In 1996, while enrolled in the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts massage school, Susan Couture took an elective massaging volunteers with disabilities, from cerebral palsy to quadriplegia. Because of the chronic edema the volunteers presented, she chose to study lymphedema. When she saw an advertisement for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies course, offered three weeks after graduation, she registered. “A year later, I attended the Foldi Klinik of Lymphology’s first English-speaking lymphedema course offered in Germany, with special studies at the University of Zurich, Switzerland,” she says.

      

Manual lymphatic drainage is Couture’s specialty, along with massage therapy. “The muscles and fascia must be loosened for the delicate lymphatic vessels to contract,” explains Couture. “I sometimes incorporate ultrasound therapy to help in the healing process. This is beneficial for chronic conditions from muscle contracture, fibrosis, micro tears, nerve pain, assisting in edema reduction, surgery recovery and tissue regeneration.” Conditions this therapy may help include: whiplash, sports injury, repetitive strain, aesthetic surgery, restorative surgery, scar adhesions (new and old), chronic rhinosinusitis and more.

   

With a lifelong love of continuing education, Couture evolved into clinical research coordinating studies with decubitus ulcers (bedsores) and investigational products and compression devices. “I love reading peer reviewed articles on the influence of lymphatics and immune function relating to the brain, eyes, gut and tissue health and repair. Challenges to optimize health and assist in the healing process from a myriad of disease rely on the immune function of the lymphatic system,” she explains.

   

Oracle Massage’s Wellness Plan offers a discount for monthly visits for massage, lymph drainage or detox wraps.