​Promote your body's own healing mechanisms, boost your immunity, reduce puffiness caused by water retention, poor circulation or pregnancy, decrease swelling due to injury or surgery through the very light pressure of lymphatic drainage massage.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual lymphatic drainage is actually a method utilized in order to carefully work as well as promote response within the actual lymphatic system, in order to help out with the reduction involving the localized swelling. Lymph additionally carries lymphocytes, as well as additional immune system agents.

By performing lymphatic drainage massage correctly, we can stimulate the opening of the initial lymphatic and increase the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times. If we push too hard, we collapse the initial lymphatic, diminishing the lymph flow.

In this way stimulating lymph flow in one area can increase lymph flow in another. Lymphatic Drainage Massage's effectiveness lies in its ability to activate the stretch response, which significantly increases the pulsation rate of the lymphangion, increasing lymph flow through the vessels.

Only 2-3 liters of lymph is filtered through the lymph system per day, it is vital because it helps to remove proteins that are too large to get back through the capillary wall. After the lymph has entered the initial lymphatic, the lymph moves into a larger vessel called the pre-collector, and then into even larger vessels called the collectors. In this way stimulating lymph flow in one area can increase lymph flow in another.

After the lymph has entered the initial lymphatic, the lymph moves into a larger vessel called the pre-collector, and then into even larger vessels called the collectors. When you're performing lymphatic drainage massage, you never have to worry that you are damaging your clients by pushing the lymph in the wrong direction- because it literally can't flow backwards.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE

The lymph system's impact is so far reaching that many don't even realize that minor aches and pains, low energy or susceptibility to colds and flu may be due to a sluggish lymph system and a compromised immune system. In this article we'll discuss the anatomy of the lymph system, what happens during edema and how lymph drainage massage can help, as well as contraindications to lymphatic massage.

The walls of the lymphangion stretch when they fill up with lymph, and then the stretch sensor tells the muscle to contract. It is partly because of this vacuum effect that the lymph gets pulled into the initial lymphatic in the first place. (Kasseroller, R., Compendium of Dr. Vodder's Manual Lymph Drainage, Haug, Heidelberg, 1998).

LYMPH VESSELS:
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The lymph vessels start very small in what are called the initial lymphatic. Only 2-3 liters of lymph is filtered through the lymph system per day, it is vital because it helps to remove proteins that are too large to get back through the capillary wall. The lymph vessels also collect dead cells, waste products, bacteria, viruses, inorganic substances, water and fats.

The lymph system's impact is so far reaching that many don't even realize that minor aches and pains, low energy or susceptibility to colds and flu may be due to a sluggish lymph system and a compromised immune system. In this article we'll discuss the anatomy of the lymph system, what happens during edema and how lymph drainage massage can help, as well as contraindications to lymphatic massage.

Major heart problems. Due to lack of venous return if the heart is not fully functioning the edema can be lymphodynamic. Putting more fluid into the heart would only stress it more, worsening the condition. A lymph therapist could work in the axilla and upper arm to help increase the lymph flow around a scar in the forearm. Because of the fear of spreading the cancer, malignant tumors are a contraindication for lymphatic drainage massage. Wait until after the malignancy is treated to perform lymphatic drainage massage. If you are working in a hospital setting, do not work on these patients. In your practice, one indication of a possible femoral thrombosis is when the client has pain in one leg and a sudden swelling and bluish discoloration of the skin.

Another common use for lymph drainage massage is with women who have had breast cancer and had some axillary lymph nodes removed. A fully trained lymphatic drainage therapist working in conjunction with medical supervision can do a great amount of good if the swelling is minor.

Because of this thickening and the filtering process, the lymph nodes offer the greatest resistance to the flow of lymph. If the lymph system becomes sluggish, or is damaged by surgical removal of lymph nodes, edema can develop. As the lymph flow around the scar is increased, lymph vessels that have been damaged are stimulated to heal, and the increased lymph flow also draws away toxins, improving the health of the tissues.

LYMPH NODES:

Eventually, all lymph vessels lead to lymph nodes. Lymph nodes can be as small as the head of a pin, or as big as an olive. There are 400-700 lymph nodes in the body, half of which are located in the abdomen, and many are in the neck.

Patients that have extreme amounts of edema should work with a group of healthcare practitioner trained in lymph drainage, bandaging and other modalities. With a proper understanding of contraindications and some basic training, massage therapists can enhance the health of their clients and reduce minor cases of edema.

Another common use for lymph drainage massage is with women who have had breast cancer and had some axillary lymph nodes removed.

INDICATIONS:

Lymphatic drainage massage is a profound technique to help increase lymph flow. It has also been shown that an increase in lymph flow stimulates an increased production of lymphocytes- enhancing immune function.

Lymphatic drainage massage will push these substances into the lymph channels before the body has a chance to eliminate them through phagocytosis in the interstitial spaces., if you perform lymphatic drainage you can spread the toxic substances throughout the body.

(Godart, S., "Lymphatic regeneration after second degree burn," Progress in Lymphology, 1975/ Hutzshenreuter, P.O. and Brummer, H., "Manual Lymph Drainage used for Scar Healing," University of Ulm). As the lymph flow around the scar is increased, lymph vessels that have been damaged are stimulated to heal, and the increased lymph flow also draws away toxins, improving the health of the tissues.

When attempting to assist healthy scar formation, it is important not to push the lymph into the scar, which can cause the formation of keloids (a buildup of collagen fibers). A lymph therapist could work in the axilla and upper arm to help increase the lymph flow around a scar in the forearm.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

For the most part lymphatic drainage massage is safe. There are a few conditions that are contraindicated, and these happen when an increase of lymph flow would be detrimental. Acute inflammation, Malignant tumors, Thrombosis and major heart problems are all contraindications to lymphatic drainage massage.

Lymphatic drainage in this arena can be applied to clients who are suffering from a lack of energy, or a sluggish immune system. When working with clients who have sports injuries, lymphatic drainage massage is also useful. Continued applications of lymphatic drainage while the client is healing can help to enhance the tissue regeneration process by keep the tissue as healthy as possible.

After reading the contraindications for a modality, many therapists experience fear of working on anyone. The most appropriate response to this list is to add it to your client intake questionnaire. It should also make you take pause to reflect on the power of this type of work- to do harm as well as good.

The primary function of lymph nodes is to filter and purify the lymph. The lymph nodes reabsorb about 40% of the liquid content of the lymph. Because of this thickening and the filtering process, the lymph nodes offer the greatest resistance to the flow of lymph.

EDEMA:

The lymph system's role of removing proteins is vital to keeping edema down. If the lymph system becomes sluggish, or is damaged by surgical removal of lymph nodes, edema can develop. Lymphatic drainage can be helpful in reducing this type of edema because the cause is a reduced functioning of the lymph system.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a great ally in any massage therapist's tool kit. By being able to address the lymph system directly, client's immune system function can be significantly increased.

Beyond its application for injuries, Estheticians have been using lymph drainage massage for years to enhance the quality of the skin, especially on the face. A great way to see the power of lymph drainage is to apply a few strokes on one of those mornings, and watch in just a few minutes the tissues drain right before your eyes- leaving you looking healthy and vibrant.

Other causes of edema can be a chemical imbalance in the body caused by liver disease, diabetes, or a variety of other ailments. This type of edema is called lymphodynamic edema, and requires other forms of therapy due to the fact that it is a chemical imbalance. (Kasseroller, R., Compendium of Dr. Vodder's Manual Lymph Drainage, Haug, Heidelberg, 1998).

What exactly is lymphatic drainage therapeutic massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage therapy is also referred to as lymphatic drainage massage or manual lymph drainage massage, these are actually techniques created within Germany intended for the management of lymphedema issues, as well as a build up of fluids (edema) which may occur right after the lymph nodes are taken out in the course of surgery, generally a mastectomy intended for breast cancer. Lymphatic drainage massage therapy can be intended for problems besides lymphedema which isn't medically advised, even though it may possibly end up being endorsed by a number of therapists.

Exactly what circumstances is lymphatic drainage massage therapy intended for?
As much as 25 % of breast cancer patients surgery's consist of removing the lymph nodes within the region associated with the armpit ultimately developing lymphedema issues. Lymphedema may take place immediately following radiation therapy or even surgery, or weeks, months, maybe even years later.

Exactly what should someone anticipate when visiting a lymphatic massage therapist?
A lymphatic massage therapy session involving women who developed lymphedema following surgery involving breast cancer which begins with using a light massage upon the surface of your skin. One study demonstrated that the best decrease in swelling from lymphedema happens within the very first week of therapy as well as balances throughout the 2nd week.

What exactly are the unwanted side effects or even conditions where lymphatic drainage massage ought to be prevented?
Whenever patients who may have created lymphedema following surgery experience a sudden, noticeable surge in local area swelling. In these situations, patients tend to be encouraged to quit treatment as well as in order to see visit physicians intended for evaluation at the earliest opportunity.

Patients having a unexpected oncoming lymphangitis (infection) need to instantly cease treatment until the infection is treated as well as fully clears up. Patients that tend to be at increased risk for blood clotting ought to be tested in order to exclude the possibility of deep-venous thrombosis prior to being treated. In the course of treatment, these types of patients ought to be observed carefully, as well as testing ought to be carried out frequently.

Patients which have congestive heart failure should be supervised carefully in order to steer clear of relocating an excessive amount of fluid too rapidly, which may place too much stress on the heart. Treatment needs to be discontinued until the underlying trigger continues to be established as well as the actual pain decreases whenever pain is present. Exactly what is the regulating body which oversees or even qualifications involving the practitioners of lymphatic massage therapy?

Lymphatic drainage as well as massage practitioners could possibly be physicians, nurses, physical or even occupational therapists or even massage therapists. Along with their conventional course work, virtually all need extra instructions within lymphedema therapy. Recommendations regarding training being put in place by the Lymphology Association of North America, in which administers certification examinations.

How do you make contact with a good practitioner of lymphatic drainage massage?
In order to locate a good therapist experienced in lymphatic drainage massage go to www.medicalmassagetacoma.com. For A complete research evaluation please read:

When the lymph vessels are blocked or unable to carry lymph fluid away from the tissues, localized swelling (lymphedema) is the result. Any type of surgical procedure that requires removal of regional lymph nodes or lymph vessels can potentially cause lymphedema. Lymphedema may be only mildly apparent or debilitating and severe, as in the case of lymphatic filariasis (see above), in which an extremity may swell to several times its normal size.

Lymphedema facts

Lymphedema is a condition that results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. Symptoms of lymphedema include swelling in one or more extremities. The swelling may range from mild to severe and disfiguring. Primary lymphedema is present at birth; secondary lymphedema develops as a result of damage to or dysfunction of the lymphatic system. Breast cancer treatment is the most common cause of lymphedema in the U.S. While there is no cure for lymphedema, compression treatments and physical therapy may help reduce the swelling and discomfort.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is swelling in one or more extremities that results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. The excess fluid in the lymph vessels is eventually returned to the bloodstream. When the lymph vessels are blocked or unable to carry lymph fluid away from the tissues, localized swelling (lymphedema) is the result. Lymphedema most often affects a single arm or leg, but in uncommon situations both limbs are affected. Primary lymphedema is the result of an anatomical abnormality of the lymph vessels and is a rare, inherited condition. Secondary lymphedema results from an identifiable damage to or obstruction of normally-functioning lymph vessels and nodes.

Worldwide, lymphedema is most commonly caused by filariasis (a parasite infection), but in the U.S., lymphedema most commonly occurs in women who have had breast cancer surgery, particularly when followed by radiation treatment.

What does lymphedema look like?

Mild lymphedema first may be noticed as a feeling of heaviness, tingling, warmth, shooting, or tightness pains in the affected extremity. These symptoms may be present before there is obvious swelling of an arm or leg. Other signs and symptoms of mild or early lymphedema include:

• a decreased ability to see or feel the veins or tendons in the extremities, 
• tightness of jewelry or clothing,
• redness of the skin,
• asymmetrical appearance of the extremities,
• tightness or reduced flexibility in the joints, and
• slight puffiness of the skin.

As lymphedema progresses to a more moderate to severe state, the swelling of the involved extremity becomes more pronounced. The other symptoms mentioned above also persist with severe or moderate lymphedema.

What causes lymphedema?

Primary lymphedema is an abnormality of an individual's lymphatic system and is generally present at birth, although symptoms may not become apparent until later in life. Depending upon the age at which symptoms develop, three forms of primary lymphedema have been described. Most primary lymphedema occurs without any known family history of the condition. Congenital lymphedema is evident at birth, is more common in females, and accounts for about 20% of all cases of primary lymphedema.

A subgroup of people with congenital lymphedema has a genetic inheritance (in medical genetics termed "familial sex-linked pattern"), which is termed Milroy disease.

Lymphedema praecox is the most common form of primary lymphedema. It is defined as lymphedema that becomes apparent after birth and before age 35 symptoms and years most often develop during puberty. Lymphedema praecox is four times more common in females than in males. Primary lymphedema that becomes evident after 35 years of age is known as Meige disease or lymphedema tarda. It is less common than congenital lymphedema and lymphedema praecox. Secondary lymphedema causes:

When a normally-functioning lymphatic system is blocked or damaged, secondary lymphedema develops. Any type of surgical procedure that requires removal of regional lymph nodes or lymph vessels can potentially cause lymphedema. Damage to lymph nodes and lymph vessels, leading to lymphedema, can also occur due to trauma, burns, radiation, infections, or compression or invasion of lymph nodes by tumors. Worldwide, however, filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema. Infestation by the parasite damages the lymph system, leading to swelling in the arms, breasts, legs, and, for men, the genital area. The swelling and the decreased function of the lymph system make it difficult for the body to fight infections.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema?

The swelling of lymphedema usually occurs in one or both legs or arms, depending upon the extent and localization of damage. Lymphedema may be only mildly apparent or debilitating and severe, as in the case of lymphatic filariasis (see above), in which an extremity may swell to several times its normal size. The overlying skin can also become scaly and cracked, and secondary bacterial or fungal infections of the skin may develop. Affected areas may feel tender and sore, and loss of mobility or flexibility can occur.

Other symptoms can accompany the swelling of lymphedema including:
1. Warmth, redness, or itching.
2. Tingling or burning pains.
3. Fever and chills.
4. Decreased flexibility in the joints.
5. Aching, pain, and fullness of the involved area.
6. Skin rash.
7. The immune system function is also suppressed in the scarred and swollen areas affected by lymphedema, leading to frequent infections and even a malignant tumor of lymph vessels known as lymphangiosarcoma.

How is lymphedema diagnosed?

A thorough medical history and physical examination are done to rule out other causes of limb swelling, such as edema due to congestive heart failure, kidney failure, blood clots, or other conditions. Often, the medical history of surgery or other conditions involving the lymph nodes will point to the cause and establish the diagnosis of lymphedema. Other tests may be carried out to help determine the cause of limb swelling if the cause of swelling is not clear. CT or MRI scans may be useful to help define lymph node architecture or to identify tumors or other abnormalities. Lymphoscintigraphy is a test that involves injecting a tracer dye into lymph vessels and then observing the flow of fluid using imaging technologies.

It can illustrate blockages in lymph flow.

Doppler ultrasound scans are sound wave tests used to evaluate blood flow, and can help identify a blood clot in the veins (deep venous thrombosis) that may be a cause of limb swelling.

What are possible treatments for lymphedema?

There is no cure for lymphedema. Treatments are designed to reduce the swelling and control discomfort and other symptoms. Compression treatments can help reduce swelling and prevent scarring and other complications.

Examples of compression treatments are:

Elastic sleeves or stockings:
These must fit properly and provide gradual compression from the end of the extremity toward the trunk.

Bandages:
Bandages that are wrapped more tightly around the end of the extremity and wrapped more loosely toward the trunk, to encourage lymph flow out of the extremity toward the center of the body.

Pneumatic compression devices:
These are stockings or sleeves connected to a pump that provides sequential compression from the end of the extremity toward the body.
These may be used in the clinic or in the home and are useful in preventing long-term scarring, but they can not be used in all individuals, such as those with congestive heart failure, deep venous thrombosis, or certain infections. Manual compression: Massage therapy techniques, known as manual lymph drainage, can be useful for some people with lymphedema.

Exercises:
Exercises that lightly contract and stimulate arm or leg muscles may be prescribed by the doctor or physical therapist to help stimulate lymph flow.

Surgical treatments for lymphedema are used to remove excess fluid and tissue in severe cases, but no surgical treatment is able to cure lymphedema. Infections of skin and tissues associated with lymphedema must be promptly and effectively treated with appropriate antibiotics to avoid spread to the bloodstream (sepsis). Patients affected by lymphedema must constantly monitor for infection of the affected area. In affected areas of the world, the drug diethylcarbamazine is used to treat filariasis.

What are complications of lymphedema?

As noted before, secondary infections of the skin and underlying tissues can complicate lymphedema. Impairment of functioning in the affected area and cosmetic issues are further complications of lymphedema. Even with treatment, the prognosis is poor, with less than 10% of patients surviving after 5 years.

Can lymphedema be prevented?

Primary lymphedema can not be prevented, but measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema if one is at risk for secondary lymphedema, such as after cancer surgery or radiation treatment.

The following steps may help reduce the risk of developing lymphedema in those at risk for secondary lymphedema:

1. Keep the affected arm or leg elevated above the level of the heart, when possible.
2. Avoid tight or constricting garments or jewelry (also avoid the use of blood pressure cuffs on an affected arm).
3. Do not apply a heating pad to the affected area or use hot tubs, steam baths, etc.
4. Keep the body adequately hydrated.
5. Avoid heavy lifting and forceful activity with the affected limb; but normal, light activity is encouraged.
6. Do not carry a heavy purse on an affected arm.
7. Practice careful and thorough skin hygiene.
9. Avoid insect sunburns and bites.

What is the prognosis for lymphedema?

Lymphedema can not be cured, but compression treatments and preventive measures for those at risk for secondary lymphedema can help minimize swelling and associated symptoms. As mentioned above, chronic, long-term edema that persists for many years is associated with an increased risk of developing a rare cancer, lymphangiosarcoma.

Where can one get support and help for lymphedema?

Many hospitals and treatment centers have support groups for people dealing with specific chronic conditions. Health care professionals may be able to recommend a local support group for those with lymphedema. The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 to provide education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals, and the general public by disseminating information on the prevention and management of secondary and primary lymphedema.

Patients affected by lymphedema must constantly monitor for infection of the affected area. Impairment of functioning in the affected area and cosmetic issues are further complications of lymphedema. Manual lymphatic drainage is a massage therapy technique developed to remove excessive swelling of the body otherwise known as edema swelling. Many just look at the swelling instead of what causes the swelling. Compression can cause swelling so its best to relieve the compression by fixing the damage in order to properly fix the swelling.  This process has been proven to not only clean the area but also speed up the recovery rate of the surgical area allowing for optimal results.