Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A: After an initial consultation, you will undress, lie down on a massage table in the face-up position, covered modestly with a sheet. The atmosphere is the same as a massage treatment room with dim lighting and soft music. Although you are in a massage setting, it is important to understand that a lymphatic massage is a specific form of bodywork designed to efficiently move lymph fluid in your body. Manual Lymphatic Massage (MLD) is completely different from deep tissue, Swedish, or relaxation massage that you may be expecting or have had in the past. Stimulation of the Lymphatic System activates the parasympathetic nervous system producing an automatic physiological relaxation response. Many clients fall asleep. Only the area being worked on is undraped at any time. Gentle, rotating, pumping motions with the therapist’s hands and fingertips begin at the collarbone area, then focus on areas where there is a concentration of lymph nodes (the underarms, abdomen, groin, and back of the knees). The session always starts face-up position because most of the areas of lymph nodes that need to be decongested are located on the front of the body, although some surgeries do require the patient to turn side to side or face down for a short time if tolerated. Starting on the back (even for fat injections to the buttocks) would not be indicated because it is necessary to open up the major lymphatic areas on the front of your body before the backside of the body can drain. It is very important to decongest the areas of drainage in the groin, abdomen, underarms, and collarbone areas before sending extra lymph fluid to them. Directing lymph fluid to nodal areas without opening the lymph nodes up first increases the discomfort and overwhelms the nodes, leading to increased recovery time. Each session is 50-minute.

A: No. A deep tissue massage works on the muscular system, whereas a lymphatic massage targets the lymphatic system. Deep tissue massage and heat are not beneficial and are not recommended after liposuction. Although it may seem that deep tissue massage would assist in decreasing the hardness following liposuction, it actually increases inflammation and makes it harder to evacuate the lymph fluid. In summary, do not get a deep tissue massage, get a lymphatic massage instead. Even though a lymphatic massage is extremely light, it is the most efficient way to reduce swelling and bruising.

A: There are several health conditions that can cause lymph fluid to build up, such as lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Lymphatic drainage massages can be beneficial for people with these conditions because they can help to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.

In addition to these specific benefits, lymphatic drainage massages can also provide a number of other benefits for people who receive them. For example, these massages can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, as well as improve sleep and reduce fatigue. They can also help to improve flexibility and mobility, and may even help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Overall, lymphatic drainage massages are a safe and effective way to support the health and well-being of the body and can be beneficial for people with a variety of different health conditions.

A: A lymphatic drainage massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a gentle massage technique that is not painful. The therapist uses light pressure and gentle, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid and improve the functioning of the lymphatic system. Some post surgery patients may experience mild discomfort during the massage, but in general, it should not be painful. 

Lymphatic drainage massage is a potential adjunctive therapy for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Lymphatic massage is a gentle massage technique that promotes the movement of lymph, a fluid containing immune cells, throughout the body. This technique may reduce inflammation, improve microcirculation, and enhance the overall function of the immune system, all of which are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Additionally, Lymphatic massage may have a positive impact on sleep and stress, which are also common issues for individuals with fibromyalgia.

A: If you are healthy and do not have any specific health concerns, you may not need to receive a lymphatic massage on a regular basis. If you have had a surgery such as liposuction, your healthcare provider may recommend a course of lymphatic massage to help with post-surgical recovery and to reduce the risk of lymphedema. In this case, the first week it is suggested that sessions be daily or every other day, if possible. The second week, every other day reducing in frequency after that. 

A: You can start getting a lymphatic massage as early as 24 hours after surgery, but many people prefer to wait until they can drive themselves to appointments before starting. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning any post-surgery procedures.