CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST

MEMBER of the CATCM (Canadian Association of Therapists in Complementary Medicine)

MEMBER of the LAQ ( Lymphedema Association of Quebec)

MASSOTHERAPIST PLATEAU

As a certified massage therapist and lymphedema therapist, I specialize in providing the following treatments:

• massage therapy
• manual lymph drainage
• post-breast cancer and lymphedema therapy

A detailed description of each of these therapies follows below.

MASSAGE THERAPY

I have practiced massage therapy since 2006. Thanks to the experience I have acquired over these many years, I have developed a flexible approach that can be easily adapted to individual needs. While my initial training was in Swedish massage techniques, I am now able to incorporate various other complementary techniques as well.

Massage therapy has a number of well-known benefits. It is ideal for relieving muscle tension and its relaxing effect can make a significant contribution to overall health.

Therapeutic massage helps relieve specific types of pain caused by individual or cumulative strains or injuries. When necessary, I can apply pressure on specific pressure points or even use fasciatherapy, a highly effective technique for relaxing the connective tissue that surrounds body structures such as muscles, bones and organs.

I also give massages that promote an overall deep sense of relaxation by alleviating the effects of accumulated daily stress.

My approach can be adapted to anyone 5 years of age and older. If you are a pregnant woman, I will refer you to my colleagues at Altermed Clinic, who will be pleased to assist you.

MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE

I received exhaustive training in manual lymph drainage and combined decongestive therapy (lymphedema therapy) at the Dr. Vodder Academy in Germany.

The basic aim of the lymph drainage technique is to stimulate lymph circulation so that it better fulfills its natural role in cleansing the body. Using precise, rhythmic, repetitive and very gentle movements (because 80% of the lymphatic system is located underneath the surface of our skin), lymph is directed toward the lymph nodes, which naturally remove waste and toxins from the body.

This is how manual lymph drainage can facilitate and accelerate lymph circulation when the lymphatic system is not working at full capacity.

Lymphatic drainage also has many benefits. First and foremost, it is very relaxing, relieves pain and acts as a decongestant by helping to reduce swelling known as edema caused by the accumulation of lymph in a part of the body. This technique can be applied to different parts of the body: face, head, neck, arms, abdomen, back, glutes and legs.

The examples provided below are minor cases where the lymphatic system is functional and symptoms can be relieved through manual lymph drainage. The number of sessions required will depend on the type of injury and/or the condition of the swelling.

Examples of cases where lymph drainage may be appropriate:

- Heavy legs (e.g. during pregnancy, triggered by heat, or hereditary)

- After an injury or trauma (e.g. post-traumatic edema in the case of a strain, a sprain, a torn muscle, a fracture, a hematoma, a facial injury, etc.)

- After orthopedic or esthetic surgery (e.g. post-operative edema on knees, breasts, abdomen, etc.)

- After a cast is removed

- Scar treatments

- Migraines and headaches

- Chronic sinusitis

- Osteoarthritis

- Stress (relaxing effect)

- Chronic pain (pain relief)

Furthermore, some people have a damaged lymphatic system, which can lead to secondary lymphedema. These types of cases require a more intense and specific treatment. Since 2022, I have specialized in treating arm lymphedema in women who have had breast cancer. I provide both of the following services, which are described afterward:

- post-breast cancer manual therapies

- arm lymphedema therapy, including combined decongestive therapy

POST-BREAST CANCER THERAPIES AND LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIES

After breast cancer, some people experience secondary effects from their surgeries, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In such cases, a number of problems can occur such as restricted arm and shoulder movements, tension and stiffness, scars, axillary cording or even arm, breast or trunk lymphedema. The care I provide is intended to treat several of these effects and helps promote healing and well-being.

In the case of lymphedema, which may appear after a breast and/or armpit lymph nodes are removed or after radiotherapy, an arm can become swollen. It should be noted that lymphedema is often a chronic condition, which must be treated and controlled with appropriate compression garments. Wearing proper compression garments and receiving therapies are effective in the early stages of swelling and help stabilize or reduce it, as well as decrease the risks of complications.

Lymphedema therapy and post-breast cancer manual therapies may employ several of the following techniques:

- Manual lymph drainage

- Combined decongestive therapy (using bandages to reduce arm lymphedema)

- Scar and fibrosis massage

- Axillary cording/AWS therapy (tense rope-like bands under the skin)

- Massage and fasciatherapy for tension, stiffness and restricted movements (arms,  shoulders,  neck)

- Taping (using tape on) lymphedema and scars

- Measuring the arms to keep track of changes in their volume

- Advice and suggestions on appropriate compression garments

- Information and education on self-management of lymphedema (decongestive and respiratory exercises, skin care, self-massage, etc.)

Follow-up appointments can be made, particularly for cases of lymphedema, to ensure that the state of the lymphedema remains stable and the compression garments are still appropriate.

In cases of lymphedema that require a significant reduction in arm volume, combined decongestive therapy may be recommended. You will find a more exhaustive description of this procedure below:

Click here for more information on lymphedema and combined decongestive therapy.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Lymphedema therapies and their duration vary from person to person and are based on a personalized action plan. That is why an assessment must be performed during the first appointment. Your situation will therefore be fully assessed during the first appointment in order to determine your needs. You will also receive your first treatment at that time.

**Regardless of the type of lymphedema you have, please contact me (by email or telephone) before making an appointment, so that I can confirm whether the therapy I provide is right for your situation.

sibylle.frey@cliniquealtermed.com

T. 514 287-3289 (Altermed Clinic reception)

I look forward to improving your well-being!

Sibylle Frey
RITMA member
AQL member

*NOTE CONCERNING INSURANCE
Please note that I have attained the minimum of 1,000 training hours recognized by my professional association. Some insurance companies will not reimburse treatments unless this requirement is met.

FEES (taxes included)

• Massage therapy session: $120 (60 minutes)
• Manual lymph drainage: $120 (60 minutes)
• Assessment (1st appointment) + post-breast cancer and/or lymphedema therapy: $150 (90 minutes)
• Post-breast cancer and/or lymphedema follow-up: $120 (60 minutes)
• Combined decongestive therapy for lymphedema: $140 (90 minutes)

ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS
• Cash
• Cheque
• Interac transfer
• Debit (SQUARE)