Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle form of massage used to relieve painful swelling in your arms and legs caused by lymphedema. 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 lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process which firstly involves ‘clearing’ which is a step that releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues. The second step is called ‘reabsorption’ and involves moving your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes
Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery and can also help with the following:
Rheumatoid arthritis – You may experience poor lymph flow as the rheumatoid arthritis progresses. Changes to your body due to tissue swelling may include increased pain in joints as well as losing their function and skin colour changes. Our physiotherapists can offer Lymphatic drainage massage which can help ease these later-stage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) – CVI is when the valves or walls of the veins in the legs do not work correctly thus making it harder for the blood to flow back to the heart from the legs. Lymphatic drainage massage can help increase the speed of blood flow in people with this condition .
Fibromyalgia – This condition can bring on inflammation of the skin nerves, discoloration of the skin, and tissue swelling. Lymphatic massage has been shown to treat depression, stiffness, and improve quality of life for those living with fibromyalgia.
At Home Physio Group, our physiotherapists can create a custom program for you if you feel that Lymphatic Drainage massage will be able to help you.
For more information please contact us on 0330 335 1016 or alternatively please fill out our contact sheet and we will get back to you.