limitations or needs are and accomodate the treatment and recommendations accordingly.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, orMassage Therapy
Associations?
Member of National Lymphedema Network, DME provider for most different garments.
What else would you like us to know about you?
Me and my wife have a special needs child of which we are very proud accomplishing so much. He has
been teaching us to be patient and good things will come to good people
Name........................................Michael Wolves, LMT
Address....................................Palm Desert, CA
Website/Phone...........www.michaelsmobilemassage.com ; Cell 760-898-9231
Tell me a little about yourself:
Married 12 yrs, Massage experience 19 yrs w/various modalities, including Lymph Drainage massage
recently added.
Solely outcall massage services offered.
What inspired you to become involved in Lymphedema Therapy?
Desire to provide either gender a gentle form of massage which would improve their immune system and
overall health & wellbeing.
Where did you study ?
Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy, Desert Hot Springs, CA
How long have you been practicing?
6 months of Lymph Drainage massage and 19 yrs of overall massage experience.
Do you have other areas of expertise?
Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Shiatsu, Swedish (of course), Reiki II
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients
Insurance?, not usually. No fee reductions for cash. Accept only cash or local checks.
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
Initial consultation to inquire of client needs and then tailor massage around those needs.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, or Massage Therapy
Associations?
Affiliated with Associated Bodyworkers and Massage Professionals (ABMP).
What else would you like us to know about you?
Clients needs come first and I do not condone the "no pain, no gain" approach to massage.
FROM MICHAEL'S WEBSITE: http://www.michaelsmobilemassage.com
Michael Wolfes, owner, is a licensed /Certified Massage Therapist and member of Associated Bodywork &
Massage Professionals.
He is a graduate of the Alexandria School of Scientific Therapeutics as well as the National Holistic Institute.
He has additional training in Reiki (energy balancing) and in Lymph Drainage massage.
Michael has been a professional massage therapist since 1986
VERONICA YAP:Name: Veronica Yap
Address: 18, Portchester Ave Singapore 556300
Email: veronicayap@yahoo.com website www.vylymph.com
What inspired you to become involved in LymphedemaTherapy?
Probably from my own experience in coming close to having ovarian cancer, I had stage 4 endometriosis 13
years ago, that was the rude awakening, going through surgery and half a year of injection therapy was hard,
the lucky part was the biopsy result was not malignant although my cyst was 11 to 12cm but since it was
wide spread multiple, I had to do hormone injections. At that time I was a Beauty School Training
Administrator and I had some information on the lymph drainage therapy from the spa industry, I had come
close and felt that managing my symptoms with aromatherapy oils had helped alot, so I asked around on
what skill is related to cancer and found Manual Lymph Drainage.
Where did you study and how long?
Since I was a lay person with no back ground, I had at first thought it was simply a massage skill, so I got
myself qualified as an Aromatherapist in the beauty school here. Then I enrolled for the Basic MLD course
in Melbourne hosted by ESTT College of Natural Medicine with the seminar instructor (Director of Vodder
School Canada) from Dr Vodder school. Initially my application was rejected, because of qualifications, I
was very upset, I made alot of noise and they reluctantly took me in, then I realise that there is a huge
difference in education standards of beauty and medical massage therapist. I did not pass the test and was
sent home after refunding the rest of the course fee back to me. ESTT principal Prof Carroll felt sorry for
me and arranged for me to have a distance learning qualification via phone lectures and internet and took me
3 years to complete the 6 exams in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology done by a few professors of the
Victoria University. I semt to Sydney at Strand College of Beauty Therapy to do the Advance Asthetic
syllabus for Vodder School Face and Neck MLD, I did well, but felt that Asthetic medicine was not
satisfying. I went back to study again with Health School Australia and finally graduate as a Remedial
Therapist. I then joined the physiotherapist and nurses who were doing the Therapy 1 Module of Vodder
School MLD, I felt like the odd one out since I am not mainstream medicine, but I did well and I was glad
for all the education I recieved. Finally two years of savings later, I joined the school in Adelaide, Massage
Study Center, for the Therapy 2 and 3 module and became a full fledge Lymphoedema Therapist. I took in
total 6 years from the first time I went to Melbourne in 2000 to the day I finished in Adelaide. My instructor
Dr Robert Harris who has been my teacher for all the modules was so moving when he presented my cert to
me, he made me cry because he was rooting for me all along, the underdog therapist :)
How long have you been practicing?
I have been practicing for 11 years in biz as a home based biz to be part mom and part therapist.
Lymphoedema therapist for 2 years, working on cancer patients with aromatherapy for 11 years and a
general lymph drainage therapist for 8 years. Most familiar with cancer work, including all the emotional
trauma, also treat patients for insomnia, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, muscle aches and pains and fluid
retention issues among other things under my other biz www.vyaroma.com this one helps with the income, to
feed the work for the cancer patients who can't afford to pay on their own much.
Do you have other areas of expertise?
Medical Aromatherapy under Dr Kurt Schnaubelt also an aromatherapy
Remedial Therapist under Wilson Chia (mentor) graduate from Health School Australia.
What insurances do you take? Do you offer any fee reductions for cash clients?
Currently not covered :( no insurance companies in Singapore, searching for the last 10 years only covered
in Aromatherapy from my England's affiliation. Is not good for me.
We are all on cash basis in Singapore, so I do offer $20 off per hour for my patients so that they can cope
better with finances since it is a long standing problem. They are normally very compliant lot, and they do
wear their gloves and keep their bandages on for 24 hrs so I am very pleased with their performance
always. :)
What is your approach to understanding the individual needs of your clients?
Under my mentor's wisdom, I now try to go to the core of the problem and restore their bio rhythm balance
first e.g. constipation, digestion problems, sleep disturbances, once that is dealt with, alot of issues resolves
spontaneously. I try to look at the whole picture, because we are a sum of all the parts and lymphoedema is
only a part of the sum.
Are you involved or affiliated with any professional Lymphedema, Physical Therapy, orMassage Therapy
Associations?
Nope :( because of insurance issues, I can't get professional affiliations. I'm going to the Australian
Lymphology Association Conference in March 2008 to see if I can fix this problem. I wanted to apply for
LANA, once I get the insurance approved, I should be able to get this done.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I'm a single mother of 2 beautiful boys! My greatest achievement in my lifetime :D I'm still studying to a
higher qualification in advance diploma in Remedial Therapy and Naturopathy, so that's still in the factory. :)
This might help me give more options to my lymphoedema patients yet.
