This past week, I completed the Advanced Lymphedema Management Certification (ALM) — a 6-day, 50-hour training with the Academy of Lymphatic Studies — and I wanted to share a little about what this experience meant to me.
As many of you know, I already work closely with clients dealing with swelling, autoimmune conditions, post-surgical inflammation, and chronic pain. But this course took my understanding of the lymphatic system to a whole new level. We went deep into complex cases, learned advanced manual techniques, practiced multilayer bandaging, and received hands-on training that is normally reserved for clinical rehab environments.
I went into the training wanting to expand what I can offer my clients… and I left feeling even MORE committed to this work.
One of the highlights was practicing new skills with other therapists who care just as much about helping people feel better. Every day we were taping, bandaging, assessing, and learning from each other. (If you saw us during the taping labs, you would’ve laughed — we were walking around with bright-colored kinesiology tape all over our necks!)
This brings me to one of the biggest changes I’m bringing back into my practice:
✨ I will now be offering kinesiology taping for lymphatic support.
This tape is not just for athletes — when used correctly, it helps lift the skin gently to encourage lymph flow, reduce swelling, and support healing between sessions.
Many clients will now benefit from having extended drainage effects even after they go home.
Another important addition:
✨ I’m expanding my services to include wound-care support.
The training provided deeper education on how to safely manage and support clients dealing with:
• surgical incisions,
• chronic swelling around healing wounds,
• scar tissue formation, and
• cases where lymphatic stagnation slows down recovery.
This means I can now better assist clients who are healing after:
– cosmetic surgery
– orthopedic procedures
– cancer treatments
– injuries
– or chronic conditions that affect skin integrity
Every new skill I learned kept bringing specific clients to mind — especially those who have struggled with stubborn swelling or slow healing.
People like:
- My autoimmune clients who depend on lymphatic drainage to manage inflammation
- My post-op clients who need consistent support during early recovery
- And clients like “Mr. Bob,” who improved so much his rheumatologist now recommends lymphatic drainage to other RA patients
Seeing people thrive is the reason I continue my education. It’s not just about certificates — it’s about giving my clients the best, safest, most effective care I can.
What’s coming next in the treatment room?
✨ More advanced assessment methods
✨ Better tools to manage chronic and stubborn swelling
✨ Lymphatic kinesiology taping as part of sessions
✨ Improved support for lymphedema, lipedema, and complex cases
✨ Additional wound-care knowledge for post-surgical and slow-healing clients
✨ Client education on home care and long-term maintenance
I feel grateful for this experience and excited to bring everything I learned back to my clients.
If you’re dealing with swelling, inflammation, post-surgical recovery, or wounds that need extra support — let’s talk. I’m here to help you heal comfortably and safely.
Thank you all for trusting me with your care.
It truly means a lot. 💛
— ChiChi
