✓ How to make an appointment and get a complimentary consultation?
✓ Why is a complimentary phone consultation (No-obligation) required to set an appointment?
✓ What makes medical massage different from spa massage?

✓ Is Lymphatic drainage massage painful?

✓ What to expect at a Massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage - MLD Therapy visit?
✓ Identifying Qualified Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) therapists and providers
✓ What is our policy on acceptance of Insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare?
✓ What forms of payments are accepted at Wake Medical Massage, LLC?
✓ Cancellation - 24 Hour Advance Notice Requirement
✓ Do the services provided at Wake Medical Massage, LLC replace the need for a physician?
✓ Is the location of the office wheelchair accessible?
✓ If we require, what document can your USA Board Certified physician provide to receive Certified Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) or Medical Massage Therapy services?
✓ During the treatment session, other than the client and therapist, is anyone else allowed to be present in the treatment room?
✓ Where can I read up on HIPAA Guidelines?
✓ What is the intake and treatment process for children aged 18 and under?
✓ Where will my MLD, massage, or bodywork treatment session take place?
✓ What should I wear?

✓ How is the treatment time accounted for the cellphone use during your visit?
✓ Must I be completely undressed?
✓ Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
✓ Why we DO NOT provide full-body massage or bodywork?
✓ What parts of my body will be massaged?
✓ What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
✓ Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
✓ What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
✓ How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
✓ What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
✓ Where can I read about Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) service provided at Wake Medical Massage, LLC?

✓ How many Massage and or Manual Lymph Drainage MLD therapy sessions will I need?
✓ What are some contraindications for Massage, Bodywork, Manual Lymph Drainage - MLD, and CranioSacral Therapy?

✓ What is our acceptance of& the procedure/surgery/treatment done outside of the USA

How to make an appointment and get a complimentary consultation?
Appointments and complimentary consultations for new and existing clients are accepted and conducted by phone - 919.228.9559 (Please refrain from SMS, Texting, or Emails). We may be serving a client when you call, so please leave a brief message with a callback number and we will attempt to contact you during our business hours.

Why is complimentary phone consultation (No-obligation) required?
Before scheduling your appointment (the recipient of services), we must ask and understand your goals, desires, hopes, and expectations for massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy needs.

What makes medical massage different from spa massage?
Medical massage is focused on clinical outcomes—like reducing pain, swelling, or post-op complications. It’s often prescribed or recommended by a physician and is customized for specific conditions.

Can I book a session without a doctor’s referral?
Yes. While we welcome referrals from healthcare providers, you don’t need one to book an appointment unless we request during your phone consultation or at your initial visit and assesment.

Is lymphatic drainage massage painful?
No. It’s a gentle, rhythmic technique designed to stimulate lymph flow, often described as relaxing and soothing.

What to expect at a massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage - MLD therapy visit?

When you first call to make your appointment, it’s important to explain exactly what you’d like to work on. Talk to us about what your specific needs are. For example, why did your doctor recommend you have a therapeutic massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy? What are the areas of concern, and why or how did it happen? 

The more information you provide, the better! If we are unfamiliar with your issues, you may be referred to other specialists in the area who can better serve your specific needs.

With your goals in mind, your therapist at Wake Medical Massage, LLC will customize your massage or MLD therapy treatment to best fit your needs, depending on the areas of issue. Instead of a whole-body treatment, a therapeutic massage or MLD session tends to focus on your targeted area of concern — for an extended period.

A therapeutic massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage can greatly benefit your overall well-being! Focused massage/MLD techniques can help decrease pain, soreness, scars, and stiffness, make it easier to move and function more normally, and may help you heal better from a variety of medical concerns. If it’s an option in your treatment, the outcomes can be very positive.

Identifying Qualified Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) therapists and providers

In North Carolina, massage licensure (LMBT) alone does not indicate competency in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)—the cornerstone of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Proper MLD application for oncology, orthopedic, and cosmetic surgery patients requires advanced training through a LANA-recognized program (Vodder Technique or equivalent).

Therapists who meet these standards hold the Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist (CMLDT) credential. These practitioners are qualified to manage:

• Post-plastic surgery swelling and fibrosis
• Secondary lymphedema
• Treatment side effects in oncology care

Wake Medical Massage therapists are LMBT and CMLDT-certified, with additional training in Advanced MLD for post-plastic surgery management. Credentials are visibly displayed, and pre-treatment consultation is encouraged for patient safety and continuity of care.

What is our policy on acceptance of Insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare?
Payment in full is required at the time of service. A transaction receipt will be provided for your records. Please note that we do not accept or contract with any insurance carriers. As a result, our services are not covered by insurance at the time they are rendered. We also do not participate in Medicare or Medicaid programs; therefore, claims submitted to Medicare or secondary insurance companies will not be accepted. However, we do accept payments from Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Flex accounts (terms and conditions apply).(Terms apply)

Check with your physician on medical needs or necessity to justify the need for Certified Medical Massage or Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy. Your HSA/FSA/FLEX service provider may require you to submit a letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor showing the diagnosis, treatment needed, and length of treatment along with the original receipt. 

Please Note: We do NOT bill health insurance

What forms of payments are accepted at Wake Medical Massage, LLC?
Full payment is required to receive our services and a transaction receipt is available for your records. We accept cash, debit/credit cards, Health Savings Accounts - HSA, Flexible Saving Accounts - FSA, and FLEX cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. We DO NOT accept PayPal, Venmo or Zelle.

Your HSA/FSA/FLEX service provider may require you to submit a letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor showing the diagnosis, treatment needed, and length of treatment including the CPT code (issued by your physician) along with the original receipt. 

A $3 surcharge Fee (per session) will be added for all card payments. We are not accepting checks. We do not accept HSA, FSA, or Flex cards as payment for gift certificate purchases. We use Square System to process card payments. Square's statement on accepted cards - Learn more ►

Please Note: We do NOT bill health insurance

How are cancellations (24-hour notification), no-shows, and late arrivals handled?
If you cannot keep your appointment time slot, call us 24 hours prior. This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to give us 24 hours of advance notice you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. This amount must be paid before your next scheduled appointment.

Anyone who either forgets or consciously chooses to forgo their appointment for whatever reason will be considered a “ no-show.” They will be charged for their “missed” appointment.

IF YOU ARRIVE LATE (FOR ANY REASON), YOUR SESSION WILL BE SHORTENED to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending upon how late you arrive, your therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the treatment length,  you will be responsible for the “full” session. Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time.

During the treatment session, other than the client and therapist, is anyone else allowed to be present in the treatment room? 

We follow HIPAA guidelines and protect the client's privacy. A visitor may escort the client to our practice. Please note, that only the recipient of our service is allowed to be in the treatment room except if the client is a minor (under the age of 18) and to be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian. Please let us know if you have any questions on this matter. 

Where can I read up on HIPAA Guidelines?

We follow HIPAA guidelines and protect the client's privacy. Here are good reads and everything you want to know about HIPAA (1) and (2)

What is the intake and treatment process for children aged 18 and under?
No person will be denied admission based on race, religion, or appearance. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12, NOT SEEKING OUR SERVICES, SHALL BE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING OUR PRACTICE. No children under the age of 18 will be able to receive any service without the express written consent of their parent or guardian. For children 18 and under receiving our services, a parent or guardian MUST remain in the treatment room, and for all minor children, the parent must remain on the premises during services.

Do the services provided at Wake Medical Massage, LLC replace the need for a physician?
No! Massage therapy is not a cure-all, a replacement for conventional care or other forms of medical care. However, when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, massage therapy can be a vital tool in improving your quality of wellness. Our services are available in addition to the care you get from your healthcare team. Before receiving therapeutic treatment/s from us, please consult with your healthcare provider about your medical condition and needs. Referral may be required and must be given in writing, dated, and signed by the referring board-certified practitioner

Is the office wheelchair accessible?
No! Our practice is in a commercial, two-story building complex with stairs leading to the second floor. The massage table is the traditional style with no hydraulic lift.

If we require, what document can your USA Board Certified physician provide to receive Certified Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) or Medical Massage Therapy services?
We may require a physician/healthcare provider's permission/referral for treatment (From USA Board Certified practicing in the USA). Call us for more information. 

Where will my MLD, massage, or bodywork treatment session take place?
Your treatment session will take place in a comfortable room. You will lie on a massage treatment table especially designed for your comfort.

What should I wear?
Please bring a pair of shorts (not tight fitting) and sports bra or tank top to ease in evaluation and treatment.

Do I need to remove jewelry to receive treatment?
It is best if you don’t wear any jewelry to receive massage and or manual lymphatic drainage service. Therapy treatments can be challenging if we work around earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, body piercing jewelry. Also, you probably don’t want your jewelry to get oily. Wake Medical Massage, LLC accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage of any personal belongings. So kindly secure all your belongings.

How is treatment time accounted for cellphone use during your visit?
We request you put your electronic devices including your cellphone to silent mode during your visit. Your treatment time is NOT going to be put on hold or extended if you have to use your cell phone.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your comfort. Draping is required. You will be properly draped or covered with a sheet and only the area being worked on will be exposed.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the treatment table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
You and the therapist will discuss the desired outcome of your session during the initial intake. This will determine which specific area/part of your body requires massage. At Wake Medical Massage, LLC, we focus on a specific area and associated muscle group to help relieve your condition, pain, soreness, stiffness or swelling on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, shoulders, and abdomen and NOT provide a full-body massage. Female's breasts are always covered during abdominal work). 

Why we DO NOT provide full body massage or bodywork?
At Wake Medical Massage, LLC we keep your goals in mind and aim to focus on a specific area and associated muscle groups to help relieve your condition, pain, soreness, stiffness or swelling and NOT provide full-body massage or bodywork.  

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A light gentle massage is often a baseline for clients. Your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that help calm your nervous system and relax soft tissues. As your body becomes relaxed, firmer muscle manipulation may be applied to relieve areas of muscular tension. A light application of oil is often used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic effleurage (a long gliding stroke), petrissage (kneading, rolling, wringing, and lifting the soft tissue being worked on), friction, tapotement, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. During your visit, we can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
To help achieve your therapeutic needs, we must maintain proper verbal communication during the treatment session. Before the massage or MLD treatment, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating to adjust the level of pressure, additional draping, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or the particular technique you are receiving, please ask.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. As always, eat well, stay hydrated and exercise to stay fit!

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork may help with muscular tension and pain, support circulation, support joint flexibility, promote a sense of relaxation and well-being, and may aid in comfort, sleep, or stress relief..

Where can I read about Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) service provided at Wake Medical Massage, LLC?
Please visit our "Post-Op Lymphatic Massage | Manual Lymph Drainage page". For more information call us 919.228.9559.

• Post-surgery care is an essential component of recovery from any type of surgery or treatment. Treat your search for a Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy or Oncology Massage provider the same way you would for any healthcare provider. Hire a qualified and skilled CMLDT therapist trained in the Vodder Technique with excellent references in post-surgery treatment, and education in Lymphedema Management - MLD. Consult with them, form a bond, and take their advice on Lymphatic Drainage treatment for your specific surgery and desires when you trust them. Independent reviews certainly help.

• Certified MLD is a gentle non-invasive hands-on manual therapy and does NOT involve the use of any devices including cupping or ultrasound, external draining or pushing fluids out of the body from surgical incisions - including covered incisions, closed incisions, or drains. Book your Lymphatic Drainage session with us only after your surgical incisions have completely closed. Safety is the key therefore, we may request to consult with your surgeon and delay MLD treatments until incisions sites are properly healed.

• Be aware that the real Manual Lymphatic Drainage does NOT expel fluids out of your incisions. Anyone who calls this type of manipulation "lymphatic drainage" clearly has no understanding of what they are doing, and only uses it as a marketing gimmick and YOU are falling for it! If you get incisional drainage in a non-sterile environment (which is the place you get these "massages"), you are prone to a high risk of infection. Bacteria can enter easily through your incisions.

Your practitioner must ask general health questions before you plan or begin your session. You must inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder Technique) - CMLDT, massage, or bodywork before any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required. To learn about basic Massage Safety & Contraindications - Learn More ►    

How many Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage MLD therapy sessions will I need?

Response to Massage and or MLD varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. Your response is uniquely your own and can't be compared to anyone else's - even those cases that may appear to be similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies widely - from just one up to three or more a week over several weeks.

What are some of the contraindications for Massage, Bodywork, Manual Lymph Drainage - MLD, and CranioSacral Therapy?

There are medical reasons why Massage Therapy, Manual Lymph Drainage, and CranioSacral therapies are not performed. This includes any condition that would have fluid move back to your heart and/or kidneys.

To learn more, we ask that you read the Safety & Contraindications page on our website - Learn more ►

What is our acceptance of the procedure/surgery/treatment done outside of the USA

If you have any procedure/surgery/treatment done outside of the USA we may require you to get a referral/permission for massage or MLD treatment from a USA Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon M.D.
 

AI and Online Treatment Recommendations

At Wake Medical Massage, LLC, we understand that many clients use online resources or AI tools to learn more about massage therapy, post-surgical recovery, or lymphatic care. We appreciate your interest and encourage open dialogue about your health goals.

While we welcome any information you’d like to share, all treatments are performed based on a professional assessment and within the clinical scope of licensed massage therapy. Sessions are customized using evidence-based methods such as Medical Massage, Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique), Myofascial Release, and Post-Operative Care protocols.

For safety and best outcomes, we do not follow or replicate treatment plans generated by AI or non-clinical sources. Our priority is always to provide safe, effective, and individualized care guided by professional standards and collaboration with healthcare providers.

Open 7 Days - Extended Hours • By Appointment • 600 Gathering Park Circle, Suite 201, Cary, NC 27519

(919) 228-9559

Proudly serving clients from Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Pittsboro, Raleigh, RTP, Sanford, Wake Forest, and surrounding North Carolina Regions.