MLD or Manual Lymphatic Drainage

What is a lymphatic drainage massage used for?

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, 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. Lymphatic drainage massage can also be for people who need an immune system help, because it helps part of the immune systems major function.

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 drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues. Whether your under the weather or need help boosting your immune system or undergoing recovery from post surgery, this will benefit you.

Do lymphatic drainage massages work?

Healthcare providers are still studying the benefits lymphatic drainage massages. Some studies show people age 16 and above benefitted in several ways by having lymphatic drainage massages.

Lymphatic drainage massage has been used for people with lymphedema, which involves swelling, generally in one of your legs or arms. The swelling is caused by lymph fluid that’s collected in the soft tissues, due to genetic disorders, injury, infection, cancer treatment, or surgery. Symptoms of lymphedema include: Pain. From Apr 12, 2021
https://www.webmd.com

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How are lymphatic drainage massages done?

A lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process:

1. Clearing: This step releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues.

2. Reabsorption: This step moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.

What are some conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages are:

Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.

Chronic venous insufficiency: This happens when your leg veins aren’t working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.

Lipedema: This happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.

Can everyone benefit from MLD?

No. Not everyone, you should not get MLD if you have any of the fallowing. You have a heart condition.
You have kidney failure.
You have blood clots.
You have an infection. (That being said we do offer Energy work or Crystal healing.)

Are there any risks associated with lymphatic drainage massage?

Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is a safe treatment to relieve lymphedema. There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended:

You have a heart condition.
You have kidney failure.
You have blood clots.
You have an infection.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned your physical health might be affected by lymphatic drainage massage.

Will lymphatic drainage massages make my lymphedema go away?

You might not see immediate results from lymphatic drainage massages. If you have several sessions without result, ask your healthcare provider about alternative treatments.

What happens if I’m feeling sick after a lymphatic drainage massage?

Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic drainage massage. Some people, however, complain of headaches, nausea and fatigue. When that happens, you should ask your healthcare provider about managing your side effects

When should I see my healthcare provider if I’m doing a lymphatic drainage massage?

You should call your provider if your lymphedema appears to be getting worse.

A note from EynsMassage

MLD is soothing and relaxing Massage work, we have had wonderful results with our clients, but it is your right to ask plenty of questions and be sure in the treatment you are receiving. Also please note (Lymphedema causes swelling and raises your risk of infection) please inform our staff upon making the appointment to make sure we have the equipment and special services for your immune care needs. It’s an unfortunate and uncomfortable outcome of some treatments for cancer and other illnesses. Lymphatic drainage massage is one great way to relieve your lymphedema symptoms, or to help your immune system. If you are concerned or wondering of course ask your healthcare provider if a lymphatic drainage massage might be helpful.