Chronic Medical & Neurological Conditions

Relief with
regular MLD
treatments.

A. Nerve Pain (Neuralgia)

Nerve pain (neuralgia) is often caused by or associated with one or more of the following conditions:

Neuroinflammation

Neuroinflammation refers to an inflammatory response within the brain and spinal cord. It may be acute or chronic.

Examples of acute neuroinflammation include:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Concussion
  • Systemic infections (such as influenza)

Chronic neuroinflammation is a major contributor to:

  • Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS))
  • Neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis (MS))
  • Mental health and cognitive conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety and severe brain fog)

Accumulation of Interstitial Fluid

An abnormal collection of fluid between the body’s cells (interstitial fluid) can place pressure on nerves.

Example:

  • Lymphoedema

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Mechanical Pressure on Nerves

Mechanical compression or irritation of nerves can result from:

  • Scar tissue (fibrosis)
  • Previous surgery
  • Trauma
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chronic inflammation

 

Other common causes include:

  • Joint problems
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Thickened ligaments or tendons
  • Tumours or cysts
  • Poor posture or prolonged positioning
  • Tight anatomical tunnels (e.g. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
  • External pressure on nerves

Sensitisation of the Nervous System

Nerve sensitisation occurs when the nervous system becomes overly responsive, resulting in persistent or amplified pain.

Conditions commonly associated with nerve sensitisation include:

  • Migraine
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Postherpetic neuralgia
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Peripheral nerve injuries
  • Spinal cord disorders

 

B. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

C. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

D. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)

For a deeper understanding of the relationship between the lymphatic system and the central nervous system (CNS), please read our blog: The Lymphatic System and the Central Nervous System (CNS). This is a fascinating and rapidly evolving area of research with exciting potential to influence future treatment approaches for a range of neurological diseases and disorders.

Real results,
real relief

“I highly recommend Carolyn Hoffman for manual lymph drainage. I have been with her for a couple of months and her treatments have made a great difference for me. I’ve really felt the benefits over time. Carolyn’s medical knowledge is impressive, and she's also deeply empathetic — she puts you at ease from the moment you arrive and creates a space where you truly feel cared for. If you're considering lymph drainage therapy, Carolyn is the person to see.”
~ Patient
“I was referred to Carolyn by my doctor after my physiotherapist advised me to seek medical help for severe swelling in my legs and feet. The results of her first hour of treatment were remarkably noticeable, as the swelling decreased and I could see my ankles and knees again within a few days. Since then, I have continued to see Carolyn regularly for maintenance– at first once a week and then every couple of weeks. My legs have never been as swollen as they were initially. I was also grateful for the diagrams and detailed explanations provided by Carolyn about the process she follows. This is based on decades of experience in this area, as well as training other practioners. On a personal level I found her friendly and engaging and the environment is warm, comfortable and deeply relaxing. I highly recommend Carolyn’s services for anyone in need of lymphatic therapy to help the body clear waste, decrease inflammation and boost the immune system.”
~ Patient
“I started using Carolyn's services after my surgeries and I would highly recommend her. Besides her excellent knowledge and ability on lymphatic drainage massages, she has a caring and warm personality.”
~ Patient
“I have been going to Carolyn Hoffman for monthly lymph draining massages ever since I was diagnosed with lymphedema in February 2008. She is a very professional lymph drainage therapist who has trained in the two major types of lymph drainage massage. She is very caring and thorough, and I don’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone who needs this type of service. I wouldn’t dream of switching to anyone else.”
~ DonnaKay Lee - patient

Meet Carolyn

Professional credentials

  • Therapeutic Massage Therapist
  • Registered with Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) (A02952)
  • Practice Number: 1070000244627
  • Speciality: Lymphoedema Management
  • Special Field Of Interest: Manual Lymph Drainage
  • Local practice: Cape Town

Carolyn specialises in manual lymphatic therapy for swelling, oedema, and post-surgical recovery. Her treatments are tailored, clinically guided, and designed to support the body’s natural healing process, with a focus on safe, effective, and comfortable care.

Got questions?
We’ve got answers

Find quick answers to common questions about treatment, what to expect, and how it can help.

Manual lymph drainage is a gentle type of medical massage that uses light, rhythmic, and circular movements to help move extra fluid away from swollen tissues and back into the normal blood flow.
You can read more about it here

MLD is commonly used for post-surgery swelling, injury-related oedema, lymphoedema, and persistent or chronic swelling.

This is an extremely relaxing, light, repetitive treatment, and often ends up with the patient falling asleep.

That depends on what condition you are seeking treatment for, but on average I see patients six times or more. Initially you will probably come twice a week for the first few weeks, then once a week, and then, after assessment, you may still continue to come every week/fortnight/month, or you may not need to continue at all.

Patients sometimes see a change after one treatment, but usually within three to five treatments you should be noticing positive changes. Again each patient will be different, but this is more or less an average.

Manual Lymph Drainage is a highly specialised form of massage, and is not the same as “normal/Swedish” massage ie helping with stiff and tight muscles – it is far gentler, does not use oil, and is intensely repetitive.

Every patient is screened via email/whatsapp/whatsapp call, to ensure the therapist understands exactly what procedure you have had, and when. If there are any doubts as to whether MLD is safe for that particular patient, either the therapist will ask you to get the go-ahead from your healthcare practitioner, or she will communicate with the healthcare professional directly.

You can request a booking via email or whatsapp, and then the therapist will get back to you to say if this treatment (ie MLD) is the right one for you, and if it is, a booking can be made. If not, she may be able to suggest other healthcare professionals you could speak to.