Specialist massage to ease swelling and relieve pressure
Lymphatic drainage is a precise, light type of medical massage used to relieve the pressure and swelling caused by a buildup of fluid in your arms or legs.
Lymph is the name for the fluid left behind after your heart has pumped blood to your tissues and organs. Normally this fluid is drained and returned to your heart through the lymphatic system but if something disrupts this process then the lymph fluid collects in your arms or legs making them swell. This type of swelling is called lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema often affects people recovering from cancer treatment but it can also be the result of, joint surgery, a health condition which affects blood flow to the hands or feet, infection, inflammation or a lack of limb movement.
Lymphatic massage helps the body to pump away the unwanted fluid to improve drainage and relieve pressure. It’s a gentle, pain free process which should be carried out by an experienced practitioner who has completed additional training in this specialism.
How can lymphatic drainage massage help
If left untreated, lymphoedema causes fibrosis (scarring of the skin) in the affected limb with patches of tissue where bacteria can easily grow and cause infection. It might be recommended to you by your GP after treatment for cancer, surgery or illness but it’s also often used for people who have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyaglia, joint sprains or after a fracture. It can also relieve fluid congestion due to pregnancy.
The light, rhythmical hand movements involved in Manual Lymphatic Drainage also have a calming effect on the nervous system and it’s often combined with breathing techniques, so it’s very relaxing and useful for Chronic Pain.
Lymphatic massage is considered a safe treatment but there are some conditions where it is recommended such as a blood clot, kidney failure, heart failiure or an active infection. The number and frequency of treatments varies from person to person depending on the amount of swelling and other health factors. You might not see immediate results from one appointment of lymphatic drainage massage and a course of a few regular sessions is normally recommended to begin with.
This is a specialised area of massage therapy, so it’s really important to find a massage therapist or sports physiotherapist who is properly qualified and experienced… not only in using remedial techniques but who is able to examine you properly before jumping straight into treatment.
Our team will assess your condition fully, provide skilled hands-on treatment appropriate for your condition and make sure you have a programme of personalised exercises … so that you can continue to look after your body between sessions.
