There are many methods that you can use to treat lymphedema. Lymphatic drainage massage is an effective therapy that can be used to supplement any other techniques you might be currently using to find relief from your lymphedema symptoms. You can do this kind of massage at home or in a professional setting. The massage doesn’t require anything apart from hands and a bit of knowledge of the lymphatic system.
Some massage therapists specialize in the right ways of doing the treatment. However, you may discover that you can get sufficient relief from a self-massage. If you opt for the drainage massage by yourself, you must determine the correct massage method.
Know More about Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Drainage massage is quite different from a normal massage. That’s because it’s specifically utilized to help boost the flow of lymph fluids in the areas where the person is feeling pain. A special method is utilized when massaging the area to prevent damage to the skin and encourage the drainage of the lymph fluid collected.
The massage applies light pressure to the areas where the lymph is to be moved instead of the hard pressure of a deep tissue massage. From there, the massage therapist will softly work the lymph out of the area affected. Lymphatic drainage is different from a normal massage. For that reason, you should be cautious when trying to massage yourself.
Manual Drainage Massage
In this massage, lighter pressure is applied on the lymph vessels, pushing the collected fluids out of the sections where they are collected. A certified massage therapist in manual drainage massage will perform the massage to ensure that it’s most effective.
It’s important to apply the right amount of pressure because too much of it can negatively disrupt the effectiveness of the lymph vessels you’re trying to move the fluid through. For this reason, if you’ve not been advised on the right massage method, it may be good to find a massage therapist who has been certified and is experienced in the right way.
First, light pressure will be applied to the spots where you wish for the lymph to move. The spots will be prepared to help the collected fluids to drain easily. Next, gentle and circular pressure will be applied to the affected areas, promoting the flow of the lymph fluids out of your body.
When this is done right, the fluid ought to drain out of the affected areas to the new vessels. That will relieve some of the lymphedema symptoms.
Conclusion
Lymphatic drainage massage is an effective technique to consider when looking for treatment for lymphedema if you’re only using bandages or wraps currently. You can utilize this method in addition to others because it’s a gentle way to help clear fluid from the affected area.