Lymphedema and Lipedema Treatment Services

At Lymphatic Therapy Services, we take an integrative and customized approach that incorporates both the traditional Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as well as other integrative therapies to support each patient. We go beyond traditional treatment and incorporate CDT with Dr. Vodder's Manual lymph drainage massage, lifestyle and nutritional counseling and customized aromatherapy to support each condition. With over 25+ years of experience, we create an individualized regimen that will reduce inflammation and pain, increase energy and help you to function more effectively in your daily life

Linda-Anne Kahn
Founder & Sr. Therapist

About Linda-Anne Kahn

Linda-Anne is an Internationally trained Beauty Therapist, Board Certified Massage Therapist, Aromatherapist, Holistic Health Practitioner, Integrative Health Coach and Lymphedema Therapist. She is also an Internationally Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist. She is certified by the Dr. Vodder School in Austria, by the Dr. Foeldi School in Germany as well as the Dr. Casley-Smith, University of Adelaide, Australia. She is re-certified every 2 years by the Dr. Vodder school and regularly attends conferences and workshops.

Linda-Anne has been treating patients for over 25 years and is director of Lymphatic Therapy Services of San Diego. Linda-Anne specializes in the treatment of Lipedema and Dercums and is a regular speaker at the Fat Disorder Research Society (FDRS) conferences.

Meet Linda-Anne Kahn Contact Linda-Anne Kahn

Lipedema

What is lipedema? Lipedema is a genetically mediated disorder of fat deposition that occurs almost exclusively in females. There is a symmetrical accumulation of fat in the legs, buttocks and hips that extends down to the ankles. In 70% of cases the swelling occurs in the arms and there is no foot involvement. A "cuff" can be found around the ankles and wrists. Patients often report a family history of "heavy legs" Lipedema is often called "painful fat syndrome". The swelling that occurs is due to an excess deposition of fatty tissue and fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue, leaky vessels and fragility of the blood vessels. It is painful to the touch Lipedema is often misdiagnosed and can be mistaken for regular obesity or lymphedema. The condition can progress to become Lymphedema. Patients are accused of being simply "fat," which is not the case and is so invalidating and...

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often an extremity, resulting from an accumulation of fluids, in such proportion to be palpable and visible. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vascular system is not able to fill its function of reabsorpbtion and transport of the protein and lymph load. Lymphedema occurs whenever lymphatic vessels are absent, underdeveloped or obstructed. The condition most often causes embarrassment and causes decreased mobility, discomfort and often repeated episodes of infection, cellulitis and lymphangitis. This can lead to general depression and a general worsening of the patient’s life and health. Fungal infections can be very frequent and these place a greater load on the lymphatics. Severe cases are associated with thickening of the skin, hardening of the limb (fibrosis), leakage of lymph and massive swelling (elephantiasis). How Does Lymphedema Occur? A stagnation of protein develops in the tissue. This raises the colloid osmotic pressure and...

Dercums

Dercums disease -DD (adiposis dolorosa) What is Dercums? DD is a disorder of subcutaneous adipose (fatty) tissue, also known as painful fat syndrome. It involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells. Lipomas are common and angiolipomas (very vascular lipomas) are found in 30% of people with Dercum’s Disease. DD is often misdiagnosed as ordinary obesity. • DD occurs in more women than men, at a 5:1 ratio, and in 40% of cases it is thought it is thought to be inherited (genetic). Age of onset is usually between 30 and 50 years of age. Currently, there are no imaging or diagnostic tests available to determine the presence of DD. Types of Dercums TYPE 1: Painful nodular fat around the joints. TYPE 2: Painful nodular fat anywhere from head to toe (whole body). Often accompanied by generalized obesity. TYPE 3: Larger lipomas that may have a capsule and...

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

What is Chronic venous insufficiency? Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where blood pools in the veins of the lower legs. The first signs of chronic venous insufficiency are ankle and leg swelling. Swelling occurs because the blood that has pooled in the veins causes abnormally high pressure in the veins. As the pressure and swelling increases, the skin of the legs may actually leak tiny drops of plasma, which is the pale yellow fluid part of blood. Eventually, the capillaries burst under the high pressure, releasing red blood cells and giving that area of the skin a reddish-brown discoloration. This condition often leads to lymphedema (phlebo- lymphedema) Treatment options Chronic Venous insufficiency - Complex decongestive therapy - Manual lymph drainage - Compression bandaging -Nutrition, diet management - Exercise - movement - -Self care Goal of treatment To reduce swelling and edema, improve skin condition and wounds, increase...

Post-Surgical Care

Pre and Post surgical care In a supportive environment, we will help you with the healing process after surgeries with Manual Lymph Drainage massage (MLD). This therapy will greatly hasten the healing after cosmetic surgeries or liposuction, breast reconstruction or reduction, or knee, hip or shoulder surgeries. MLD reduces the edema and bruising that often occurs secondary to surgery. Benefits of MLD for pre and post surgical care assists the healing process MLD will increase oxygenation, hydration and cellular metabolism thus, aiding the health of the tissue. MLD performed pre-surgically prepares the tissue for surgery by removing toxic debris and cleansing the connective tissue. This in turn promotes healing, minimizes swelling and bruising, and helps to avoid hematomas. MLD administered as soon as possible after surgery will increase waste disposal by transporting protein damaged cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. This facilitates the healing process...

Lyme Disease

What is lyme disease? Lyme disease is the number one vector borne spreading epidemic worldwide. Lyme disease occurs when a person is bitten by an infected tick. Lyme patients suffer from the tremendous physical and emotional pain associated with this disease. In addition, due to the general lack of medical validation this type of illness, doctors and even their family members often believe they are crazy. Lyme is actually caused by a weak immune system, damaged cellular function, uncontrolled bacterial infections throughout the body and other environmental triggers such as, mold and parasites Treatment Patients should work with a Lyme literate physician and we support the treatments Treatment options Lyme disease Detoxing is an integral part of beating Chronic Lyme Disease and minimizing the reactions caused when injured or dead bacteria release their endotoxins into the blood and tissues faster than the body can comfortably handle it. (Herx Reaction) Manual lymph...

Manual Lymph Drainage

What is Manual Lymph Drainage? Developed in Europe in the 1930’s by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a safe, effective, yet gentle approach to cleansing the body’s tissues. MLD drains excess fluid from the tissues and also has a detoxifying effect. It can benefit a healthy person as well as be applied to more than 60 different conditions. Scientific studies, as well as vast clinical experience, have supported the effectiveness of MLD. The therapeutic benefits of MLD, evidenced by more than 35 years of research, are well documented. It is widely prescribed by physicians in the United States and Canada also recognize the benefits of MLD for their patients.