Ann has recently completed an advanced training with certification in the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD®) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), offered by the internationally recognized Dr. Vodder School - North America. The program that Ms. Lopez attended included pathology instruction and examination with the medical director of the school.

Completion of this 160 hour intensive training program make Ms. Lopez one of the approximately 500 therapists in North America who are currently certified to practice this specialized technique.

CDT enables its graduates to manage patients with lymphedema and venous insufficiency edema, using a combination of Manual Lymph Drainage, Exercise Therapy, Compression Bandaging and Skin Care. This allows advanced care of patients wit lymphedema, whether from surgery, radiation or congenital malformation. Suitable venous edemas may also be managed successfully with these techniques.

MLD can also be used in the care of patients with conditions suck as venous statis ulcerations, wounds, scar tissue, burns, traumatic edema, dermatological conditions such as rosacea, orthopedic indications such as adhesive, arthritic conditions, acute whiplash, Meniere's Syndrome, migraines, etc.

Apart from increasing lymph flow, MLD also has a pain relieving effect and can be used with recent trauma such as sports injuries. Patients find the technique soothing and relaxing with no deleterious side effects. It is a gentle, rhythmic massage-like movement, performed with a great deal of precision and requires a well-trained therapist to obtain good results.

Ann has a BA in English from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated in 2000 from the American School of Clinical Massage with 1250 hours of massage training. She is licensed in Washington State, certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and body workers. She is also board certified by the American Medical Massage Association. She is a member of the AMMA (American Medical Massage Association), the AMTA (American Massage Therapists Association), the ABMP (American Bodywork and Massage Professionals) and NAVALT (North American Vodder Association of Lymphatic Therapists®).

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