Meet Carrie Riley, CLT, LMT, LMSW
Founder of node & needle, Carrie Riley, LMSW, CLT, LMT, is a lymphatic specialist, licensed mental health clinician, and paramedical tattoo artist whose work bridges lymphatic health, physical recovery, and nervous system regulation.
With a background in kinesiology and mental health, Carrie brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work. Her advanced training includes Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) education, multiple methods of Manual and Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, post-surgical recovery, advanced fibrosis techniques, lipedema support, breast and chest care for breast cancer survivors, and paramedical tattooing.
Drawing from her experience across mental health, movement, lymphatic therapy, and nervous system regulation, Carrie developed NeuroSomatic Lymphatic Drainage™, node & needle’s signature approach combining specialized lymphatic work with techniques designed to support nervous system regulation.
Today, Carrie works with clients throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky seeking specialized lymphatic care, post-operative recovery, breast and chest rehabilitation support, nervous system regulation, scar and stretch mark revision, and restorative paramedical tattooing.
My Story
I opened node & needle to create something I couldn't find anywhere else in Greater Cincinnati: a space that recognizes how closely our physical health, nervous system, and sense of self are connected.
The studio grew from my first practice, Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, where I supported clients navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, and emotional overwhelm through bodywork. That experience changed the way I understood hands-on care and ultimately led me deeper into the study of the body, the nervous system, and lymphatic health.
As my work evolved, I found myself increasingly drawn to people whose needs didn't fit neatly into one category: someone recovering from surgery while struggling with swelling and changes to their body; a breast cancer survivor whose incision had healed but whose recovery wasn't finished; a client living with lipedema or chronic inflammation; or someone who simply knew their body needed help slowing down and regulating.
That intersection is where node & needle lives today.
My work brings together lymphatic care, recovery-focused bodywork, nervous system regulation, and restorative paramedical tattooing. Different clients may enter through different doors, but the goal is the same: thoughtful, individualized care that considers the person, not simply the service being provided.
node & needle is a quiet space built for care that is intentional and highly personalized. I’m honored to do this work, and even more honored to do it in partnership with clients who value integrity, expertise, and trust.