Santa Cruz Therapeutic Massage & Lymphatic Care

30 Years of Healing Wisdom

For three decades, I have been fortunate to serve the Santa Cruz community as a massage therapist and Klose Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CAMTC #63540).

My journey has led me through training in several healing modalities—from Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Oncology Massage to Myofascial Release—but the real teacher has always been you, the client.

Lilah Rose Abend -Massage Therapist Santa Cruz

Each session is a collaboration where your body’s wisdom guides my hands.

Personalized, Therapeutic Approaches

Each session draws from a rich palette of healing modalities, artfully combined to address your unique needs.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage — Gentle, rhythmic techniques to enhance lymph flow
Oncology Massage — Safe, supportive touch during and after cancer treatment
Myofascial Release — Releasing tension in the body’s connective tissue network
Antifibrotic Techniques — Specialized methods to address tissue hardening
Scar Mobilization — Compassionate work to improve mobility and sensation
Cupping & Gua Sha — Ancient methods to release fascial restrictions and improve circulation

These modalities are never applied as one-size-fits-all treatments, but rather woven together intuitively in response to your body’s wisdom and needs.

I Will Help You…

Recover from illness, injury or surgery
Find relief from chronic inflammation, tension, or pain
Support lymphatic health and circulation
Manage lymphedema or lipedema symptoms
Provide gentle care during or after cancer treatment
Boost wellness and immune function, while supporting detox pathways
Facilitate deep relaxation and balance for body and mind
Navigate each stage of your wellness journey, from addressing immediate concerns to helping you thrive

Informed Lymphedema Care After Cancer

As a massage therapist living with lymphedema after breast cancer, my professional approach has been deeply informed by personal experience. When lymphedema appeared following my cancer treatment, I discovered firsthand the importance of skilled manual lymphatic drainage.

This experience enhanced my existing practice with:

Specialized techniques
A nuanced understanding of client needs
Insights no textbook could provide

Living with lymphedema has taught me the physical sensations, daily adaptations, and effectiveness of various treatment approaches. This insight allows me to provide care that’s both technically precise and genuinely empathetic.

It is important to me to create a space where:

Your concerns are heard
Your questions are welcomed
Your comfort is prioritized

Every session focuses entirely on your unique needs and healing process.

What to Expect

Sessions typically last between 75 to 90 minutes, providing ample time to focus on your individual needs with thoughtful care and attention.

Each appointment begins with a brief consultation to discuss your current concerns and goals, ensuring a personalized approach to your treatment.

Rate: $195 per session

Client Testimonials & Kind Words

“I can honestly say that the regular treatments I’ve been receiving from Lilah every 2-3 weeks for about one year now have been the only intervention that has made a noticeable impact on my lymphedema symptoms — since I started my sessions with Lilah, I have experienced reduced pain, swelling, and size of my arm and hand; recently, a surgeon even downgraded my staging! Lilah’s treatment is absolutely unique, because she combines the intuitive healing touch of a massage therapist with the rigorous evidence-based strategic therapeutics of someone professionally trained in the highest standard of Manual Lymphatic Drainage. She’s one of a kind.”

Anjuli Verma, PhD

“Lilah is incredibly skilled. Her hands are magical. I leave feeling relaxed, restored, and revived. Her lymphatic drainage massage, and skills with oncology massage have helped me recover from the challenging affects of chemotherapy. I highly recommend Lilah as a massage practitioner. She’s the best.”

Annie Boutelle

“Lilah is both a consummate professional and a compassionate, empathetic healer. I developed severe lower extremity lymphedema over just 2 months. Dealing with this painful, baffling condition is one of Lilah’s specialties. She knew exactly what I needed in manual lymphatic drainage massage and why. Every time I see her I feel comforted and exquisitely cared for. Plus, I leave feeling great! I can’t recommend Lilah highly enough.”

Karen Cogswell

“I first went to Lilah for her extra training in lymphatic massage. She has now become one of the most important people in my health care team. Routine massages from her have been life changing! Lilah has excellent training, smart hands, unparalleled intuition and deep empathy.”

Mary Lang

“Lilah is a kind, knowledgeable and compassionate massage therapist. She is very experienced in Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Her massages help manage my lymphedema, swelling and soreness. I highly recommend Lilah.”

Michele Paulsen

“Lilah is the most caring individual and she is a highly skilled manual lymphatic drainage massage practitioner. She is devoted to her work and her clients’ well-being, and is committed to maintaining a COVID-19-safe space, while also keeping it cozy and comfortable. I highly recommend Lilah.”

Marlene Pitkow

“Lilah is wonderful. Her office is warm, inviting, accessible and fragrance free. She makes you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. She got rid of my aching and inflamed armpit with Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Lilah is a very skilled and compassionate bodyworker.”

Katy Anderson

“Lilah is a professional. She is very adept at customizing massage to clients needs. She treats you with respect and checks in to ensure you are comfortable and getting the attention you need. Her space is beautiful and very peaceful. She has many years of experience and it shows. I highly recommend Lilah!”

Laura Monnig

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Intake & Consent Form

Please complete the confidential Client Intake & Consent Form prior to your first appointment.

Location

Tree of Life Healing Arts Center
632 Frederick Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Contact

(831) 428-2898
Lilah@lilahrosemassage.com

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