Meet Carrie Riley, LMT, MLD-C, LMSW
Founder of node & needle, Carrie is a lymphatic specialist and paramedical tattoo artisan known for clinically informed, highly personalized care. With advanced certifications in Brazilian and Manual Lymphatic Drainage, as well as paramedical tattoo artistry, she brings a rare blend of clinical precision, artistic skill, and compassionate presence to every session.
Carrie created node & needle as a boutique extension of her first practice, Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, a space built on trauma-informed care and emotional support through bodywork.
At node & needle, her work now centers on post-operative lymphatic drainage and other lymphatic support work, scar and stretch mark revision, and aesthetic restoration for clients across Greater Cincinnati.
My Story
I opened node & needle to create something I couldn't find anywhere else in Greater Cincinnati. A space that honors both the body and the story it carries was needed.
This studio is the natural extension of my first practice, Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, which I founded to support clients navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, and emotional overwhelm through bodywork. That work remains close to my heart and continues to inform everything I do.
Today, my focus includes Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage (double diamond certified by Josie Rushing), Manual Lymphatic Drainage through ACOLS and MLD Institute International, and advanced training in post-surgical care, fibrosis work, and prenatal care. I’m also a certified paramedical tattoo artist, specializing in inkless scar and stretch mark revision, scar and stretch mark camouflage, and vitiligo blending.
But beyond technique, my clients often say they come here to be seen, supported, and gently restored. I work with new mothers, post-op patients, autoimmune clients, survivors, and those simply seeking a return to balance.
node & needle is a quiet space, built for care that is unhurried, intentional, and deeply tailored. I’m honored to do this work, and even more honored to do it in partnership with clients who value integrity, expertise, and trust.