Sylvia Hood Washington, PhD, MD, MPH, CLT-LANA
Physical Therapist
1N544 Bobolink Dr Winfield IL, 60190About
Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington is a naturopathic doctor and internationally certified lymphatic therapist (CLT-LANA) practicing in both Aurora, IL and Winfield, IL. Dr. Hood Washington specializes in proactive prevention and treatment of lymphatic and circulatory disorders including lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency . Dr. Hood Washington is certified in Complete Decongestive Therapy and supports patients who are cancer survivors, and those recovering or preparing from orthopedic to plastic surgery. She combines holistic healing methods with traditional solutions to medical illness. Providing both individual and family care, the most common ailments treated are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, obesity, heart disease, fibromyalgia, cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Naturopathic Physicians place a strong emphasis on natural remedies that add to the broad spectrum of remedies available.
Education and Training
Case Western Reserve Univ. MSE 1987
Case Western Reserve Univ. PhD 2000
UIC School of Public Health MPH 2008
Provider Details
Sylvia Hood Washington, PhD, MD, MPH, CLT-LANA's Expert Contributions
5 Steps To A Healthier You - Naturally
5 Steps & 5 Elements For A Healthier You All of us at some point in time in our lives, perennially start a New Year with an honest commitment to be healthier. Let’s start this new year and new decade with a 21st century health model. The basic 4 elements needed for life are: food, water,...
Rash on back after massage therapy?
High probability that it was. The therapist should have asked you if you had an allergy to the oils before applying them to your body. READ MORE
Is massage therapy good for shoulder bursitis?
The suffix "itis" means inflammation. What you need is the medically documented "Manual Lymphatic Drainage", CPT 97140. It is known to reduce inflammation and swelling. READ MORE
Can massage therapy treat muscle pain?
You should ultimately seek out a primary care provider to determine if there is a deeper problem like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Yes, depending on the root cause, massage and more specifically manual lymphatic drainage could provide relief of your symptoms. READ MORE
Is massage therapy good for nerve pain?
With a doctor or primary care approval, medical massage can be very helpful in treating pain. READ MORE
Can massages help someone with arthritis?
Absolutely. Manual lymphatic drainage, has been shown to reduce both swelling and pain and it supports patients with arthritis. READ MORE
Is exercise incorporated into naturopathic medicine?
It will depend on the practitioner's training but many naturopathic doctors receive training in manual techniques. READ MORE
Can massage therapy help fibromyalgia?
Yes medical massage or manual lymphatic drainage has been proven to help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. READ MORE
Do naturopathic physicians do healing work similar to chiropractors?
These are distinctly different but overlapping professions. You need to contact the naturopath and ask about their specific training, licensing and certification. READ MORE
How much schooling is required for a massage therapist?
1 yr to 2 yrs depending on the state and the school. It requires at least 500 contact hours. READ MORE
What natural methods can I use to treat my insomnia?
Look into top rate PEMF (pulse electromagnetic field) devices. READ MORE
Is reflexology better than a massage?
It depends on what you are trying to address. For moving lymphatic fluid and increasing blood circulation that has pooled around the lower extremities a Certified Reflexologist can provide better results. READ MORE
Does falling asleep during a massage make it difficult for my therapist?
Yes and no. For a full body (front and back of the body), the therapist will need to wake you up to turn you. The physical impact of the session will not be negatively impacted. The therapist is increasing your body's circulation and reducing tension in the fascia and being asleep does not interfere with that objective. READ MORE
Why is it recommended to drink water after a massage?
We are boosting micro and macro circulation (blood and lymphatic fluid). The more water you drink the better the flow of fluid through the system and the more optimal the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells and organs and the removal of waste products. If you accelerate the release of the waste products but they cannot move out of the system because of a backlog you create a toxic environment. Water helps boost the flow of this material through and out of the body systems. READ MORE
Can massages relieve pregnancy fatigue?
Absolutely yes it can. The amount of fluid in the body because of pregnancy dramatically increases with the developing fetus. Pregnancy fatigue is created and exacerbated by this increase in fluid volume with concomitant impacts on the cardiovascular and lymphatic system. Massage especially manual lymphatic drainage helps reduce this system load and promotes reductions in edema and pain READ MORE
Is there such a thing as "too much pressure" in massage therapy?
Yes, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure. Properly trained and licensed massage therapists are taught about endangerment sites particularly those along the neck. You also have to take into consideration when applying pressure, the age of the patient and existing co-morbidities because some massage can result in a stroke. READ MORE
What causes knots in your muscles?
You are referring to congested fascia when you describe the knots. When you are stressed your body tenses up and creates a reduction in blood flow to underlying tissues and organs. Massage promotes blood flow (vasodilation) to these areas causing them to open and release. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Research Associate Professor UIC School of Public Health 10 - 16
Professional Memberships
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)
- American Massage Therapy Association, Illinois Chapter
- Lymphology Association of North America
- Healing Touch Professional Association
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- Healing Touch of Tau -- Lymphatic Patient Support 501 C3
Areas of research
Lymphatic systems and human resiliency in the face of environmental and climate disparities.
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3815 HIGHLAND AVENUE DOWNERS GROVE IL 60515