Lymphatic drainage massage – what is it? Lymph flows along lymphatic pathways due to contractions of the surrounding muscles. Massage has a beneficial effect on them and improves the functioning of the lymphatic system. Why is lymphatic drainage massage needed? The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage are enormous. Thanks to lymphatic drainage procedures, muscles relax and lymphatic vessels dilate. Lymph flow occurs freely. It is evenly distributed in the body.
At the rehabilitation clinic of the Yusupov Hospital, all types of lymphatic drainage massage are performed. Highly qualified specialists are fluent in the techniques of manual and hardware lymphatic drainage massage. Rehabilitators use innovative techniques of manual lymphatic drainage massage. Hardware massage is carried out using equipment from leading manufacturers. Lymphatic drainage procedures promote rejuvenation and healing of the entire body and significantly strengthen the immune system.
What is lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage massage has gained popularity in recent years due to its significant health benefits. Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized massage technique that focuses on the lymphatic system, which is related to the immune system.
Lymphatic drainage massage of the lower extremities
Lymphatic drainage massage is aimed at stimulating proper blood circulation, stimulating immune functions and fluid balance in the body.
How to prepare for a massage
This physical procedure does not require any special preparatory measures. But a number of conditions that must be adhered to before going to the massage room still exist:
- exclude alcohol during the massage course;
- limit the amount of liquid you drink (especially at night);
- Plan to visit a massage therapist in the evening, a few hours after eating.
By following these simple recommendations, you can achieve the desired effect much faster.
Structure of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system includes vessels and nodes containing lymph. Lymph itself is a mixture including: water, proteins, waste products and leukocytes. Lymph nodes are located in different areas of the body and their function is to filter cellular and molecular tissue debris.
Lymphatic system of the lower extremities
The largest lymph nodes can be found in the neck, groin and armpits. These structures function together to modify (purify) primary lymph and transport it to the veins.
Efficiency
When coughing in children, drainage massage will help alleviate the general condition, eliminate pain in the chest, improve the breathing process and speed up recovery.
In addition, systematic manual intervention in the chest area allows you to obtain the following results:
- increased range of motion of the chest
- strengthening the muscles of the respiratory tract
- increased blood and lymph flow in the lungs
- improved ventilation
- preventing the formation of exudate, etc.
Lymphedema and lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is used mainly to treat patients suffering from lymphedema. Lymphedema is a pathology manifested by specific swelling of various parts of the body, most often the extremities. This soft tissue swelling is a consequence of impaired lymph transport at various levels of the lymphatic system.
Lymphedema of the lower extremities
Causes of lymphedema: genetic disorders, injuries, infections, cancer and its treatment, surgical interventions and some other situations. Lymphedema is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Painful sensations
- Skin pigmentation
- Increase in tissue volume
- Feeling of heaviness in the limbs
- Weakness
- Thickening and roughening of the skin
- Recurrent infections.
Recommendations
You should not massage more than twice a day. The time of the session must be selected so as to meet the following conditions:
- There should be more than 60 minutes before bedtime so that the child does not wake up during the night.
- at least an hour before starting a meal
- more than 2-3 hours should pass after the child has eaten.
And most importantly, to perform the first drainage massage sessions, it is advisable to invite a competent specialist to teach you the correct massage technique. It is ideal if the massage therapist conducts a full course of therapy. Only he will be able to promptly recognize all positive and/or negative clinical changes in the child’s condition and professionally adjust treatment tactics.
Lymphatic drainage massage in the treatment of other diseases
With the help of lymphatic drainage massage, you can solve clinical problems not only in the treatment of lymphedema, but also the following pathologies:
- Rheumatoid arthritis . With this pathology, inflammatory phenomena can significantly worsen lymphatic drainage, increasing pain, reducing the function of movement and disrupting the trophism of the skin. Lymphatic drainage massage helps relieve symptoms at various stages of rheumatoid arthritis.
- CVI (Chronic venous insufficiency). Disruption of the functioning of the drip apparatus of the venous vessels leads to a deficiency of blood outflow, which is manifested by signs of chronic venous insufficiency. The first objective symptom of CVI is swelling. Lymphatic drainage massage, stimulating the outflow of lymph, reduces swelling and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.
- Fibromyalgia. Lymphatic drainage massage through stimulation of lymphatic drainage improves the local status and general condition of patients with fibromyalgia.
Lymphatic drainage massage: how to do it at home?
At home, you can do not only manual and cupping massage, but also dry massage. This procedure not only accelerates the blood, but also exfoliates dead particles of the dermis. Scrub and massage in one! Beauty 365 has good brushes.
This procedure must be done before showering, bathing or other contact with water. Make circular movements with the brush, gradually moving up from your feet to your décolleté. Pay attention to every part of the body (except for the popliteal area). The first few times it is better to stand in the bathroom, because the old skin will fly in different directions. If you have a dry skin type, then this will happen every time. But in the end, your whole body will be smooth and rosy, and cellulite and swelling will no longer torment you every morning.
Modern types of lymphatic drainage massage
All current lymphatic drainage massage techniques used today in modern medicine can be summarized as follows:
- According to Vodder This basic technique uses sweeping movements in a circular motion across the target area.
- By Foldi . This technique is a more advanced version of the previous one. This requires alternating circular movements of the hands and relaxation.
- By Casley-Smith . This approach to lymphatic drainage massage also involves circular movements of the hands, using mainly the sides and inner sides of the palms.
These techniques work on a similar principle. Gentle manual movements stretch the skin, stimulating the movement of lymph proximally.
Types of lymphatic drainage foot massage
Lymphatic drainage massage begins proximally, then distally. A typical lymphatic drainage massage procedure lasts 15 to 60 minutes.
How to do lymphatic drainage of the body: step-by-step instructions
The procedure involves the step-by-step implementation of a number of actions:
- Preparatory activities. First of all, the massage therapist selects the optimal course program for his patient depending on the existing problems. For prevention, 6-12 sessions are usually prescribed every other day.
The client takes off his clothes and sits on the couch. Using a cleansing composition, the massage therapist removes impurities from the surface of the skin, then applies massage oil or cream. If you plan to use special equipment, the skin is preheated manually.
In order for the patient to be able to relax normally, all the necessary conditions and a comfortable temperature regime in the office are created.
- Massage. Lymphatic drainage technique is based on the rules of the usual procedure. The session begins with an impact on the lymph nodes; subsequently, all manipulations are carried out along the lymph flow in the direction of the nearest lymph nodes. Massage movements are performed at a slow pace, softly and delicately. The duration of the procedure depends on the purpose of the physiotherapy and can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- The final part. At the end of the procedure, the massage therapist cleanses the client’s skin of any remaining oil or cream and lubricates it with a moisturizer.
Should you do lymphatic drainage massage?
To answer this question, you need to consult your doctor. If lymphatic drainage massage is truly indicated for you, it will be prescribed to you. When performing a procedure, a specialist (massage therapist) usually uses a series of massage techniques. A course of lymphatic drainage massage includes several sequential procedures. Light rhythmic movements stimulate the lymphatic system; strong pressure is unacceptable. These manipulations promote the movement of lymphatic fluid and relieve congestion and swelling.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a useful technique not only in the treatment of lymphedema, but also other pathologies. If you have symptoms of lymphatic fluid stagnation, consult your doctor about the need for lymphatic drainage massage.
Contraindications
Any procedure has its contraindications. Lymphatic drainage massage has:
- dermatosis;
- acute infectious diseases;
- malignant tumors;
- pathologies of the lymphatic system;
- kidney problems;
- pregnancy;
- thrombophlebitis.
If you have any chronic diseases, be sure to consult your doctor. If you don’t feel well or something hurts, also be careful with the massage (especially if you do cupping).
Cupping massage should be avoided if there is irritation on the skin. Bruises are not a contraindication. On the contrary, jars will help make them lighter. But, if the bruises hurt, it is better to wait until they at least turn pink.
Always rely on your feelings. A massage should have a positive effect on your well-being, and if you feel unwell after it, it is better to consult a doctor.
Patient questions about lymphatic drainage massage
How effective is manual lymphatic drainage massage?
In the treatment of lymphatic edema, in terms of effectiveness, lymphatic drainage massage has no analogues in modern medical practice. The question is not whether there will be an effect, but how many sessions it will take.
How many sessions of lymphatic drainage massage are needed for the effect?
The number of lymphatic drainage massage sessions depends on the specific pathology and the severity of lymphedema.
Can a hardware-assisted lymphatic drainage massage replace a manual one?
At the present stage of development of medical technologies, hardware lymphatic drainage is not able to replace manual lymphatic drainage massage in terms of efficiency and clinical effect.
How often should you take lymphatic drainage massage courses?
The frequency and periodicity of lymphatic drainage massage courses is determined by the attending doctor based on a combination of clinical and instrumental research data.
Indications
Lymphatic drainage massage can improve the condition of the subcutaneous layer on all parts of the body and face, including the area around the eyes. This is due to the elimination of swelling and stagnant fluid that has formed under the skin. Experts note a noticeable positive effect of the procedure in the fight against cellulite of the abdomen and extremities.
Indications for a massage course are:
- obesity;
- weakness of the immune system;
- muscle flaccidity;
- cellulite;
- injuries;
- swelling of the limbs;
- phlebeurysm.
Lymphatic drainage body massage services are indicated for lack of energy and a desire to keep the body in good shape. In combination with the procedure, it is a good idea to receive wrapping and RF lifting services.
We offer you to watch a video in which our specialist conducts a lymphatic drainage massage session and talks about this procedure.
