What is a lymphatic drainage massage used for?

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, is a gentle form of massage which used to relieve painful swelling in your arms and legs caused by lymphedema.  Lymphedema usually affects people recovering from breast cancer surgery.

Lymphedema happens when your tissues retain fluid left behind after your cardiovascular system sends blood to your tissues and organs.

The remaining fluid is called lymph. Your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a collective work of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When something disrupts your lymphatic system's process, lymph collects in your arms and legs, making them swell.

A massage therapist at Heal Thyself uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.

How are lymphatic drainage massages done?

A lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process:

• Clearing: This step releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues.

• Reabsorption: This step moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.

What are some conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

• Fibromyalgia condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.

• Chronic venous insufficiency happens when your leg veins aren't working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.

• Lipedema happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.

Are there any risks associated with lymphatic drainage massage?

Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is a safe treatment to relieve lymphedema. There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended:

• You have a heart condition.

• You have kidney failure.

• You have blood clots.

• You have an infection.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned your physical health might be affected by lymphatic drainage massage. You might not see immediate results from lymphatic drainage massages.