Do you know what sneaks up faster than a Calgary snowstorm?
The end of the year.

And along with it — all those unused insurance benefits.

If you’ve been meaning to try lymphatic drainage (or keep it up), now’s the perfect time to plan a schedule that supports your health and makes the most of those benefits.

This plan isn’t for people with compromised lymph systems — it’s a general health treatment plan designed to support circulation, decrease puffiness, and give your immune system a gentle boost as we head into the cold months.

The Treatment Mix
Here’s how we’ll structure things between now and the end of December:

• 3 sessions (75 minutes each): A luxurious combo of massage + lymph drainage. Perfect for when your body needs that extra attention — think tension release, circulation, and deep reset.
  
• The rest (45 minutes each): Focused lymph drainage sessions to keep things flowing and light.
  

Sample Timeline

• First session → 75 min Combo (Massage + Lymph)
• Second session → 45 min Lymph Drainage
• Third session→ 75 min Combo (Massage + Lymph)
• Forth session → 45 min Lymph Drainage
• Fifth session → 75 min Combo (Massage + Lymph)

That’s 5 sessions total — nicely spaced, deeply beneficial, and a smart way to make sure you’re not leaving insurance dollars unused.

Why summer swelling isn’t just in your imaginationI don’t know about you, but when the weather hits that perfect "standing-outside-feels-like-a-warm-hug-from-a-sweaty-relative" level, my ankles start to feel... well, less like ankles and more like memory foam.
And I see this all the time in clinic.
Summer heat can bring out the best in us—sunshine, lake days, sandals—but it also brings out the puff. Whether you live with lymphedema, lipedema, or you’re just wondering why your rings don’t fit after a dog walk, you’re not alone.
Let’s talk about what’s actually happening in your bodyHeat causes your blood vessels to expand, making it easier for fluid to escape into the surrounding tissues. Your lymphatic system works hard to mop that up—but it can get overwhelmed. Especially if you have lymphedema or a sluggish lymph flow from other reasons (surgery, inflammation, hormone shifts, etc).
And when that mop gets heavy... hello, swelling.
Hello, aching.
Hello, “why do my shoes feel like medieval torture devices?”
What lymphatic drainage can do (besides feel like a spa nap)Lymphatic drainage isn’t just for people with a medical diagnosis. It’s for anyone who wants to help their body move fluid more efficiently and feel a little lighter.
But for my folks with lymphedema or lipedema? Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is one of the most powerful tools we have—especially in the heat.
It:

• Reduces swelling
• Softens fibrotic tissue
• Improves comfort in compression garments
• Supports better energy and mobility
• Can make you feel like yourself again

I offer sessions both in-clinic at Same Stars Wellness in Calgary and mobile treatments a few days a week, serving Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere, Langdon, Okotoks, and of course, Calgary itself.
“But what if I don’t have lymphedema?”You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from lymphatic support. If you’re dealing with:

• Summer bloating
• Puffy eyes after patio season
• Feeling heavy and tired in the heat
• Traveling (hello, airplane ankles)
• Or just curious about trying it...

Come in. Your lymph wants some love too.


Summer Survival Tips for Your LymphWhile I’d love to see you on my table, here are a few simple things you can do today:
☀️ Hydrate more than you think you need toYes, even if you “don’t feel thirsty.” Your lymph relies on water to keep things moving.
The lymphatic system is like your body's internal plumbing. And just like a sink drain gets sluggish without enough water running through it, your lymphatic vessels need adequate hydration to transport lymph fluid efficiently.
When you’re dehydrated, lymph becomes thicker and more stagnant. That means more swelling, more fatigue, and more of that “why-do-my-legs-feel-like-sandbags” feeling.
Aim for small, steady sips all day, not just chugging when you remember. Add a pinch of sea salt or a squeeze of lemon to help your body actually absorb the water (and make it feel a little fancy).
🧊 Cool down smartlyUse cold packs on swollen areas (wrapped in a cloth), or take a quick cool shower. It helps calm inflammation.
🧦 Wear your compression gear, even when it’s hotI know, I know. Compression in summer feels like punishment. But consistent use can prevent that 4 p.m. leg balloon effect. Try cooling sleeves or lighter fabrics when you can.
🛏️ Elevate those limbsTen minutes with your legs up on a wall or propped on pillows can do wonders for draining the day’s buildup.
🚶 Move gently, oftenLymph loves movement. Take a slow stroll in the evening, or do ankle pumps while binge-watching whatever Netflix thinks you’ll like next.

​👉 Click here to book your session
👉 Learn more about Lymphedema from the Alberta Lymphedema Association
👉 Learn more about Lipedema at Lipedema Canada

As June comes to a close, so does Lipedema Awareness Month—but for those living with lipedema, the journey toward better health and mobility continues year-round.
Lipedema is a chronic and often painful condition that primarily affects women, leading to the abnormal accumulation of fat, usually in the legs, hips, and arms. It’s often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, which is why raising awareness is so critical.
One of the most effective ways to manage lipedema is by working with a Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT)—someone trained to address the lymphatic system’s role in this condition. As a CLT and Registered Massage Therapist, I offer support to help you feel more comfortable in your body, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and regain control of your daily life.
How a Certified Lymphatic Therapist Can Help with Lipedema:

1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
   This gentle, rhythmic technique encourages healthy lymph flow and helps reduce the swelling and heaviness often associated with lipedema.
2. Compression Guidance
   I can help you find and fit compression garments that work for your unique body, which are essential in supporting tissue health and reducing progression.
3. Treatment Planning
   Every person with lipedema is different. I work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and symptoms.
4. Education & Support
   Understanding your condition is empowering. I’ll walk you through the “why” behind every approach and connect you with resources like Lipedema Canada for community and advocacy.

Let’s Build Your Plan TogetherYou don’t have to wait until next June to prioritize your health. Lipedema Awareness Month may end today, June 30, but your path to feeling better can begin right now.
Book your appointment today and start planning your customized lymphatic therapy program with me.
👉 Book Now


Together, we can support your body and improve your quality of life—one session at a time.

Why a Treatment Plan Is Essential After a Lymphedema Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of lymphedema can feel overwhelming—but the good news is, there is a path forward. The key? Creating a consistent, personalized treatment plan with a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Lymphedema is a chronic condition, but with early intervention and the right approach, it can be managed effectively—often preventing further progression.
Understanding the Stages of LymphedemaLymphedema progresses in stages. Once the condition advances to a new stage, it cannot be reversed—which is why early and consistent treatment is so crucial.

• Stage 0 (Latent Stage): No visible swelling, but the lymphatic system is already compromised.
  
• Stage I: Swelling comes and goes and may reduce with elevation. The tissue is still soft.
  
• Stage II: Swelling is more constant. The tissue becomes firmer, and elevation alone no longer helps.
  
• Stage III (Lymphostatic Elephantiasis): The affected area becomes very swollen, with thickened, hard skin, and increased risk of infection.
  

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and keep the condition from advancing to a higher stage.
What Is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?CDT is the gold standard of care for lymphedema. It’s a multi-step approach that works to reduce swelling, restore mobility, and improve overall lymphatic function. A Certified Lymphatic Therapist will guide you through the following components:

1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A specialized technique that stimulates lymph flow.
   
2. Compression Therapy: Using bandaging or garments to prevent fluid buildup.
   
3. Skin Care: Preventing infection is vital—clean, well-cared-for skin is a must.
   
4. Exercise: Gentle movement supports lymph flow and helps maintain function.
   
5. Education & Self-Care: You’ll learn how to care for your condition daily and long-term.
   

Why a Personalized Plan MattersEvery body—and every case of lymphedema—is different. That’s why working with a certified therapist to create a tailored treatment plan is critical. Regular sessions, monitoring, and adjustments based on how your body responds are what keep lymphedema in check.
This isn’t a “wait and see” condition. It's a “take action now” situation. The earlier and more consistently you treat lymphedema, the better your long-term outcomes.

Start Your Plan Today
Take the first step toward managing your lymphedema--contact Jennifer Strukoff, RMT & CLT, to begin your personalized treatment plan today. Your lymphatic health is worth it.
📧 https://samestarsmassage.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/37

Support and ResourcesFor further information, support, and local resources, visit:

• Alberta Lymphedema Association
  
• BC Lymphedema Association