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Lymphatic Drainage: What Are the Benefits of Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a safe and effective way to improve the flow of lymph fluid through the body.
Who Should Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
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Some people with lymphedema have inherited conditions associated with impaired lymph flow or abnormal or absent lymph nodes.
Manual lymphatic drainage may help reduce swelling by encouraging the flow of lymph fluid out of swollen tissues.
Some research suggests manual lymphatic drainage is most effective when combined with other treatments, such ascompression sleevesor bandages.
Understanding where lymph nodes are located can be helpful before you begin self-massage for lymphatic drainage.
Lymph node locations include the following.
Cervical (Head and Neck)
Cervical lymph nodesare in the head, neck, and collarbone.
MLD in this area may relieve swelling in the legs related to lymphedema.
Mediastinal
Mediastinallymph nodesare in the middle of your chest, near the heart and lungs.
MLD in this area may help promote healing after chest surgery or manage specific respiratory condition symptoms.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Post-Surgery
MLD can be particularly beneficial for preventing lymphedema after surgery.
Clearing involves gentle strokes to release lymph fluid collected in tissues.
Reabsorption involves soft pumps or sweeping motions to encourage lymph movement through the lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes.
Repeat each step on the other leg.
Perform each step 10 to 15 times on each leg.
CLTs are healthcare professionalsphysical, occupational, and massage therapistswith specialized training in manual lymph drainage.
The CLT will repeat these movements in different body areas.
Manual lymph drainage sessions last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs.
They may teach you self-massage techniques you’re able to perform at home once or twice a day.
Performing self-massage for lymph drainage is a simple way to support your lymph health.
MLD is a safe and effective treatment for most people.
However, talk to a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions before trying MLD.
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