Andréa Prather, LMT, MLD-C, CPST

✨ 2.5-hour custom bodywork sessions are coming soon!

You know the setup: table lowered, controlled body-weight pressure, and slow, focused work through those stubborn areas of tension. This extended option is for established clients who enjoy deeper bodywork and comfortably tolerate our 2-hour sessions.

The extra 30 minutes gives us more time to address multiple areas without rushing. Pressure will always be adjusted to your comfort of course….💪🏼

All 10 enhancements are included: that’s right..
everything but the kitchen sink !!!
C*D oil(if you want)- I use C*D Clinic Level 5 Deep-Rub Pain Relief Oil. (C*D products are always optional) hot towels, steamed eye mask, aromatherapy, cupping therapy, muscle scraping, hot stones, red infrared light, Rapid Release vibration therapy, and percussive therapy—incorporated according to your preferences and what’s appropriate for your body.

This will only be available 9AM-11:30AM
Mondays-Saturdays

I also just bought something NEW that will be here on Tuesday! And that will also be a new enhancement on the menu.

⚠️ Warning⚠️ I don’t own a wheel barrow to remove you from the table to your vehicle, BUT, I will make sure you’re fully awake and able to walk out the door safely, even if I have to hold your arm and get you safely into your car and double check that you know who you are and where you are 🤣

This is such a bittersweet announcement to make… 🥺🤍

Starting in 3 weeks, I will be saying goodbye to the office space that has become so much more than just a room to me. My heart aches knowing I’ll be leaving this space because this is where I grew. This is where I rebuilt my confidence, expanded my practice, found my clientele, and became so much of the woman and therapist I am today. Inside this beautiful building, surrounded by kind, God-fearing women, my nervous system finally felt safe and at peace. I found a healthy environment where I could breathe, heal, and truly flourish…and my growth here speaks for itself.
I will forever be grateful to Vanessa King-Pearson for opening these doors to me when I came to her with a heavy heart, searching for somewhere to begin again. I needed a place to start fresh, a place to build a clientele, and a place where I could make something of myself. She gave me that opportunity…and I did exactly that. 🤍 I will never forget what this space and the women inside this building have meant to me.
But through the sad tears, there are also happy and hopeful ones. As my practice continues to grow and evolve, so have my needs. With new equipment, expanded services, and the direction God is leading my business, I have found a new space that I truly believe will be the best fit for both me and my clients.

I will be starting a beautiful new chapter at Dolce Vita Wellness & Dental Spa 💚

I am deeply grateful for where I have been, emotional about what I am leaving behind, and excited for everything that lies ahead. Thank you, Vanessa, for believing in me and giving me a safe place to begin again. A piece of my heart will always remain in this room. 🥺🤍

When your client surprises you with fresh homemade cookies AND a beautiful loaf of sourdough bread 🥹🩷 Feeling so loved and spoiled today!

I truly have the sweetest clients. 🍪🍞

Thank you Angela 🥹🫶🏽

Swelling after plastic surgery isn’t automatically a sign that something is wrong.

Surgery creates tissue trauma, which triggers your body’s normal healing response. Your connective tissue moves through four overlapping stages:

🩸 Hemostasis
🔥 Inflammation
🌱 Proliferation
✨ Remodeling/Maturation

This is one reason post-op care should change depending on how many days post-op you are. What may be appropriate several weeks into recovery may NOT be appropriate during your first few days.

While swelling is an expected part of healing, sudden or worsening swelling or other concerning symptoms should always be reported to your surgeon or medical team.

Post-op care isn’t one-size-fits-all. 💙

Post-Op MLD FAQs

💧 How often should I receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage after surgery?
Frequency varies by procedure and your surgeon’s recommendations. During the early stages of recovery, some clients may receive MLD 2–3 times per week, with sessions becoming less frequent as swelling improves and healing progresses.

💧 When can I start MLD after surgery?
This depends on your procedure and your surgeon’s post-operative protocol. Some clients may be cleared for gentle MLD within the first several days, while others need to wait longer. Your surgeon’s restrictions and clearance always come first.

💧 How many post-op MLD sessions will I need?
There isn’t a universal number. Your needs can change based on the type and extent of surgery, swelling, healing, compression use, and development of tissue firmness or fibrosis. Your progress should be reassessed throughout recovery.

💧 Do I need MLD every day after liposuction or a tummy tuck?
Not necessarily. More treatment is not automatically better. MLD should be appropriately timed and performed gently, particularly while tissues are newly healing.

💧 What surgeries can benefit from post-operative MLD?
When medically appropriate, MLD may be incorporated following procedures such as liposuction/Lipo 360, tummy tuck, breast procedures, BBL, body contouring, bariatric procedures, and some orthopedic surgeries.

💧 Is post-op MLD painful?
Dr. Vodder Method MLD should be gentle. It uses light, rhythmic movements rather than aggressive kneading or forceful pressure. Fresh surgical tissue should not be aggressively worked simply because it is swollen or firm.

💧 Is post-op MLD the same as Brazilian lymphatic massage?
No. My post-operative MLD is based on the Dr. Vodder Method, using gentle, specialized techniques to support lymphatic flow. It should not be confused with Brazilian lymphatic techniques, which may incorporate firmer, faster or more body-contouring-oriented movements.

💧 Can MLD prevent fibrosis?
Appropriate lymphatic management may be one component of post-operative care as swelling and tissues evolve, but MLD cannot guarantee that fibrosis will not develop. Treatment should progress according to the stage of healing and surgeon recommendations.

💧 What if my swelling suddenly gets worse?
MLD is not a substitute for medical evaluation of a possible complication. New one-sided leg swelling or calf pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, spreading redness, foul drainage, wound separation, or unusual/severe pain should be reported promptly to the appropriate medical provider rather than treated with massage.

APEX Massage & Bodywork has made it into the voting round for the 2026 San Angelo Community votes (Massage category!) 🥹

I’m incredibly grateful just to be included alongside so many wonderful local massage therapists and businesses. If you’ve been a client of mine and feel that I’ve earned your vote, I’d truly appreciate your support. Absolutely no pressure — simply being nominated and having the trust of so many of you already means more to me than you know. ❤️

You can vote here:
https://sanangelo.communityvotes.com/2026/08/healthcare/massages

Thank you for supporting my little business, trusting me with your care, referring your friends and family, and helping APEX continue to grow. I wouldn’t be here without you. 🫶🏼

— Andréa Prather, LMT
APEX Massage & Bodywork

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, San Angelo. Thank you for giving me a shot, believing in me, supporting my small business, and allowing me to be a part of your recovery. Honestly, None of this would be possible without you. ❤️