Everything you need to know about services, booking, pricing, and what to expect — answered directly by Dr. Shanie.
I support adults, young adults, and children who are:
You'll always see me — Dr. Shanie Dasrath. I hold a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD, OTR/L), and I am also a licensed massage therapist (LMT) and certified lymphedema therapist (CLT-LANA).
Lymphatic Care and Wellness is an Occupational Therapy clinic — which means your care is grounded in OT's whole-body, function-focused clinical framework. Unlike a PT clinic or massage-only practice, OT brings a deeper lens to how your body moves, heals, and functions as a system. Every session is delivered by me, personally.
All sessions are conducted in-person at the Lymphatic Care and Wellness clinical suite in Ankeny, IA — a private, dedicated space designed specifically for manual therapy. The environment is quiet, professional, and fully confidential. Home visits and virtual sessions are not offered at this time.
There is no online self-booking at LCW. When you reach out, Dr. Shanie will personally call you to learn about what you're experiencing, answer your questions, and make sure you're matched with the right service and session length.
This conversation typically covers your history, your goals, what to expect from your session, and pricing — so you arrive informed and confident, not guessing. It's simply how LCW works, and it's part of what makes the care here different.
Massage focuses on muscles, joints, fascia, and the nervous system. Best for pain, tension, stress, and general body discomfort.
Lymphatic Wellness MLD uses very light, rhythmic Vodder techniques to support lymph flow and mild swelling, and to promote recovery and relaxation. Best for puffiness, feeling inflamed, or wanting gentle lymph support and nervous system reset.
Choose Post-Op / Lymphedema / Lipedema if you:
Choose Lymphatic Wellness MLD if your swelling is mild or you are primarily looking for lymph support, wellness, decreasing inflammation, and nervous system reset.
Dr. Shanie's training in pelvic function is a clinical lens that deepens every session — whether lymphatic care or therapeutic massage. Understanding how the pelvic floor connects to posture, breathing, tissue tension, and fluid movement means your care is always informed by a whole-body picture.
This is particularly relevant if you experience:
For mild pelvic floor concerns — such as urinary leakage, urgency, or frequency — Dr. Shanie offers a focused 30-minute Pelvic Floor Education session ($65) that can be booked as a standalone session or alongside any appointment. This is not full pelvic floor therapy — it's personalized exercises, strategies, and education you can apply on your own between visits.
For complex pelvic floor conditions, Dr. Shanie will refer you to a specialized Pelvic Floor PT for the in-depth assessment and treatment those conditions require.
This depends on your surgeon's protocol and your healing. Some clients are cleared within a few days while others may need to wait longer. I always follow your surgeon's instructions and work within what is safe and comfortable.
When in doubt, ask your surgeon: "When am I cleared for gentle lymphatic massage or MLD with a trained therapist?"
That said, MLD can often begin very soon after surgery — even within hours or the next day — as it helps decrease pain and swelling and improves your recovery journey.
I will always work within my scope of practice and avoid areas that are still healing or not cleared by your surgeon. All techniques are adapted based on your stage of healing, comfort, and medical guidance. I also utilize laser therapy to support wound healing, healing incisions, and other areas as appropriate.
No. Diagnosis must be made by a qualified medical provider. As a LANA-certified CLT and Occupational Therapist I can:
Yes. I provide lymphatic-focused care using CDT principles, including MLD, bandaging, education, exercise, skin care, and garment guidance.
I use Square Appointments for secure scheduling and payment processing.
A credit card is required to hold all appointments.
That's very common — you're not alone. You can send a message or text with your main symptoms, any diagnoses or surgeries, and your goals. I'll help you choose the best service and session length for your needs. No obligation, no pressure.
Appointments can fill quickly, especially for post-op care. Whenever possible:
Because I reserve this time specifically for you, I request at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule.
I'll always do my best to make the most of the time we have together. Out of respect for clients scheduled after you, I'm generally unable to extend the session if you arrive late — but you'll still receive focused, attentive care for whatever time remains. The full session fee applies.
Payment is due at the time of service. I accept:
All appointments require a card on file. The card is only charged outside of your presence for no-shows or cancellations per the cancellation policy.
My session fees are set to reflect the time, training, and care involved in each visit — so tips are never expected or required. If you choose to leave one, it is always appreciated but completely optional. The greatest compliment is your continued care and referrals.
I am an out-of-network, self-pay provider and do not bill insurance directly. This allows me to focus entirely on your needs without restrictions from insurance plans.
Many clients use HSA/FSA cards — especially for lymphatic, lymphedema, lipedema, and post-operative care. If needed, I can provide receipts or visit summaries you may submit to your plan for possible reimbursement.
A formal referral is not required for most services, but I'm always happy to coordinate with your medical team. For complex medical conditions, recent surgery, or active infections, I may ask for confirmation that hands-on care is appropriate.
You will always be draped appropriately to protect your comfort and privacy.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early on your first visit to complete intake paperwork.
Your first visit typically includes:
Yes. In some situations hands-on work may be delayed or modified, such as:
If you are unsure, please check with your medical provider first or contact me with questions. Your safety is always the priority.
In many cases, yes — with modified techniques and positions. Please let me know if you are pregnant or trying to conceive so I can adapt your session appropriately. For high-risk pregnancies, I may request clearance from your provider.
Text or message Dr. Shanie directly — she'll point you in the right direction with no obligation.