clinical

These specialized clinical treatments are available on my bodywork page, but I’ve gathered them here for your convenience

These sessions are clinically informed and results-oriented, designed to support the body during recovery, inflammation, and medically complex conditions.

Person receiving a massage on the abdomen, covered with a towel.

also available with
Advanced LymphaTouch® 
technology

Female body in white underwear with drawn arrows indicating body sculpting areas.

also available with
Advanced LymphaTouch®
technology

Close-up of a person measuring their waist with a tape measure.
Person receiving a relaxing massage on the upper back
Close-up of a scar on a person's shoulder with a hand touching it.
Pregnant woman holding her belly, wearing white clothing.

Chest & Breast Massage

Chest & breast massage are within the scope of practice of a Licensed Massage Therapist when performed by a therapist with appropriate training and when there is clinical need.

This work is considered specialized and is offered based on client preference, clinical judgment, and fully informed consent. While not always included in general massage, it is becoming more widely recognized and understood within the profession.

When performed by a trained therapist, this work is safe, ethical, and non-sexual. I have been offering this work since 2014 and provide training for other therapists nationwide. In appropriate cases, advanced breast massage may also support clients recovering from breast cancer treatment.

Clients may experience a range of physical and supportive benefits, including improved comfort, reduced tension, and a greater sense of ease in areas that are often overlooked in standard massage. It is an option you may wish to explore as part of your overall care.

Person receiving therapeutic chest & breast massage therapy

Therapeutic Chest & Breast Massage

Why Include Chest & Breast Massage ?
The chest and breast area are a natural and functional part of the body. Therapeutic work in this region can help reduce pain and swelling, support range of motion, and promote circulation and relaxation.

This work is approached in a clearly defined, professional, and non-sexual context. Many clients find it supports a more comfortable and integrated relationship with their bodies, especially in areas that are commonly overlooked or held with tension.

Massage of the full chest supports easier breathing, relieves tension, and assists with back, neck, and shoulder pain. It helps reduce tightness in the chest, rib cage, neck, and throat. Improved breathing leads to stress relief on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Chest massage can also be beneficial for treating shoulder and neck injuries.

When appropriate, direct work with breast tissue may support lymphatic flow and help relieve congestion and discomfort related to hormonal changes, fibrocystic conditions, and lactation.

You can request chest and breast massage as part of any treatment or add it as an additional service with extra time.

How to Request This Work
Breast and chest massage is generally not offered as a standalone treatment, but it can be seamlessly integrated into any session simply with consent. You’re welcome to request this work during your intake.

If you have a therapeutic or clinical need for more focused time, you may select a Custom Treatment or choose the extra time add-on when booking.

This work is provided either within the scope of licensed massage therapy or, when applicable, as part of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, which is a distinct therapeutic approach and not massage. It is offered only when appropriate, based on intake, assessment, and informed consent in accordance with professional massage therapy safety and ethical standards. Silicone nipple covers available.

Client comfort, professional draping, and clear communication are maintained at all times.

Close-up of a shoulder with a visible scar and a hand resting on it, set against a white background. Breast Cancer

Massage for Breast Cancer

Whether you are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or in post-treatment recovery, massage for the breast, chest, and related areas can be a valuable part of supportive care.

When appropriate, this work may help reduce swelling, improve circulation, support lymphatic flow, and ease discomfort in the chest, shoulder, and arm.

This specialized approach may also assist with scar tissue mobility, axillary web syndrome, and help improve range of motion following surgery or treatment. In some cases, it may also support clients dealing with post-surgical or secondary lymphedema.

Beyond the physical benefits, this work can offer comfort, support, and a greater sense of connection to the body during a difficult time.

Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning treatment. Care is adapted to your current stage of recovery, overall health, and individual needs.

How to Request This Work
Breast cancer–related massage is not typically offered as a standalone treatment, but it may be integrated into a session when appropriate, based on intake, assessment, and informed consent. You are welcome to discuss this during your intake.

If you have a therapeutic or clinical need requiring more focused time, you may select a Custom Treatment or add additional time when booking.

Prenatal / Postpartum

Pregnant woman holding her belly.

Prenatal / Postpartum Massage

Prenatal and postpartum treatments can be among the most important massage therapies you receive, as they support both physical and emotional well-being during these transformative times.

Pregnancy brings profound changes to your body, often resulting in tension, discomfort, and stress. Specialized massage can help ease these challenges by relieving pressure on the neck, shoulders, breasts, back, belly, and feet, while also promoting relaxation.

Postpartum treatments are equally crucial, if not more so, for your emotional health and well-being.

Postpartum massage supports recovery as your body reverses the changes it underwent during pregnancy. The shift in focus to the baby, combined with hormonal changes, makes this an essential time for self-care. Taking time for rejuvenating massage can provide much-needed relief and support your emotional and physical well-being during this critical period.

MLD

Person receiving a massage on their back.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a subtle, gentle, non-invasive manual technique with a powerful effect on the body. Its primary goal is to reduce swelling and inflammation. MLD is beneficial for a variety of conditions, including:

  • Chronic pain and inflammation

  • Lymphedema

  • Sinus congestion

  • Stress and tension relief

  • Edema

  • Migraines

In addition to improving lymphatic circulation, MLD has profound effects on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and supporting overall body function.

Side view of a woman's torso wearing white underwear with drawn lines indicating body contouring or slimming areas.

Advanced Post Surgical MLD

Treatment may include LymphaTouch®, a specialized negative-pressure device used to reduce swelling and improve scar mobility following surgery. We are fortunate to be among the few practices in the Boston area offering this advanced technology to support faster, more effective post-operative recovery.

Post-Surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle yet powerful form of bodywork designed to stimulate and encourage the natural movement of lymph, which carries fluid and waste products away from the tissues. This technique involves rhythmic movements that align with the body’s lymphatic rhythm.

It is important to note that Post-Surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not intended to push fluids out of the body (which is a function of medical care). Instead, it works harmoniously with the body’s natural processes to support healing.

Why receive MLD and scar therapy after cosmetic surgery?

After surgery, the body commonly experiences swelling at the surgical site and in surrounding areas. This post-operative swelling is completely normal but can be uncomfortable. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is frequently used to help reduce this swelling.

Because of its ability to gently move post-surgical edema, many surgeons consider lymphatic therapy an important part of the recovery process. Its gentle touch helps reduce swelling, improve comfort, and support the healing process.

Scar Therapy

Surgical scars can sometimes heal unevenly, and fibrotic tissue may develop, creating tightness, discomfort, or restricted movement. Our advanced manual techniques, combined with targeted negative-pressure therapy when appropriate, are designed to improve scar mobility, soften fibrotic tissue, and support the best possible results both in appearance and function.

Person receiving a massage on a massage table with hands applying pressure to the lower back.

Full Body Detox

Full Body Detox -  Vodder® Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage
This signature  MLD treatment was designed by Healing Hands based on years of experience working with MLD clients and teaching Manual Lymphatic Drainage to other therapists nationally.

As an alternative to the targeted MLD treatments which are ideal for post op recovery and specific medical conditions, this treatment works the entire lymphatic system to speed up the process of draining excess fluid from the body's tissues (bloating) and helps detoxify the body of metabolic wastes. 

Importantly, it can also stimulate the functioning of the immune system, making it an essential tool for the body's overall wellness.  It is important to note that MLD is about wellness, not appearance.  The visual results are subtle but you are treating the body as a whole and it is highly beneficial.

A person lying on a medical bed, receiving ultrasound treatment on their abdominal area, with a nurse or medical technician holding an ultrasound probe.

LymphaTouch® - Advanced device based work

In select cases, I integrate LymphaTouch® into post-operative recovery to support swelling reduction and improve scar outcomes. LymphaTouch® is a medical-grade negative pressure device developed in Finland, used to enhance lymphatic flow and improve tissue mobility.

Incorporating LymphaTouch® as targeted lymphatic work—alongside hands-on techniques—offers a more precise and adaptable approach for post-surgical recovery and specific medical conditions.

It is particularly effective for:

  • Post-surgical swelling

  • Scar tissue and fibrosis

  • Areas that are too sensitive for traditional manual work

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This work is subtle, cumulative, and often misunderstood.

While many clients notice meaningful changes in swelling and comfort, results depend on your condition, consistency, and overall health. The goal is not to “fix” the body in one session, but to support it in doing what it is already trying to do.

Because clients benefit from closely spaced, successive treatments, I offer packages of 5 and 10 sessions for those incorporating LymphaTouch®.

Whatever treatment you choose - we put client comfort, safety and touch neutrality first

Chaperone Policy

As in medical settings, for clinical treatments involving sensitive areas, you are always welcome to have a second person in the room.

You are given the option to bring one or decline during your intake, though you would need to provide that person.

For added comfort, silicone nipple covers are provided.

Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates are available
for any service or denomination

Printable & Custom Gift Certificates
may be requested here

Gift certificate for Healing Hands Bodywork featuring spa items like candles and towels, with text fields for recipient details and validity information.

Cancellation Policy:

We kindly request that all cancellations or appointment change requests be made as soon as possible.
To ensure the best experience for all clients, we ask for at least 72 hours' notice for any changes or cancellations.

Cancellations made within 72 hours will incur a fee of 50% of the service cost.

No-show appointments or cancellations made within 48 hours or on the day of the appointment will be charged in full.

Re-booking Policy
Any cancellations or re-bookings resulting in funds placed on account must be used within 90 days from the original payment date. Re-booking these is allowed one time only. After 90 days, no refund will be issued, and the funds will be forfeited.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.