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Lymphatic Drainage Massage Surrey BC
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve lymphedema.
The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia or other conditions.
In this article, we discuss the benefits of lymphatic massage, who may find it useful, and how a person can prepare for and perform it at home.
What is lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic massage, sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage, is a specialized type of medical massage. It can help treat lymphedema, in which lymphatic fluid collects in certain areas of the body because it cannot drain away effectively.
Lymphatic massage aims to improve the flow of lymph fluid, which should reduce swelling.
Massaging an area without swelling will make space for fluid to flow to those parts from more congested areas.
There are two types of lymphatic drainage: manual and simple.
Manual lymphatic drainage is done by a qualified therapist, whereas simple lymphatic drainage is a technique a person can use at home.
Anyone planning on learning simple lymphatic drainage should learn how to do it from a specialist. It is essential to know which area to massage and how much pressure to use.
What are the benefits?
The lymphatic system plays a key role in the body’s immune defenses.
Lymphatic fluid flows through lymph vessels, which connect lymph nodes. As it passes through the lymph nodes, white blood cells trap and destroy harmful particles, such as bacteria.
Like blood in the circulatory system, lymphatic fluid is always moving. If it stops, swelling can occur, as lymph fluid builds up, often in the arms or legs. Health experts call this lymphedema.
Lymphatic massage usually forms part of a treatment program health experts call decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT).
DLT for lymphedema includes:
- lymphatic drainage massage
- compression garments
- exercise
- skin care
Together, these can improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system and symptoms of lymphedema, including:
- swelling in the extremities — such as the arms, legs, hands, or feet — which can affect mobility
- swelling in other parts of the body, including the chest, breast, shoulder, face, and groin
- pain and changes in sensation
- a feeling of heaviness
- difficulty fitting into clothing
Who can benefit?
Lymphedema can benefit people who have a buildup of lymphatic fluid due toTrusted Source:
- cancer and cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes
- filariasis, which is infestation of the lymph nodes by a parasite carried by mosquitoes
- some types of vascular surgery, such as vein stripping
- burn scar excision
- lipectomy, a type of surgery to remove fat from the body
- infection or trauma in the lymphatic system
- a buildup of fluid due to deep vein thrombosis
- health conditions that affect blood flow to the extremities, such as the hands and feet
Lymphatic buildup affects around 20%Trusted Source of females who have had treatment for breast cancer.
Treatment
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.
Are there other ways to remove lymphatic fluid from my tissues?
Some people benefit from a mechanical process. In this process, you put a sleeve on the swollen arm or leg.
The sleeve is attached to a pneumatic pump that pulsates and helps your lymph to drain from your tissues to your lymph nodes.