Who Can Benefit from Manual Lypmphatic Drainage?
Image from JESHOOTS
[This blog post comes to us from our massage therapist, Eve Baron.]
What is manual lymphatic drainage, or MLD?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle form of massage used to relieve inflammation related to lymphedema. Lymphedema is a common side effect of many health conditions. It’s also common among people recovering from cancer treatments, most notably, breast cancer surgery because surgeons remove several lymph nodes during the procedure.
Typically, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of vessels and nodes. When something disrupts this process, lymph collects in your arms, legs, ankles or other parts of your body, making them swell.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.
What conditions are treated with lymphatic drainage massage?
Healthcare providers mainly use manual lymphatic drainage to relieve lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. They also use it to treat lymphedema related to health conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, fibromyalgia, injury, lipedema, and rheumatoid arthritis. Lymphatic massage is also a popular cosmetic treatment. Facial lymphatic drainage may increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness in your face, giving your skin a glowing boost.
How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?
Lymph drainage massage can help if your lymphatic system isn’t working as it should. You might have a congested lymph system if you develop bloating, brain fog, chronic sinus infections, fatigue, headaches, puffy or swollen ankles or hands, skin conditions like acne, dryness, or rashes, or swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
What happens during a lymphatic drainage massage?
During lymph drainage, a healthcare provider will use light pressure and strategic massage techniques to prepare and clear your lymphatic system. The session usually starts with a massage to stimulate the areas of your body that house your lymph nodes. This means a healthcare provider will massage your armpits, neck and, with your consent, your groin area. Next, they’ll coax excess lymph fluid from your swollen tissues toward your lymph nodes, where the lymph can reabsorb.
Who would benefit from MLD massage?
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage can help people with lymphedema, swelling, or other conditions that affect the lymphatic system. MLD can also be beneficial for people who are recovering from surgery or want to relax.
People with lymphedema: This condition occurs when lymph fluid builds up in the body, often in the arms or legs. It can be caused by cancer, genetic disorders, injuries, or infections.
People recovering from surgery: MLD can help with swelling after breast augmentation, liposuction, or other surgeries.
People with certain health conditions: MLD can help with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic venous insufficiency, and lipedema.
People with weakened immune systems: MLD can help with fatigue and other symptoms of a weakened immune system.
People who want to relax: MLD can be a relaxing treatment.
Who should avoid MLD massage?
People with heart conditions, kidney failure, blood clots, or infections should not receive MLD.