Carrie Riley and her team are redefining what long-term recovery can look like after breast surgery, blending advanced lymphatic care, trauma-informed massage, and restorative skin services for post-mastectomy recovery at node & needle.
For many individuals, medical treatment marks the end of one chapter but not the end of recovery. Physical discomfort, swelling, restricted movement, scar sensitivity, and nervous system stress often linger long after insurance-covered care has ended. For many people, this includes the need for post-mastectomy massage, lymphatic drainage after breast surgery, and specialized scar care that supports long-term healing. At node & needle, Carrie Riley has built a practice dedicated to supporting that next phase of healing through Recovery & Renewal, a specialized care pathway designed for people navigating life after breast surgery and breast cancer treatment.
At the heart of this work is a belief that recovery is not just physical. It is personal, layered, and ongoing. Carrie’s approach treats the whole person, combining clinical skill, trauma awareness, and thoughtful, individualized care to support healing on every level.
Recovery & Renewal: Post-Mastectomy and Breast Cancer Care After Medical Treatment Ends
Recovery & Renewal is a dedicated pathway within node & needle, serving individuals in the greater Cincinnati area who are recovering from chest and breast surgery, including breast cancer treatment and reconstruction. This care exists specifically for the long-term phase of recovery, when medical appointments taper off but the body and nervous system are still adapting.
Through specialized lymphatic drainage and trauma-informed therapeutic massage, Recovery & Renewal supports circulation, swelling management, tissue mobility, scar comfort, and nervous system regulation. Sessions are adapted to each client’s surgical history, stage of healing, and individual presentation, offering thoughtful care that evolves alongside the body.
“This work is about meeting people where they are after the hospital visits are over,” Carrie explains. “Recovery doesn’t stop when insurance coverage ends. Many people still need skilled, respectful support as their bodies continue to heal.”
Recovery & Renewal reflects an evolution of the work Carrie has provided for years. With additional advanced training and a formalized clinical structure, this pathway brings clarity, intention, and continuity to care that has long been part of the practice she shares with her team.
Advanced Lymphatic Drainage as a Foundation for Healing
Lymphatic care plays a central role in Recovery & Renewal, supporting the body’s natural drainage and healing processes after surgery. This includes specialized lymphatic drainage commonly sought after mastectomy and breast surgery to support swelling management and tissue recovery. At node & needle, lymphatic work is approached as a clinical specialty rather than a general wellness service.
Carrie’s extensive training allows her to safely support individuals recovering from surgery, managing inflammation, or navigating complex health histories. Her work emphasizes gentle, precise techniques that assist circulation, reduce swelling, and promote comfort while respecting the body’s pace of recovery.
“Lymphatic health is about supporting the body as a system,” Carrie shares. “When circulation and drainage are supported appropriately, people often experience improvements not only physically, but in how regulated and grounded they feel overall.”
This whole-person approach makes lymphatic care a natural foundation for Recovery & Renewal, offering both physical support and a sense of safety during a vulnerable phase of healing.
Trauma-Informed Care Grounded in Clinical Expertise
What distinguishes node & needle is not only the techniques used, but the lens through which care is delivered. Carrie’s background in clinical mental health informs every aspect of her work, shaping an environment where clients feel respected, listened to, and in control of their experience.
Healing after surgery or cancer treatment often carries emotional weight alongside physical changes. Carrie’s trauma-informed approach prioritizes consent, education, and nervous system awareness, allowing clients to move through recovery without feeling rushed or overlooked.
“I want people to feel supported in ways they may not have experienced in traditional medical settings,” Carrie says. “This is about restoring trust in the body and creating space for healing that feels steady and respectful.”
Each session is customized, ensuring care feels collaborative rather than prescriptive.
Restorative Skin Services as a Complement to Recovery
In addition to lymphatic and massage-based care, node & needle offers paramedical tattoo services that support individuals whose skin has been changed by surgery or medical treatment. Scar revision and restorative tattooing can help soften the appearance of surgical scars and support confidence as clients reconnect with their bodies.
These services are offered thoughtfully and only when appropriate, complementing Recovery & Renewal by addressing visible reminders of medical experiences. For many clients, this work becomes part of reclaiming a sense of ownership over their body after breast cancer treatment.
“Scars tell a story,” Carrie notes. “My role is to help people feel more at ease with theirs, without erasing what they’ve been through.”
A Personalized, Long-Term Approach to Healing
node & needle is intentionally designed as a boutique clinical environment, offering privacy, continuity, and individualized care. Unlike larger clinics where recovery services may be limited or time-bound, clients here are supported over the long term, with care that adapts as their needs change.
Recovery & Renewal reflects a commitment to being present for clients beyond the acute phase of healing. It is a space for continued recovery, education, and support during a time when many individuals feel uncertain about what comes next.
node & needle: Supporting Healing Beyond the Clinical Finish Line
Through Recovery & Renewal, advanced lymphatic care, and restorative skin services, node & needle offers a model of care that honors the reality that healing continues long after formal treatment ends.
Many clients arrive seeking relief from discomfort or support after surgery, and leave with something deeper, a sense of being seen, supported, and understood during a critical chapter of recovery.
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
node & needle serves the greater Cincinnati area through its Milford and Terrace Park, Ohio locations. Visit nodeandneedle.com to book a consultation, learn more about the transformative treatments available, or connect with a community that believes in healing the whole self. Follow node & needle on Facebook and Instagram. Whether you’re navigating recovery from surgery or simply seeking a space to reconnect with your body, node & needle is here to help you heal, not just on the surface, but deeply and truly.
