Reasons Why You May Need a Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage has become a popular form of massage, because of its health benefits. This approach concentrates specifically on the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
The lymphatic system plays an essential role when it comes to maintaining overall health. If it gets blocked, it may cause profound health complications because of its role in ridding toxins from the body, preventing their accumulation.
A lymphatic massage involves the use of long, gentle, and rhythmic strokes aimed at encouraging the movement of lymph fluids around the body and reducing swelling in individuals with excess fluid buildup after surgery, illness, or injury. This type of massage aims to help the body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, immune functions, and ultimately, prevention of a variety of health conditions.
Here’s some information about lymphatic massage to give you an idea of why you may need it.
What is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage, which is also known as lymphatic drainage massage or manual lymphatic drainage, is a gentle type of massage that is designed as a treatment method to ease the movement of lymph fluid properly throughout the body.
When it comes to the defensive mechanisms of your body, the lymphatic system is an essential part of your immune system. It includes a network of various tissues and organs that help your body get rid of waste, toxins, bacteria, and viruses.
When you have a blockage, infection, or disease, this can hinder the lymphatic system’s ability to transport lymph fluid. Therefore, it may accumulate, resulting in swelling. That’s why you should consider draining the lymph through lymphatic massage, which can improve the function of your lymphatic system.
Lymphatic drainage massage has two main steps:
- Clearing, which involves releasing lymphatic fluid in your tissues
- Reabsorption, which involves moving the lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.
Conditions That Benefit from Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage is essentially beneficial for those who have mild varicose veins or lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition in which there is a swelling in one of the legs or arms. It occurs due to the buildup of lymph fluid in soft tissues, resulting in pain, skin discoloration, heaviness or weakness in the limb, hardening or thickening of skin, and/or recurring infections.
Although the cornerstone of noninvasive treatment for lymphedema is compression therapy, the usage of tight compression of bandages or stockings, lymphatic drainage massage can greatly boost the outcome of the treatment. In 2015, a study on women who had lymphedema after breast cancer treatment found that lymphatic massage effectively reduced swelling and pain.
Lymphatic massage can also be beneficial for other conditions, such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis – causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Fibromyalgia – causes chronic pain in muscles and joints.
- Chronic venous insufficiency – when leg veins can’t effectively pump blood to the heart.
- Lipedema – when excess fat accumulates in the lower body, leading to blockage of the lymphatic pathway and eventually lymphedema.
People who have certain conditions such as congestive heart failure, blood clots, kidney problems, infections, or circulation problems should talk to a healthcare provider before having lymphatic drainage massage.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage was first developed as a form of treatment for lymphedema, and now, it provides a wide range of benefits. Aside from improving circulation, other benefits include:
- Relieves pain
- Helps facilitate weight loss
- Improves skin tone and quality
- Prevents scar tissue formation
- Provides stress relief
- Reduces risk of infection
- Reduces swelling and fluid retention
- Speeds up healing from an illness or surgery
Lymphatic Massage in Liberty and Marshall, MO
If you’re considering getting a lymphatic drainage massage and you want to know if it’s right for you, consult Dr. Scott Darling at Missouri Vein Specialists. After performing a thorough evaluation of your overall health, he will gladly give you his expert advice about what treatments are best for you.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Darling, contact our staff either online or by calling (816) 792-3400.
