Lymphatic Drainage Massage

This gentle manual treatment encourages the natural drainage of the lymph and is specifically designed to aid circulation, detoxify the body and improve the immune system. A great treatment to protect and boost your immune system, purifies the tissue by draining it of pollutants and improve energy levels.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid between the tissue layers. This presents as swelling, or oedema It may also occur in the face, the trunk, the abdomen or the genital area. Lymphedema is the result of an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues, which can have significant pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if left untreated. Once present, this chronic and progressive condition will hardly disappear.

What causes of lymphedema?

Caused by blocking lymphatic drainage

• Interstitial fluids accumulate

• Affected area becomes swollen and distended

There are 2 types of lymphedema.

1. Primary Lymphedema, or from birth. This is a congenital form of lymphedema caused by a malformation of the lymph vessels or nodes. It may present itself at birth, or later in life. Often it occurs in puberty or during pregnancy. Primary forms usually affect the lower extremities, but may also be present in upper extremities.

2. Lymphedema is caused secondary lymph vessel destruction, or lymph node removal, secondary to a disease process or a surgery. The common cause of lymphedema includes post-surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, after infection, blood clots, tumors, or chronic venous insufficiency (Zuther, Lymphedema Management & Foldi, Foldi's Textbook of Lymphology). Lymphedema does not necessarily develop right after surgery. It can develop decades later!

Primary and secondary lymphedema may affect the upper or lower extremity. In general, it can be said that the legs are most often involved in primary lymphedema whereas secondary forms are more commonly found in the upper extremities.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions people often ask about lymphatic drainage.

What does a lymphatic drainage massage do?

It aims to reduce swelling by relieving the buildup of lymph fluid in people with lymphedema or other conditions.

Is lymphatic drainage massage legit?

Many doctors recommend Trusted Source manual lymph drainage for managing lymphedema. However, a person should start by working with a trained professional, who will teach them how to do a simplified version at home.

How often should you get a lymphatic drainage massage?

For the best effects, a professional may recommend lymphatic drainage from once per month to once per week. For home use, they may also advise the person massage one to two body parts per day.

Briefly, regular home treatment can provide a short, daily relaxation experience and may benefit the lymphatic system.

How painful is lymphatic massage?

It should not be painful. The fingers will stroke the skin very lightly. However, if there is any pain or redness, a person should stop the massage and consult a specialist for guidance.

Takeaway

A person can use lymphatic drainage massage techniques to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. An effectively functioning lymphatic system is essential for overall health.

People who think that they could benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage should speak with a physical therapist, preferably one who specializes in treating lymphedema.

Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324518#what-is-lymphatic-drainage
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-lymph-drainage-massage
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21199-lymphatic-system

Uses for Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage was initially developed in the 1930s by Danish physicians Emil and Estrid Vodder as a treatment for lymphedema (a condition marked by swelling and the buildup of lymph in the body's soft tissues, usually as the result of infection, injury, cancer treatment, surgery, or genetic disorders affecting the lymph system). Lymphedema can cause a range of symptoms, such as leg or arm heaviness, weakness, and pain. One common use of lymphatic drainage is in the treatment of lymphedema resulting from the removal of lymph nodes as part of breast cancer surgery.

In addition, lymphatic drainage is sometimes used for people dealing with such issues as arthritis, orthopedic injuries, knee or hip surgery, systemic sclerosis, chronic venous insufficiency, and swelling and fatigue associated with menopause.

Available at Dee Dee Massage Prague, lymphatic massage is sometimes touted as a treatment for issues like post-exercise recovery, acne, cellulite, and eczema.

Lymphedema in Breast Cancer

Orthopedic Injuries or Surgery: Lymphatic drainage may not help treat swelling after knee surgery, according to a small study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2016. Participants in the study received either five manual lymph drainage treatments or a placebo (in addition to standard rehabilitation) between the second and seventh day after total knee replacement surgery.

While manual lymph drainage reduced pain immediately after treatment, on the seventh day and at three months, there was no difference in swelling, the range of motion, pain, knee function, and gait (with the exception of knee passive flexion contractor at 3 months) between the two groups.

Fibromyalgia: Lymphatic drainage shows promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia, suggests a report published in Manual Therapy in 2015. For the report, researchers reviewed 10 previously published clinical trials on the effects of massage on symptoms and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. While the myofascial release was found to have large, positive effects on pain, manual lymphatic drainage was found to be better than connective tissue massage for stiffness, depression, and quality of life.