Biography
Lynn Clemons is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Medical Massage Practitioner, and Licensed Massage Therapist with 20 years of clinical and teaching experience. She has twice received approved continuing education credentials from the NCBTMB. She has served on the board of an accredited Massage School and is a provider of continuing education classes for physicians, clinicians, estheticians and therapists. She is also a respected spa consultant with her “Secret Spa Shopper” on-site workshop, evaluation, and training program.
Lynn received her Lymphatic Training under the direction of Dr. Kathleen Francis, a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist with 34 years of experience. Dr. Francis suggested that Lynn use her “gift of gab” along with her new-found lymphedema skills to treat patients, but also to provide continuing education and seminars to the medical community which she has continued to do to this day. She has volunteered to present her knowledge of the lymphatic system to both practitioners and patients alike through her dynamic workshops and presentations.
In the beginning of her career Lynn provided lymphatic therapy at physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics throughout Virginia, then went on to open her own clinic, Equilibrium Therapy in Richmond Virginia where she offered continuing education, treated cancer patients with Lymphedema, as well as patients undergoing reconstructive and orthopedic surgery. More recently she has worked closely with the medical community in giving presentations regarding the Lymphatic System, and safe therapy techniques for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD).
A physician attending a recent presentation of hers wrote “… I was the medical director at the Camp Mak-A-Dream women’s retreat in Gold Creek Montana. Lynn Clemons was one of the featured speakers at the retreat. I believe her presentations are of great value to practitioners as well as patients and I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet her.” Neil Granader, M.D.
In addition to her interest in treating Lymphedema and post-surgical edema, Lynn has served on the Board of Directors for an accredited Massage School in Richmond Virgina and went on to establish both corporate employee and “In-Hospital” massage programs.
She has also created a special spa evaluation program- “Secret Spa-Shopper” for international and 5-star resorts which include discreet guest interviews, incognito therapist evaluations, and consultation with spa management to design customized workshops to address the specific needs of each spa. Participating resorts include Singita-Lembobo South Africa, NIHI Sumba-Indonesia, Couples Resorts-Jamaica, Wintergreen Resort-U.S., and most recently Omni Hotels- Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia.
Ms. Clemons brings over 20 years of clinical and teaching expertise to the field, making her a valuable resource for medical professionals seeking to improve patient outcomes related to lymphatic health. Her work is research-driven and focused on delivering practical, evidence-based techniques. Her presentations are geared towards medical practitioners and therapists, incorporating the latest research and techniques. Her expertise and patient perspective provide a powerful and unique opportunity to enhance treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.
She offers CE & CME workshops and medical presentations focusing on Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) a treatment therapy for Lymphedema, Cancer, post-surgical swelling, and CRPS/RSD (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).
Lymphedema is a primary focus of her work, including both prevention and management. She addresses the causes, symptoms, and treatment of lymphedema. Her work includes educating both patients and health care professionals about this condition. She focuses on improving the transport capacity of the lymphatic system, improving immune cell trafficking and preventing fibrotic tissue changes leading to further complications such as cellulitis and elephantiasis. She also covers the specific body regions for MLD including the face, neck, thorax, abdomen, inguinal and popliteal areas.
The Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system is a critical component of overall health, playing a crucial role in fluid balance, immune response, and waste removal. Lymphedema, an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid due to mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system, is a significant condition affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the lymph load exceeds the transport capacity of the system. Secondary lymphedema can result from surgery, radiation, trauma, or infection, with a considerable number of cancer survivors being affected. It is important to note that as many as 50% of patients with swelling or pitting edema never report to a healthcare provider.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complex Decongestive Therapy: Ms. Clemons is an expert in MLD, a massage technique used to improve lymphatic circulation, reduce pain, swelling and fibrosis and enhance immune cell trafficking. Her training focuses on the practical application of MLD and CDT, ensuring that practitioners can safely and effectively implement these techniques in their own practice. Her hands-on training approach is designed to enhance therapists' analytical and therapy skills. Her workshops and medical presentations are tailored to meet the needs of individual clients and organizations.
Previous Presentations and Venues: Ms. Clemons has a long history of collaboration with medical societies, hospitals, and medical schools. She has presented information at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and has also worked with other notable institutions such as Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization, and Stony Point Women’s Health Center associated with VCU health system among others. She has provided training and presentations to rehabilitation facilities, retirement communities, and various wellness clinics. Ms. Clemons has also worked with international organizations, including spas and resorts in South Africa, Indonesia, and Jamaica. Her work spans various medical settings and has reached both national and international audiences.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: In addition to lymphedema, Ms. Clemons also addresses Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Notably, Ms. Clemons is a CRPS patient herself, bringing invaluable personal experience to her teachings. She offers specialized treatment and education in CRPS, drawing from her extensive research and personal insights. She understands the unique needs of patients with these conditions and provides a comprehensive approach to care. Her approach is unique due to her personal experience with Lymphedema and CRPS, adding a patient's perspective, and empathy to her instruction.
In summary, Lynn Clemons' expertise extends to a range of conditions, with a strong focus on Lymphedema, MLD, and CRPS, and other conditions impacting the lymphatic system, particularly in the context of cancer care, surgery, and pain management. Physicians and physical and massage therapists alike speak highly of her heart-felt lively presentations and her compassion and expertise.
You and your audiences will be captivated and enjoy fitting missing pieces of the medical puzzles often found in health care including a number of “Ah Ha” moments. Lynn Clemons’s commitment to improving patient care make her a valuable partner for any medical organization seeking to enhance their services.