Evolved Massage and Lymphatics

09/03/2026

08/13/2026

Back from vacation? Kids going back to school? Just absolutely done with 100 degrees every day?

Get back into the groove with a massage this weekend.

Calm the mind and body with a Swedish or Deep Tissue.
Feel lighter with Lymphatic massage.
Or try a combo Lymphatic/Regular Massage to see what the lymph hype is about!

08/10/2026

Breast swelling after surgery and radiation is often overlooked, but it can affect comfort and quality of life.

A 2026 preliminary randomized study followed 25 women with breast edema after breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy. Both groups received education, compression and exercise. The group that also received manual lymph drainage showed greater improvement in breast pain, edema-related symptoms and several quality-of-life measures.

This is encouraging, the study was small, relied largely on patient-reported measures and took place during a period when natural recovery was also expected. It suggests MLD may add value within a broader rehabilitation plan BUT not that MLD alone treats every case of swelling.

New or worsening breast or arm swelling after cancer treatment should be evaluated by the oncology or lymphedema care team. MLD should be individualized and medically appropriate.

Study: Erkol et al., Cancers, 2026.

08/03/2026

Another study supporting Manual Lymphatic Drainage after surgery 🌿

A 2025 randomized clinical trial followed 46 healthy patients undergoing surgery to remove impacted lower wisdom teeth.

Because each patient had surgery on both sides at different times, researchers could compare recovery in the same person:

One side received routine postoperative care.

The other received routine care plus three 40-minute sessions of Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage -beginning the afternoon of surgery and continuing once daily for the next two days.

The results?

Compared with routine care alone, the MLD-treated side had significantly:

• Less postoperative facial swelling
• Lower pain levels
• Better mouth opening and less jaw restriction

The researchers evaluated swelling with three-dimensional facial imaging rather than relying only on visual observations. Pain and mouth opening were also measured throughout the first seven days of recovery.

This does not mean lymphatic drainage is appropriate after every procedure or for every patient. This was a relatively small study of healthy young adults recovering from wisdom tooth surgery. Timing, technique, health history, surgical complications and the surgeon’s instructions all matter.

Still, the findings add to the growing research suggesting that gentle, professionally performed Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be a helpful part of postoperative recovery.

At Evolved Massage & Lymphatics, postoperative lymphatic sessions use gentle, Vodder-based techniques- not deep or aggressive massage.

📍 South Austin, near Slaughter Lane and Menchaca
🔎 Study: Ulu et al., BMC Oral Health, 2025
PMID: 40140780

08/01/2026

Can Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas reimburse lymphatic massage after cancer treatment?

A client recently shared that her BCBSTX plan reimbursed part of her lymphatic massage sessions after oncology treatment. I have also had other clients successfully receive partial reimbursement after submitting a superbill.

Coverage is never guaranteed and depends on your individual insurance plan. Some plans may consider manual lymphatic drainage, oncology massage, medical massage, or manual therapy when treatment is medically necessary.

Reimbursement may also be possible for other health concerns, such as:

• Lymphedema or persistent swelling
• Recovery after surgery
• Pain or restricted mobility
• Other physician-documented medical conditions

However, I have not confirmed which diagnoses BCBSTX covers because benefits vary by plan, provider type, deductible, and medical-necessity requirements.

Call the member-services number on your insurance card and ask:

Do I have out-of-network benefits for massage therapy or manual therapy?
Is a licensed massage therapist an eligible provider?
Do I need a physician referral or letter of medical necessity?
You can ask about coverage by CPT codes! Ask if 97140 (most common) or 97124 are covered.
What deductible, visit limit, authorization, or filing deadline applies?

We do not bill insurance directly, but we can provide an itemized superbill upon request for you to submit for possible reimbursement. Payment is due at the time of service.

We also accept HSA and FSA cards, although your plan administrator may require medical documentation.

Save this post before calling your insurance company, and contact us with questions about manual lymphatic drainage, oncology massage, or lymphatic massage in South Austin.

07/18/2026

Although both are often called “lymphatic massage,” they are usually performed very differently and are intended for different goals.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD
Vodder is one established method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

MLD uses slow, gentle, rhythmic movements with very light pressure. The techniques are designed to support lymphatic flow without compressing the delicate lymphatic vessels near the surface of the skin.

MLD is the style most commonly used in clinical settings and medical research.

It may be a better fit for people experiencing:

• Early post-surgical swelling
• Heavy, tight or uncomfortable swelling
• Lymphedema or lipedema-related concerns
• Swelling associated with certain medical conditions
• A need for gentler, more individualized care

Brazilian Lymphatic Massage

Brazilian-style lymphatic massage is generally more focused on temporary body contouring and reducing the appearance of puffiness or bloating.

Sessions often use faster movements, firmer pressure and more sculpting-style techniques. Because there is no single standardized Brazilian method, pressure and techniques can vary considerably between providers.

It may be a better fit for generally healthy clients who are looking for:

• Temporary reduction in puffiness or bloating
• A more sculpted or defined appearance
• Wellness-focused lymphatic care
• A faster-paced, more invigorating session

Which one is better?

Neither style is automatically better. The right approach depends on your health history, current swelling, recent procedures and goals.

For clients who are newly post-op, medically complex, experiencing painful or significant swelling, or managing a lymphatic condition, gentler MLD techniques are often the more appropriate starting point.

Lymphatic massage should always be adapted to the individual and does not replace medical evaluation or treatment.

04/07/2026

Post-op healing can feel overwhelming, but the right support makes a difference.

We offer Post Op Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Austin, specifically in south Austin near Slaughter Ln and Menchaca Rd.

Questions about post-op lymphatic massage? Send us a message.