Welcome to the Drainage Diaries!

Real talk on lymphatic health, care, and self-awareness

If you’ve found your way here, welcome! I’m so glad you came to visit.

This space has been a long time coming. As a Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist practicing in Ontario, I’ve spent nearly 20 years working with patients navigating swelling, recovery, chronic conditions, and the often-overlooked complexities of the lymphatic system.

Over time, I’ve noticed something consistent:
there are a lot of questions… and not nearly enough clear, accessible answers.

Why This Blog Exists
In both my clinical practice and my teaching, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing meaningful change when the lymphatic system is properly understood and supported. Sometimes subtle. Sometimes profound.
I’ve also seen how misunderstood and underserved this system can be.

Patients often arrive feeling:

• Confused about their symptoms
• Unsure of what’s “normal”
• Overwhelmed by conflicting information

At the same time, many manual therapists are looking for:

• Practical ways to integrate lymphatic work into their treatments
• A clearer understanding of when and how to apply MLD
• Guidance that bridges foundational education with real clinical application

This blog is here to help meet both of those needs.

What You Can Expect from The Drainage Diaries…
This blog will be a space where I share:

• Common questions I hear in practice
• Real-world case reflections (shared with care and confidentiality)
• Clinical insights translated into clear, approachable language
• Education for therapists looking to build confidence in lymphatic work
• Support for patients and the public navigating their own health journeys

My goal is to make lymphatic health feel less intimidating, more understandable, and more accessible ~ whether you’re receiving care, exploring it, or providing it.

A Shared Journey in Understanding
One of the most important pieces of this work is self-awareness.
Your body is not a template.

The way your lymphatic system presents; how you experience swelling, fluid retention, or recovery is unique to you.
Through this blog, I hope to support you in:

• Building confidence in understanding your body
• Recognizing patterns and responses
• Feeling more informed in your care decisions

For therapists, my hope is that this becomes a place where learning feels grounded, practical, and reflective of what you actually see in the treatment room.

Rooted in Practice, Growing Through Teaching
My practice is located in London, Ontario, where my clinical focus is centered on lymphatic care. Alongside my practice, I develop and teach MLD-focused courses for Registered Massage Therapists ~ work that continues to evolve as both the profession and our understanding of the lymphatic system grow.

Teaching has reinforced something I deeply believe:
When knowledge is shared clearly and responsibly, it elevates care for everyone.

An Open Invitation
If there’s a question you’ve been wondering about, a topic you’d like to see explored, or a clinical scenario you’re curious about ~ I welcome that conversation.

This platform is not just about sharing information, but about growing awareness and visibility for lymphatic health and care in a way that is thoughtful, respectful, and grounded in real experience.

Thank you for being here, and for taking a step ~ however big or small ~ toward understanding your body a little more.
warmly,
Anne

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If you’re curious whether MLD is appropriate for your situation, or you’re a therapist wanting to better understand how to work with fluid-based swelling like this, I’m always happy to continue the conversation.
Clinic: www.annethermt.com
Education: www.eluvettmethod.com

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A Gentle Disclaimer
The information shared here is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.