Personalized Care In
South County for
Your Healing Journey
We provide warm, specialized support for individuals managing lymphedema, going through cancer care, and healing from post-surgical swelling, or simply looking to support your lymphatic health.
Our goal is to ensure you feel heard, empowered, and never alone as you regain your strength and well-being.
About me
Ariel Richards, OTR/L, CLT
Hi! I'm Ariel Richards, MOT, OTR/L, CLT, the founder of South County Lymphatics & Wellness. I'm passionate about closing the gap in care for lymphatic health and oncology rehabilitation — two areas that don't always get the attention they deserve, but that make a profound difference in how people heal, move, and feel in their bodies. It's the work I show up for every day, and it's a privilege to walk alongside patients as they navigate it.
Outside of work, my life is full — in the best way. I'm married with two young kids, a daughter and a son, plus our four-legged son, Finn, who's just as much a part of the family. Some of my favorite moments happen at the beach with all of them, sandy feet and all!
Staying active isn't just something I do — it's how I stay grounded. Whether it's a run, a hike, or a solid workout with my favorite Peleton Instructor (Robin Arzon), movement is how I metabolize the stress of everyday life and show up as my best self. I'm also a lifelong equestrian, and the barn has always felt like my second home. As the saying goes, "no time in the saddle is ever wasted" — and I believe that wholeheartedly.
Living an active, healthy lifestyle isn't just a personal value; it's something my husband and I try to model for our kids every day. We want them to grow up seeing what it looks like to move your body, spend time outdoors, and take care of yourself — because that's a lesson that sticks a lot better when it's lived, not just told.
My passion for occupational therapy and oncology rehabilitation is deeply personal. After helping my mother navigate metastatic breast cancer for 13 years, I witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional impact of cancer treatment and its lasting side effects. That experience inspired me to pursue a career focused on empowering individuals to regain independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in their daily lives.
Throughout my career, I have worked in both inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient settings, treating patients across the lifespan—from pediatrics to geriatrics—with a wide range of conditions, including oncology, lymphedema, obesity, orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, and neurological diagnoses.
AVON 39 the Walk to End Breast Cancer, 2017
Background
Education & Professional Training
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
Master of Occupational Therapy (OTR/L)
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI
Advanced Certification through Klose Training, a nationally recognized leader in lymphedema education.
Specialized Professional Training
Extensive continuing education in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, Lipedema Management, and Oncology Rehabilitation.
Our Expertise & Qualifications
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
Advanced training in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the gold standard for managing lymphedema through gentle drainage and specialized bandaging.
Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist
Specialized expertise in supporting patients during and after cancer treatment, focusing on regaining mobility and reducing treatment-related fatigue.
Registered & Licensed Occupational Therapist
Registered and licensed clinical background used to integrate therapeutic treatments into your actual daily lifestyle and independence goals.
Why This Matters
Oncology rehab and lymphedema care require highly precise, specialized techniques. My advanced training ensures you receive safe, evidence-based care tailored specifically to your recovery journey.
Our Story
South County Lymphatics and Wellness was born from a deep-seated belief that no patient should ever have to navigate the complexities of lymphedema or oncology recovery alone. After years of witnessing patients struggle with fragmented care and inaccessible specialized treatments, I founded this clinic to be a sanctuary of expert help and genuine understanding.
Every individual deserves frictionless access to high-quality, compassionate rehabilitation without bureaucratic barriers or delayed care. Inspired by my mother’s journey through breast cancer and the profound impact that missing timely rehab had on her quality of life, I am dedicated to bridging the gaps in traditional oncology and lymphatic care. Through flexible, patient-first care models, South County Lymphatics & Wellness restores agency, restores movement, and ensures that survivors do not just survive, but thrive.
Rooted in our community, dedicated to your wellness.