Your lymphatic system helps eliminate your body’s waste. A healthy, active lymphatic system uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue to do this.
Surgery, medical conditions, or other damage can cause fluids to build up in your lymph system and your lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphedema.
If you’ve ever had a surgery on or involving your lymph nodes, your doctor may have suggested lymphatic drainage massage performed by a certified massage or physical therapist.
Lymphatic massage is not recommended for people with the following conditions:
congestive heart failure
history of blood clots or stroke
current infection
liver problems
kidney problems
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.
Hi I’m Amanda!
I’ve been a NJ licensed Massage Therapist for 5 years. What I love about my career is helping people relax from the day-to-day stress we all find ourselves in. I’ve taken classes in energy healing, pre-natal Massage, and most recently Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
My specialty is a good relaxation or Swedish massage that relieves stress, muscle tension and will leave you with a sense of wellbeing. My technique achieves this because of the general benefits of massage: it improves your circulation and blood flow, so your organs and skin get more oxygen; aiding with lymphatic drainage. A Swedish massage uses long strokes and light-to-firm pressure to provide gentle relaxation.
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.
ESSENTIAL OIL OF THE WEEK
Pair your MLD Massage with Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint in particular has an affinity for the blood, tissue fluid, lymph, and spinal and cerebral fluid. Its cooling properties positively influence lymphatic flow and the cleansing of mucous membranes.
MLD HELPS PLASTIC SURGERY?
What helps lymphatic drainage after surgery?
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is frequently recommended by plastic surgeons during the recovery phase following cosmetic liposuction. This specialized form of massage is generally believed to decrease recovery time and improve results, by reducing post-surgical swelling and fibrosis (scar tissue formation).
After you have plastic surgery, particularly a body procedure like a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a mommy makeover, you want to heal as quickly as possible. You want to feel better so you can get back to your daily routine, but you also are excited to see the results of your procedure more quickly. While rest, gentle activity, and following your post-op instructions are key, lymphatic drainage massage can accelerate your recovery period.
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