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Physiotherapy

GC Haarlemmermeer

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Manual lymphatic drainage/edema therapy

Our body consists of two-thirds fluid. This fluid is located in and around all body cells and blood, lymph, and brain pathways. The lymphatic system runs throughout the entire body and, unlike blood circulation, has only a drainage system through which lymph fluid flows.
Edema is an abnormal accumulation of fluid and proteins in the body tissue as a result of a disturbed balance between the intake and drainage of fluid. Edema can be subdivided into lymphedema and venous edema.

What is edema therapy or manual lymphatic drainage?

In manual lymphatic drainage according to the Vodder method, a very gentle, spiral-shaped pressure is rhythmically applied to the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels; the direction is determined by the flow direction of the lymphatic system. The rhythm of the 'hand grip' is very important in this regard. The rhythm must correspond exactly to the opening and closing of the valves in the lymphatic vessels and capillaries, because only then can all the 'excess' body fluid be properly drained.

Indications for edema therapy

  • Swellings, such as lymphedema, swellings after an accident or surgery
  • Sprains
  • bruises
  • Dystrophy
  • Rheumatism (inflammatory phase)
  • Wear and tear (with swelling in the joint)
  • Symptoms resulting from stress, such as insomnia, loss of concentration, constipation, diarrhea
  • Organ complaints, such as the liver, the kidneys, the intestines, and the spleen

An edema therapist has completed additional training in edema therapy. The edema therapists also hold a Master's degree specializing in a condition involving edema problems.

Cheryl Brunt

  • Oncology physiotherapist MSc. and lymphedema therapist
  • BIG number: 49918639704
  • Overbos and Floriande

Nikkie de Haan

  • Oncology physiotherapist MSc. and lymphedema therapist
  • BIG number: 29912858704
  • Floriande

Linda Pronk

  • Orofacial Physiotherapist MSc., Lymphedema Therapist and Psychosomatic Physiotherapist in training.
  • BIG number: 39908777404
  • Overbos and Floriande
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Merel van Nimwegen

  • Merel van Nimwegen is a pediatric physiotherapist. She specializes in treating children with headaches, sensory processing issues, and psychosomatic complaints. Since 2025, Merel has been working on Fridays at the Paramedical Treatment Center for Headaches to treat children under the age of 14 with headaches. Additionally, she works in Heemstede: www.kinderfysio-heemstede.nl.
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Linda Pronk

  • Physiotherapist specializing in the treatment of jaw complaints, headaches, and dizziness. She is also specialized in edema therapy and psychosomatic physiotherapy.
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Veronique Huisman

  • Manual therapist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with headache complaints. She specializes in dry needling to complement the treatment of neck and headaches. Additionally, she specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder complaints.
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Tim Jongejans

  • Manual therapist specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with headache complaints. Additionally, he is pursuing scientific training at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences).
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Jasper Flick

  • Manual therapist specializing in treating various forms of dizziness, including the most well-known: BPPV. He also treats patients with headaches, spine-related complaints, and sports injuries.
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Dr. René Castien

  • Manual therapist, senior researcher at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and advisor at the Paramedical Treatment Center for Headache. Obtained a PhD from the Faculty of Medicine at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam based on research into the effectiveness of manual therapy for tension headache. René supervises and coordinates the collaboration on scientific research into headache between VU Amsterdam and the Paramedical Treatment Center for Headache.
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Laura de Kam

  • Manual therapist specializing in treating various forms of dizziness, including the most well-known: BPPV. She also treats patients with neck complaints, with and without headaches.
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Lotte de Fockert

  • Manual therapist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with headache complaints. She specializes in dry needling of the neck, jaw, and throat muscles to complement the treatment of headache and orofacial complaints. She also treats people with shoulder complaints.
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Andreas Amons

  • Manual therapist specializing in the treatment of patients with headache complaints. At the Department of General Practice of the Amsterdam UMC, he is conducting doctoral research into the effectiveness of manual therapy for migraine.