Lymphatic Drainage Massage 

The Lymphatic Drainage Massage treatments I offer are a combination of aromatherapy and soft trigger
work on Lymphatic vessels & Nodes. The Massage technique that i use,
focus on stimulating the lymphatic system to help the body to detox and prevent
fluid retention, and sculpt the body and help nurture, heal the body postoperatively
after plastic surgery.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage was developed in the 1930’s by Dr. Emil Vodder.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle and effective way to address post mastectomy concerns when lymph nodes have been removed or radiated.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a crucial component in the reduction and maintenance of lymphedema, manually re-routing lymph to new drainage areas that have not been damaged.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage effectively de-congests the tissue by removing excess fluid, metabolic wastes, foreign substances, and large protein molecules all of which contribute to poor tissue health,
lead to more swelling (protein attracts water) and are risk factors for serious infection. It encourages the natural circulation of lymph through the lymphatic system
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is used daily during the intensive phase of lymphedema therapy as a reduction tool followed by the application of compression bandaging.
This combination is known as Combined Decongestive Therapy.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a useful tool in easing the discomfort of over 60 conditions, In addition to its practicality for managing lymphedema.
As Manual Lymphatic Drainage removes metabolic waste, excess fluids and toxins from the body, the treatment can support the immune system and speed up the recovery from surgery or trauma.
It will also help break down tough scar tissue that may have formed.

• Body sculpturing post plastic surgery
• Mastectomy clients (‘chording” after mastectomy/ node removal) *myofascial release with MLD*,
• People experiencing chemotherapy side effects (ie constipation, stress ,skin conditions, pain),
• People with achy/ swollen legs, varicose veins (due to venous insufficiency).
• People who have had lymph nodes removed or radiation,
• People with lymphedema

The benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage include:

• encourages post-surgical healing,
• loosens mastectomy scar tissue,
• loosens post centenarian scar tissue
• decreases leg and arm swelling in venous edema
• increases lymphatic flow
• by encouraging new drainage pathways following lymph node removal
• gentle, rhythmic, deeply relaxing
• Clients can be educated about risks of
  

  

The lymph system is part of the body’s immune system and is made up
of tissues and organs that help protect the body from infection and disease.
These include the tonsils, thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes.

Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include:
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 treatment provider about managing your side effects.
Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body.
This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.

Lymphedema can be a hereditary condition, known as primary lymphedema; or it can also be as the result of some sort of trauma like an accident, a burn, or a surgery involving lymph nodes. Lymphedema is a condition characterized by localized swelling resulting from the accumulation of protein rich interstitial fluid, it happens when the lymphatic system has been damaged in some way.
You may be at risk of lymphedema following a mastectomy or hysterectomy especially if any lymphnodes have been removed or damaged.
This is known as secondary lymphedema. Lymphedema is never cured but it can be maintained by manual lymphatic drainage massage, compression therapy (wearing of garments, stocking or bandages) correct exercise and skin care.

Here are some tips to assist you in managing your lymphedema:

• It is very important to avoid all types of infections
• Watch for signs of infection and call your doctor if you notice redness or increased warmth, especially if accompanied by a fever.
• Keep the limb clean and moisturized
• Avoid Cuts and Burns, if you do break the skin, clean the cut and use an antibacterial cream.
• Avoid sunburn- avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen on your arm and chest
• Wear insect repellent to avoid bug’s biting you.
• Don’t cut cuticles or allow them to be cut when having a manicure
• Don’t allow blood samples or injections on the affected limb
• Wear gardening gloves and Dish gloves to avoid any kind of injury
• Avoid heavy repetitive lifting on the affected side of the body or with affected limb.
• Avoid narrow bra straps or tight fitting bras if arms are affected. avoid over tight clothing if legs are affected
• Avoid Saunas and Hot tubs
• Moderate exercise is very important in assisting the lymphatic system. walking in water or doing the correct intensity Aqua exercises
• Maintain a healthy body weight, being overweight increases your chance of developing lymphedema
• Wear a compression sleeve or stocking on legs or arms when taking flights

Wellness Massage Specialist Client Card : Download a client card and email to Alison to schedule your first appointment.