Therapies
~Lymphatic Massage~
Lymphatic massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body.
Lymph massage can benefit just about everyone. If you're feeling tired and low on energy, or if you've been sick and feeling like your body is fighting to get back on track, lymph massage would likely serve you well. Athletes, surgical patients (including cosmetic surgery), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue sufferers, as well as those wanting a fresh look may want to consider lymphatic massage.
After a sports injury or surgery, lymph vessels can become overwhelmed with the demand placed on them. When tissues are swollen, deep tissue techniques may actually cause damage to the lymph vessels and surrounding structures. Lymphatic massage is often the treatment of choice, because it helps the body remove proteins and waste products from the affected area and reduce the swelling. This helps reduce pressure on cells and allows them to reproduce faster to heal the body.
Surgical procedures involving lymph node removal--such as breast cancer surgery--can cause limbs to swell. Severe limb swelling needs the attention of a medical team, but in milder cases, lymphatic massage alone may be enough to prevent or even treat the swelling. It’s important that your doctor be involved in your care. Let your doctor know you’d like to see a massage therapist and make sure you have medical approval. Lymphatic massage usually forms part of a treatment program called decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). DLT for lymphedema includes:
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lymphatic drainage massage
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compression garments
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exercise
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skin care
Lymph massage can also be part of a care program for fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Because it's so gentle, it is well tolerated by these patients, who are often experiencing sore trigger points throughout the body. And by encouraging lymph flow and removing waste products, this gentle form of bodywork can help restore immune function and improve vitality. Lymphatic massage might be more effective than connective tissue massage in relieving symptoms of stiffness and depression in people living with fibromyalgia.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage:
Boost Energy and Immunity - Assists the lymphatic systems to circulate toxins and impurities back toward the heart. - Improves circulation. - Alleviates minor swelling - Helps reduce edemas and inflammation and prevent lymphedema - Promotes better sleep.- Relieves Body Pains -
Lymphatic drainage massage can benefit people who are also experiencing the following:
CAUTIONS: People should not have a lymphatic massage if they have congestive heart failure, blood clots, kidney problems, infections, or circulation problems. If a person has any medical conditions, they should talk to a doctor before trying a lymphatic massage. Always follow the recommendations of your doctor.
Please NOTE: At this time I do not work on patients with lymph nodes that have been removed and all surgical patients must be at least 10 weeks post-op and have prior medical approval.
