What is a lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage, or Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a gentle massage used to relieve swelling, rehabilitate the lymphatic system, and promote increase immune functioning.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema can happen when body tissues retain fluid left behind after your cardiovascular system sends blood to your tissues and organs. The remaining fluid is called lymph. Normally, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When something disrupts your lymphatic system's process, lymph collects and causes swelling. This can lead to a worsening of the condition, such as discoloration, pain, change of skin texture (bumps, blisters, indentations), and increased chances of infections.
How are lymphatic drainage massages done?
Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique used in the treatment of lymphedema and other lymphatic disorders. It involves gentle, rhythmic hand movements to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body's lymphatic system. By applying precise pressure and strokes, MLD aims to reduce swelling, improve lymph circulation, and promote the removal of excess fluid and waste products from the tissues. This therapy is typically performed by trained therapists and is a key component of comprehensive lymphedema management, often combined with compression therapy and exercise. MLD can provide relief for individuals with lymphatic disorders, post-surgery swelling, or other conditions where lymphatic flow is compromised.
Lymphatic drainage is a very gentle and light massage is a two-step process:
(1) Clearing/Decongesting: This step releases lymphatic fluid in your lymph nodes.
(2) Reabsorption: This step moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph capillaries and then to your lymph nodes.
What are some conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage?
Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages. Those conditions include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and joint damage. It typically affects multiple joints, often in a symmetrical pattern, and can also involve other organs and systems in the body. RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own synovial tissues, resulting in ongoing joint inflammation and potential disability if left untreated.
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness at specific tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties ("fibro fog"), and various other symptoms like headaches and mood disturbances. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition characterized by impaired blood flow in the veins, typically in the legs. It results from damaged or weakened valves within the veins, which fail to efficiently return blood to the heart, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, leg heaviness, and skin changes like ulcers or discoloration. CVI is often associated with conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or varicose veins.
Lipedema: Lipedema is a chronic and often progressive condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat, primarily in the legs and sometimes the arms, leading to a disproportionate and painful increase in limb size. Unlike regular obesity, lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise. It primarily affects women and is believed to have a genetic component. Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, bruising, and swelling in the affected areas.
What are some side effects of lymphatic drainage?
The most common side effect is increased urination, as the lymphatic massage is a natural diuretic. If you are already on a diuretic, do not discontinue your diuretic without consulting with your physician and your therapist.
Some patients experience headaches, light headedness, naseau, fatigue, increased bowel movements, increase frequency/amount/odor/”yellowness” of urination.
If you are concerned about your side effects please inform your therapist, as then the therapy may need to be adjusted to be less effective.