We are a MOBILE clinic serving select areas in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Please call us to confirm if we serve your location.

How Payment Works at Lymph-A-Hand

Lymph-A-Hand is a cash-based practice, which means we do not bill insurance directly. This model allows us to give you the focused, high-quality care you deserve—without the limitations often imposed by insurance plans.

By choosing a cash-based service, you receive:

• More time and personalized attention during each session

• Flexible, holistic treatment tailored to your unique needs and goals

• Freedom from insurance restrictions on what can be treated or how

We are happy to provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We also accept HSA and FSA payments.

Your healing shouldn’t be dictated by insurance codes and we’re here to support your journey, your way.

In Alabama, you are allowed direct access to occupational therapy services without a physician referral.

However, at Lymph-A-Hand, we kindly request a referral from your physician. This helps ensure that your care is well-coordinated, that we have access to important medical history or surgical details, and that we can provide the most informed, personalized treatment possible.

If you’re unsure how to request a referral, we will be happy to help guide you through the process.

Because we bring therapy directly to you, each visit is thoughtfully prepared to meet your specific needs. We will arrive approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled session to allow time for setup. This may include a portable treatment table, clean linens, and any specialized equipment tailored to your condition—for example, supplies for lymphatic therapy, post-surgical support, or upper extremity rehabilitation.

Creating a safe, comfortable, and effective healing environment in your home is part of the care we provide. We make sure everything is ready so we can begin your session promptly and focus fully on your recovery.

nitial evaluations typically last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your condition and the complexity of care.

Follow-up sessions are usually 60 minutes, but may extend to 90 minutes if you're receiving lymphatic therapy, post-oncologic rehab, or need more intensive hands-on support. As your recovery progresses, session length may be adjusted to best meet your evolving needs.

If you’re recovering from surgery, undergoing chemotherapy, or experiencing fatigue, I work closely with your medical team to ensure therapy is appropriate, safe, and aligned with your current capacity. In some cases, 30 minutes may be the most your body can tolerate—and that’s okay. We honor where you are, and build from there.

Every session is individually tailored to support your healing process, goals, and overall well-being.

Hand therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation focused on restoring function, strength, and mobility in the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder—also known as the upper extremity.

It’s provided by an occupational or physical therapist with advanced training in treating conditions such as:

• Post-surgical recovery (fractures, tendon repairs, nerve injuries, etc.)

• Arthritis or joint pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve compression

• Tendonitis and overuse injuries

• Scar management and swelling

• Stiffness, weakness, or loss of fine motor skills

As a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), I use a combination of manual therapy, customized exercise programs, orthotic (splint) design, and pain management techniques to help you return to the activities you love—whether that’s buttoning a shirt, swinging a golf club, or writing comfortably.

What is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a licensed occupational or physical therapist who has advanced training and experience in treating conditions of the upper limb—shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand.

To become a CHT, a therapist must have:

• At least three years of clinical experience

• Over 4,000 hours of direct hand therapy practice

• Passed a rigorous national exam that tests advanced skills and knowledge in upper limb rehabilitation

CHTs are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to stay current with the latest techniques and research. They must continue learning and regularly recertify to maintain their credentials and provide the highest standard of care.

What is a Certified Post-Surgical Therapist?

A Certified Post-Surgical Therapist is a licensed rehabilitation professional—such as an occupational or physical therapist—who has received specialized training in how to safely and effectively support healing after surgery.

This expertise goes beyond general rehab. A certified post-surgical therapist understands how different surgical procedures—like breast cancer surgery, orthopedic repairs, or cosmetic surgeries—affect the body’s systems, including the lymphatic, muscular, fascial, and nervous systems.

At Lymph-A-Hand, our post-surgical therapist holds advanced training in:

• Lymphatic drainage therapy to reduce swelling and prevent complications like lymphedema

• Scar and myofascial tissue release for mobility and pain relief

• Oncology rehabilitation to support breast cancer recovery

• Orthopedic recovery for strength and functional return after injury or repair

We also collaborate with your surgical team to ensure the care you receive complements your procedure—never disrupts it. It’s about healing the right way, with the right hands.

Lymph-A-Hand provides care for early-stage (Stage 0 and I) lymphedema, with a special focus on clients recovering from post-surgical, orthopedic, or oncology-related conditions. Our approach centers on prevention, education, and gentle support to manage swelling before it becomes chronic.

While we do not provide the ongoing, intensive treatment required for advanced or chronic lymphedema (Stage II and beyond), We are happy to assess your needs and guide you toward appropriate care if more specialized management is required.

If you're experiencing persistent swelling, skin thickening (fibrosis), or frequent infections, your condition may benefit from complete decongestive therapy (CDT) — typically delivered by a provider who specializes in long-term lymphedema management. We can assist with education and referrals to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

At Lymph-A-Hand, we support clients with a range of chronic conditions related to the upper extremities and lymphatic system, including:

• Hand and wrist arthritis

• Post-surgical stiffness or weakness

• Repetitive strain injuries (like carpal tunnel or De Quervain’s)

• Ongoing orthopedic pain

• Soft tissue and scar-related discomfort

However, we do not provide treatment for chronic or advanced lymphedema (Stage II and beyond). This type of care typically requires daily, intensive management through complete decongestive therapy (CDT), which is not a service offered within the current model of this practice.

we focus on early-stage lymphedema care, post-surgical support, and prevention.

If you're experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or functional limitations, and don't see your condition listed, please contact the clinic. We would be happy to discuss whether our services are a good fit — or guide you to the right provider if needed.

Q: I had swelling in my legs after surgery. Can you help?
A: Yes! While we primarily focus on upper extremity care, we do treat post-surgical swelling in all areas of the body, including the legs, after procedures like cosmetic surgery or joint replacements.

Q: What don’t you treat?
A: We do not treat chronic lower extremity lymphedema (such as long-standing leg swelling from venous or lymphatic disease) or vascular conditions like venous insufficiency. If that applies to you, we’re happy to recommend a specialist.

Yes — as a certified lymphedema specialist, we support individuals who are experiencing early signs of lymphedema or post-surgical swelling. We focus on Stage 0 and Stage I lymphedema, where swelling is still mild and reversible.

Our goal is to help you understand your condition, manage symptoms early, and prevent progression through a holistic, wellness-based approach.

We offer:

• Education on early warning signs

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

• Gentle compression and light bandaging for mild swelling

• Scar and soft tissue mobilization

• Self-care techniques to support your lymphatic system

However, if your swelling has become persistent, includes tissue changes like hardness or thickening, or no longer responds to elevation, you may be experiencing chronic lymphedema (Stage II or higher). This level of care typically requires daily treatment, multilayer bandaging, and long-term management through a full decongestive therapy program (CDT).

If this is the case, I will help connect you with a trusted provider who offers that specialized care.

Lymph-A-Hand is a cash-based, out-of-network wellness practice. While WE do not stock or sell bandaging or compression garments, we are happy to apply bandaging or assist with compression during your session — you’ll just need to bring your own supplies.

If you're unsure what to purchase, I will:

• Guide you on the appropriate bandaging or compression for your condition

• Recommend trusted local or online vendors

• Help you determine whether your symptoms are manageable through early-stage care or may require a referral for complete decongestive therapy (CDT)

Even though I do not work within insurance networks, I’m here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in managing your care.

Yes—you can and should begin rehabilitation before surgery. Pre-operative (Phase I) rehab helps prepare your body, reduce post-surgical complications, and improve recovery outcomes. This phase focuses on gentle mobility, education, and lymphatic preparation—nothing that would interfere with your surgical site, drains, or healing.

Post-surgery, we tailor therapy to your stage of healing. Early rehab focuses on gentle, safe movement and scar management to prevent stiffness and swelling. We are highly experienced in working around drains and surgical restrictions with care and precision.

Yes, you can continue receiving therapy during radiation. In fact, it often helps reduce fatigue, manage skin sensitivity, and maintain range of motion.

As for YouTube—while online videos might offer general exercises, they can’t assess your unique surgical history, lymphatic needs, or restrictions. We specialize in individualized, medically informed care that’s safe, empowering, and designed just for you. Your body—and your recovery deserve more than a one-size-fits-all video

Manual Lymphatic Drainage isn’t just for one type of person — it’s for anyone who wants to support their body’s natural healing and detox processes, especially during times of recovery, stress, or transition.

MLD is especially helpful for:

Post-surgical clients – including mastectomy, cosmetic procedures (like liposuction or tummy tuck), orthopedic surgery, or joint replacements — to reduce swelling, bruising, and promote smoother healing.

Individuals currently in or recovering from cancer treatment – with physician clearance, MLD offers safe, gentle support for swelling, discomfort, and emotional stress.

Pregnant individuals – particularly in the second and third trimesters, MLD can ease fluid retention, reduce swelling in the legs and feet, and support circulation. (Always performed with medical approval.)

Those with lymphedema or chronic swelling – to manage fluid buildup, ease discomfort, and maintain mobility.

People recovering from injury or trauma – MLD supports tissue repair and calms inflammation.

Anyone feeling puffy, sluggish, or inflamed – MLD promotes gentle detoxification and helps reset the body’s natural rhythm.

Those experiencing chronic stress or fatigue – the calming, rhythmic nature of MLD promotes deep

When Oncology Massage & MLD May Not Be Appropriate

If you have active blood clots (DVT)
If you are in active infection or fever
If you have low blood counts or fragile skin from radiation
If there is cancer-related swelling without a clear diagnosis
If you are undergoing specific types of treatment that require temporary delay of massage

We always work in collaboration with your medical team, and your comfort and safety come first.

Whether you're recovering from oncologic surgery, orthopedic injury, or preparing for an active return to life, our sessions are designed to go far beyond simple movements. We focus on dynamic, functional rehabilitation tailored to your goals—whether that’s reaching into cabinets, returning to yoga, swinging a golf club, or rock climbing again.

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting or activewear-style clothing that allows full access to the area we’ll be treating and freedom of movement.

• For manual lymphatic drainage, non-restrictive, breathable clothing is essential.

• For upper extremity and hand therapy, everyday activewear is usually appropriate.

• If a session involves postural retraining, strength work, or more athletic movement, I’ll notify you in advance so you can dress accordingly.

Your therapy is not one-size-fits-all. It’s intentional, hands-on, and results-focused—designed to help you move, live, and thrive again.