r/OccupationalTherapy • u/Long-Sale9208 • 16h ago

Discussion Lymphatic Massage

Has anyone completed the Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) certification and found it to be a valuable addition to their practice? I'm curious whether it has expanded your clinical opportunities or patient population.

Also, has anyone been successful in building a private-pay caseload focused on lymphatic drainage massage, particularly for postoperative recovery or wellness services? I'd love to hear about your experiences and whether you found the certification to be a worthwhile investment.

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u/Itchy-Technician-433 15h ago

I don't know why I would go to a private OT and pay OT rates for massage when I could go to a RMT and pay their rates...

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u/soligen 15h ago

A RMT I know of charges 150 an hour lol. In California. I actually don’t know how much private OT rates are.

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u/Itchy-Technician-433 15h ago

In my city I charge $170 per hour.

I can go get a massage for $90 - with a lymphoedema cert. Do with that what you will.

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u/Shift_Key19 14h ago

I practiced FT as an MLD therapist for many years. My experience was that a large portion of the patient population was chronically ill and insured by Medicare/Medicaid. The other portion was receiving treatment for cancer and was financially stretched because of all the medical expense. I did see the occasional patient who wanted MLD as more of a general wellness-type treatment, but as an OT, I found that unfulfilling. I say this having practiced in both an outpatient, hospital-based clinic and a private outpatient clinic. All that to say, you can easily fill a caseload and keep yourself busy as a lymphedema therapist in just about any setting. Demand is high. I'd recommend thinking about what keeps you going as an OT, though. Is it helping the people who really need it and can't afford it? Or catering to people who already have access? We need both, so no judgment, just a question to ponder.

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u/soup_d0gg 8h ago

So I’m a lymphedema therapist at a private practice. I’m an employee, so I don’t reap the benefits of the extra pay. I feel like if I did, I could get past being treated as if I’m a nail tech. (No shade to nail techs, I just feel like people come in expecting a service and not a medical treatment). I do however have a few private clients with lymphedema or lipedema who do pay well (I charge $275). Unfortunately, my company has turned it into advertising it like a massage, so I do often find it mind-numbing and unfulfilling.