Do Physical Therapists do lymphatic massage?
For more severe swelling, your physical therapist may use a treatment plan called complete decongestive therapy to help improve the flow of lymph fluid. This includes: Manual lymphatic drainage, which feels like a light form of massage.
What does lymphatic massage do?
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.
How do physical therapists treat lymphedema?
Physical therapists with special training can help control and manage lymphedema through Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT consists of four parts including Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) which is a gentle hands-on technique, meticulous skin care, compression bandaging/garments, and decongestive exercises.
How do I prepare for a lymphatic massage?
Lymphatic Drainage: How to Prepare for Your First Lymphatic Massage
- Stay Hydrated.
- Don’t Eat a Big Meal.
- Wear Proper Clothing.
- Certain Drugs Will Be Metabolized.
- Be Ready to Move Your Body Afterward.
- Be Ready to Rest and Relax.
- Call If You’re Sick.
How long does physical therapy last for lymphedema?
How long does treatment last? The number of weeks depends on the amount of swelling and tissue firmness. Complete decongestive therapy for one-hour sessions, 4 to 5 days per week.
Does a lymphatic massage actually work?
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE. Lymph work has been shown to help the scarring process by enhancing circulation and immunity. 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.
What do lymphatic massage therapists do?
A lymphatic massage session for women who develop lymphedema after surgery for breast cancer starts with light massage on the surface of the skin of the neck. The therapist gently rubs, strokes, taps or pushes the skin in directions that follow the structure of the lymphatic system so that accumulated lymph fluid can drain through proper channels.
Why is lymphatic massage so gentle?
If the pressure is too deep then these tiny vessels collapse , defeating the goal of moving fluid and thus explaining why lymphatic massage is so gentle. As a massage therapist used to working deeply into muscles and connective tissue, it can be a tricky modality to learn, but the pressure must be light and the skin must be stretched and released for MLD to work.
Lymphatic massage is a technique used to encourage lymph flow in the body. Lymph is the clear fluid produced by the lymph nodes, located in the neck, chest, underarms, groin, and abdomen. A healthy flow of lymph supports the body’s immune system in fighting off toxins responsible for viruses and infection.