Find relief for your lymphatic system ailments with a therapeutic lymphatic drainage massage.
Reach out to Allen Therapeutic Massage today to schedule your lymphatic drainage massage. We’re happy to get you in at your earliest convenience. We can also answer any questions you may have about the service.
A lymphatic drain massage is a therapeutic technique designed to help curtail the painful swelling that can occur around your arms and legs as a result of lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer surgery.
The tissue around these areas can build up fluid that is left behind after blood is sent to the area from your cardiovascular system. The remaining fluid is referred to as lymph. Your body has a way of returning excess lymph to your heart through the lymphatic system, which is made up of various vessels and lymph nodes. However, blockages in your lymphatic system can cause this lymph to stay in your arms and legs, leading to swelling and discomfort.
A massage therapist can help ease this discomfort by using specialized techniques to move the lymph from your affected tissue. This causes the swelling to go down.
Several symptoms of trapped lymph fluid are indicators that a lymphatic drainage massage could help. These include:
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms but are unsure if it is because of lymphedema, it is recommended that you speak with a doctor before engaging in a lymphatic drainage massage.
There are two main steps to a lymphatic drainage massage.
The first is clearing, which releases any excess lymphatic fluid in your tissues. The second step is reabsorption. In this step, the fluid is pushed out of your lymph nodes, so some of that swelling and pressure can be alleviated.
The pressure is light, and the movements are concentrated on areas where the lymphatic system works. A typical session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs.
There are four main types of lymphatic drainage massage techniques commonly used. Each of these methods has its own approach to working the excess lymph out of your system.
The Vodder technique utilizes various sweeping motions around the area that is being treated.
The Foldi method is an exertion of the Vodder technique. It is when your massage therapist alternates between circular hand motions and moments of relaxation where there are no hand motions at all, letting the body settle.
This method is similar to the Foldi in that it uses circular hand motions. However, these motions are mainly done with the sides and palms of the hands as opposed to the fingers.
The Leduc technique involves using hand motions to gather all the excess lymph fluid into one area before redirecting it into the larger lymphatic system. This buildup helps gather the lymph at one time for a greater release and is beneficial in cases of a higher volume of excess lymph.
We already mentioned lymphedema following breast cancer surgery, but there are multiple other conditions that can benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage.
This includes:
Ongoing arthritis in the joints causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. If left untreated, you may notice you begin to lose proper function in these joints. You may also notice skin discoloration around the affected area.
When excess fat builds up in the lower body, it blocks your lymphatic system and causes lymphedema.
Chronic muscle and joint pain is also marked by inflammation of the skin’s nerves. A lymphatic drainage massage can help in treating depression, stiffness, and quality of life for those suffering from the disease.
When the airways in your lungs are inflamed, it leads to chronic coughing.
This is when the valves or walls of the veins in your legs don’t work properly. This interrupts blood flow between your legs and heart. A lymphatic drainage massage can help increase this blood glow and provide long-term relief from the pain and swelling associated with this condition.
Can help with stress relief in any area where excess lymph can cause discomfort.
With lymphatic drainage massage, you may not notice an immediate effect, but rather, you will begin to notice that you are experiencing moderate relief from your lymphedema symptoms gradually. You will also notice that your swelling begins to go down. Movement will become easier, and you may even notice that clothes fit better in certain areas.
It is recommended to do a series of lymphatic drainage massages, depending on the severity of your lymphedema symptoms. This way, you can have lasting relief by sticking with a routine program.
Reach out to us to schedule your therapeutic massage. We can find a time that works with your schedule.
We will take every step to ensure your comfort during your lymphatic drainage massage. You can request more pressure from your masseuse as needed.
Enjoy the relief you feel from a lymphatic drainage massage! Be sure to set up routine massages to help avoid the same issues coming back.
Don’t suffer from issues associated with excess lymph. Contact Allen Therapeutic Massage to schedule your lymphatic drainage massage. We look forward to helping you find relaxation and comfort.
We’re located in the Caddo Office Suites building. Text us at 972-632-6615 when you arrive, and we’ll meet you in the lobby.