Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system.
Lymphatic drainage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.
What is a lymphatic drainage massage used for?
A lymphatic massage is a gentle form of massage used to relieve painful swelling in your arms and legs caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema often affects people recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Lymphedema happens when your 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 in your arms and legs, making them swell.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.
Benefits of a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
This type of massage aims to help the body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and immune functions.
Lymphedema can be treated with tight compression bandages or stockings, but a manual lymphatic drainage massage can help enhance the benefits.
If you experience lymphedema after a mastectomy, which involves the removal of breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer, lymph drainage massage can help ease mild to moderate symptoms post-surgery.
If you are in the Los Angeles area, contact us today to book your next lymphatic massage.