Do you suffer from congestion? Have sinus problems? What about swelling from illness or surgery? Have you been looking into lymphatic massages and wondering if they’re right for you and your medical condition?
To start with, a lymphatic massage is technically not a massage at all. It’s a technique involving gentle, systematic strokes that encourage the movement of lymph fluid around the body.
That’s critical because it’s the lymphatic system’s liquid that contributes to the body’s removal of waste.
Should that lymphatic fluid buildup, it could be a sign of further medical problems. Avoiding these problems is why lymphatic drainage is so beneficial for those who have had surgery, fibromyalgia, lymphedema, or other disorders.
To help you understand more about the advantages of lymphatic drainage and who might benefit from it, we’ve put together a few key points.
More About Manual Lymphatic Drainage
It’s a technique focused on gentle stretching of the skin to stimulate the vessels beneath to work more efficiently. It can help with the treatment of lymphedema, a condition in which lymphatic fluid builds up in specific body regions because it cannot efficiently drain away.
Through stimulating the lymph nodes and vessels associated with the target area, it will encourage the removal of excess fluid and toxins resulting in less swelling, inflammation and pain.
There are two lymphatic drainage types: manual and simple. While simple lymphatic drainage can be done at home, manual lymphatic drainage is only performed by licensed therapists.
The Benefits Of Lymphatic Drainage
The body’s immune defenses and healing capabilities rely heavily on the lymphatic system which helps remove toxins and waste products from the body.
Typically, lymphatic drainage is a component of what medical professionals refer to as decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). It can be combined with other therapies such as compression, exercise and skin care.
Together, these therapies can improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system and help with:
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Swelling in the extremities – often occurring in the arms, legs, hands, or feet, this can affect mobility
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Swelling in the body – this includes the chest, breast, shoulder, face, and groin
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Pain and changes in sensation
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Feeling of heaviness
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Difficulty fitting into clothing
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Congestion related to sinus and allergy conditions
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Recovery from surgery or trauma (injury)
Who Benefits From Lymphatic Drainage
Anyone can benefit from a manual lymphatic drainage session including those who have a buildup of lymphatic fluid due to:
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Surgical Procedures – such as liposuction, BBLs and tummy tucks
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Cancer and cancer treatments – especially those that involve lymph node removal
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Filariasis – a lymph node infestation by a mosquito-borne parasite
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Vascular surgery – this can be seen in procedures like vein stripping
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Excising burn scars
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Lipectomy – a surgery intended to remove fat from the body
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Lymphatic system infection or trauma
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Fluid buildup due to deep vein thrombosis
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Health conditions affecting blood flow to the extremities – this is often seen in hands and feet
A doctor may recommend lymphatic massage as part of a patient’s treatment plan.
Additionally, research has suggested that lymphatic drainage might be more effective than connective tissue massage in relieving symptoms of stiffness and depression in people living with fibromyalgia.
This type of treatment may not be suitable or safe for some people, especially those with cellulitis or a heart condition. As a reminder, even if you may believe you are a good candidate for these treatments, be sure to speak with your physician first.
Learning More About Lymphatic Drainage
Think you might be a good candidate for lymphatic drainage? Would you like to learn more about how the process works and how you might benefit?
Then we encourage you to get in touch with our professional team at Hourglass Body Spa to learn more.
