We Are a Trauma Informed Edmonton Physiotherapy Practice Near You!Treating Clients in Edmonton for over 25 Years.Getting a Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Boost it with Shockwave Therapy for just $30!We Are a Trauma Informed Edmonton Physiotherapy Practice Near You!Treating Clients in Edmonton for over 25 Years.Getting a Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Boost it with Shockwave Therapy for just $30!
Physiotherapy Edmonton
Dermatological Conditions Treatment Edmonton
Dermatological Conditions Treatment Edmonton
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Dermatological Conditions Treatment Edmonton
Sixty percent of the lymphatic system is in the top two layers of the skin.
By stimulating lymph flow a number of dermatological conditions can be addressed.
Some of the more common conditions treated include acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and eczema.
Advanced Approach To Medical Dermatology
Considerable success has been noted with respect to treating scars. The objective of the treatment is to allow the scar tissue to be as stable and elastic as possible. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) promotes this stability and elasticity by encouraging the re-vascularization of the scarred region. MLD also limits the tissue from shrinking as much as possible, reduces discoloration of the scar, and promotes flattening of the new connective tissue.
MLD can also reduce keloid development caused by excess fluid and soluble collagen in the scarred area. Scar tissue is softened, adhesion’s are loosened, fibrosis is eliminated, and redness is reduced as MLD promotes the re-growth of lymph angions through the scar tissue. In fact, studies in Europe show that lymph angions grow back through scar tissue at a 27 times higher rate with MLD than without it.
Absolute & Relative Contra-Indications
Contra-indications are conditions or factors that serve as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment. Due to the effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in accelerating lymph flow there are a number of health concerns that do not allow individuals to receive MLD. If you are experiencing any of the following situations please discuss these with our In Step physiotherapist prior to receiving any treatment:
- Untreated Malignant Diseases
- Acute Inflammations
- Recent Thrombosis
- Cardiac Insufficiency
- Renal Failure
SKIN CONDITIONS AND THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Much of the body’s lymphatic network sits in the upper layers of the skin. When lymph flow is sluggish, fluid and metabolic waste accumulate in these layers, which can contribute to puffiness, dull or congested-looking skin, slow-healing blemishes and discomfort around scars. Manual lymph drainage (MLD) uses light, directional strokes to support the skin’s own drainage, and it is used alongside — never instead of — medical dermatology care.
Conditions where MLD is commonly used
- Acne and rosacea with congestion and inflammation
- Eczema and psoriasis flare-related swelling (outside active infection)
- Post-procedure swelling after laser, chemical peel or cosmetic surgery
- Scar management: surgical, burn and traumatic scars
- Puffiness and fluid retention in the face and neck
- Chronic venous insufficiency changes in the lower legs
What a session involves
After a short screening for contra-indications (see the list on this page), your therapist works with feather-light pressure over the affected region and the lymph pathways that drain it. Sessions are 30–60 minutes, feel calming rather than deep, and can be repeated as a short course. You will be shown simple self-drainage strokes and, where relevant, advice on positioning and compression between visits.
Working with your dermatologist
MLD is complementary care. If you have an active skin infection, undiagnosed lesion, or a condition under specialist treatment, we will ask for your physician’s or dermatologist’s guidance before treating and will coordinate with them as needed. Our therapists are trained in the Dr. Vodder method and practise at our downtown Edmonton clinic; treatment is direct-billed under massage therapy to most extended health plans.
Lymphatic Therapy for Dermatological Conditions
Prakash
Registered Massage Therapist
Prakash is certified in Level 3 Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) through the Dr. Vodder School International and provides individualized lymphatic massage to support healthy fluid movement and manage swelling.
Becky Mhlanga
Registered Massage Therapist
Becky Mhlanga is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Her client-centred approach can support individuals experiencing swelling and related skin or tissue concerns.
Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly treated conditions include acne, rosacea, painful dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis-related swelling, post-procedure puffiness after cosmetic surgery or laser treatments, and scar management.
MLD promotes lymphatic flow to help move excess fluid from the skin and surrounding tissues. It may support swelling reduction and tissue recovery when clinically appropriate.
Yes. MLD may help reduce facial swelling associated with certain conditions, including post-procedure swelling. Suitability depends on the cause of the swelling and your medical history.
MLD does not directly treat or eliminate keloid scars. A healthcare professional can advise on appropriate scar management options.
Not always. MLD may need to be avoided during an active skin infection or certain inflammatory flare-ups. Your therapist will assess contraindications and may coordinate with your dermatologist or physician.
By supporting fluid movement, MLD may help reduce certain types of swelling and puffiness. Results vary depending on the underlying condition.
MLD is not a substitute for medical treatment of malignant diseases, acute inflammation, recent thrombosis, cardiac insufficiency, or renal failure. Discuss these concerns with a healthcare professional before booking.
Most skin conditions are treated according to individual needs and response. Your therapist will recommend a suitable frequency based on your condition and treatment goals.
Yes. Your therapist may suggest simple self-drainage techniques to use at home and provide guidance on positioning and compression when relevant.
Coverage varies by insurer and extended health benefit plan. Contact In Step Physical Therapy to confirm whether your plan includes massage therapy.
45 minutes session
Regular Massage
$78.75MLD Massage
$95.00IPD
$85.00IPD + Bandaging
$120.00
Why People Love Us
I’ve been going to see Lee Saunders for several years for massage thèrepy and he is the best there is. Hands down (so to speak). Salutaris is a very comfortable, clean and welcoming environment. Prices are competitive. Salutaris (and Lee) are well worth visiting.
The most impressive thing about Salutaris is that massage is not just a physical, one dimensional activity. At the clinic, massage is a molding and a healing, a bringing back together of body, mind and soul. I see the goal as wanting to return these three to perfect harmony. I have had a few other massage therapists who are very adept at massage therapy. I have never left feeling as whole as when I leave Salutaris.
I had hip resurfacing done – it’s called the Birmingham procedure – on my right hip. I went for Manual Lymph Drainage treatment to see if it would help my recovery. And it did. I was treated very professionally, but also very gently. I felt comfortable and confident that this was the right place for me to be. And the treatment worked. It made me feel better and certainly helped me recover from surgery more quickly.
I had surgery on my knees. The pain was so intense that people told me it hurt to watch me walk. I knew a little about lymphatic drainage, and thought it might help after surgery. It did. It was fantastic. I could literally see the swelling go down. The therapist drained the equivalent of a bottle of wine in a week. I healed much quicker. The surgeon was amazed I could return to my job, running up and down steel ladders. I’d been terrified I wouldn’t be able to work there again.
When I first came to Salutaris, I was very skeptical of the MLD technique – but was desperate and willing to try anything. My hip and lower legs were agony from an inflamed disc. I tried other forms of massage and acupuncture but nothing was effective. Since I started MLD and massage therapy at Salutaris I’ve got consistently better. I’m now sleeping through the night and am almost completely off pain medication. As a sufferer of chronic low-back pain, I’ve found this has been the most effective treatment by far.
Highly recommend. Nice secretary and they served me well. Felt way better leaving. Her husband had a concussion like me but worse. We had a good talk for like 10 minutes over the phone. So nice of her to take that little extra time and have a great customer bond like that. They truly care about their clients. Give them Your business. Will be seeing you again one day.
I’ve been going to see Lee Saunders for several years for massage thèrepy and he is the best there is. Hands down (so to speak). Salutaris is a very comfortable, clean and welcoming environment. Prices are competitive. Salutaris (and Lee) are well worth visiting.
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Reach Us
- Address - 10667 113 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3H6
- Phone - (587) 409-1754
- Email - info@instepphysio.ca
- Business Hours - Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
- Business Hours - Sat: 8 am – 4 pm