Appalachian Medical Massage Associates

The practice of various massage techniques can be traced though human history and nearly every culture. Artwork and literature from many civilizations show that nearly all ancient cultures practiced massage in some form. This is shown in cave drawings by out prehistoric ancestors, ancient Chinese books dating back as far as 3000 B.C., medical textbooks by Greek and Roman physicians written in the millennia preceding Christ, Indian and Hindu tradition and literature dating back over three thousand years.

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Written by Charlotte Dovey

When Linda Parton defeated breast cancer - twice - she thought it was the end of her problems. In fact, it was just the beginning.

For, as a result of poor post-operative care, she developed lymphoedema, an incurable and hugely debilitating condition which causes painful swelling.

Still in Pain: Linda Parton

Lymphoedema is caused by an impaired lymphatic system and affects 100,000 people in the UK, 25,000 of them after breast cancer surgery. The others are largely due to injury to, or infection of, the lymph vessels.

The lymphatic system clears unwanted protein and water from the tissues via the lymph vessels throughout the body. Lymphoedema occurs when the system is faulty in some way: fluid doesn’t drain from the tissue, but builds up, causing swelling or oedema.

While not all breast cancer patients develop the condition, their chances of developing it are greater because the lymph nodes are often removed during treatment, potentially damaging the lymphatic system.

The problem can be triggered by something as simple as having your blood pressure taken, which is what happened in Linda’s case. Other traumas that can set off the condition include lifting something heavy, a skin infection, a cut or insect bite.

In the early stages, the swelling - which usually affects either the arms or legs (the areas next to the armpit and groin, where glands are found) - may be slight, but over time, and if left untreated, the area may harden.

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Written by Amber Vachon

Amber just returned from the Golden Eagle Resort in Stowe, Vermont, where she took part in a review class for Vodder School graduates. The class was attended by massage therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants and physicians from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Amber is now re-energized and ready to practice more MLD!

Expert guest speakers are invited to present the latest research and methods. Professor Hildegaard Wittlinger and Andreas Wittlinger of the International School in Austria were in attendance, as was Robert Harris, director of the North American School. We were fascinated by the lectures on cutting-edge medical research given by Dr. Horst Weissleder, MD, professor of radiology at the University of Freiburg in Germany and honorary president of the German Society of Lymphology.

It was particularly nice to enjoy a reunion of sorts with professors and fellow therapists from around the world. Amber received her training at the Dr. Vodder School’s international headquarters in Walchsee, Austria. The photo shown to the left was taken in this quaint Alpine villageand shows a therapist from the United Kingdom, Professor Hildegaard Wittlinger of Austria, Amber, and a therapist from Iceland.

At these review courses, therapists are able to learn new skills and stay current with the latest in the field. This advanced training course is available for therapists to update and review their skills.

To maintain excellence in the field, currently-certified lymphedema therapists are required to maintain their certification by attending one of these classes at least every two years and demonstrating continued competence.