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Lymphatic therapists, also known as edema therapists, are trained physiotherapists or medical masseurs with additional qualifications in the field of complex decongestive therapy (CDT). This therapy focuses on manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) followed by medical compression therapy for edema.
What Does a Lymphatic Therapist Do?
Lymphatic therapists perform manual lymphatic drainage as prescribed by your doctor. This very gentle type of massage uses special manipulation techniques to stimulate the absorption of accumulated fluid from the tissues into the lymphatic system. To ensure that the results of the manual lymphatic drainage are maintained, therapists usually wrap a lymphological compression bandage around the affected arm or leg afterward. If the arms or legs are already well decongested, therapy outcomes are ensured with a flat-knit medical compression stocking.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is responsible for the removal of toxins and cellular waste. It plays a role in how fast we recover and heal. Unlike our circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have its own series of muscles like the heart to pump it around. It requires physical movement via external methods.
The lymph is a fluid that moves through its own series of vessels towards the neck and then the heart, in a one-way action. The lymph collects and transports foreign material, protecting us against disease, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It transports fatty acids and fat-soluble nutrients from the digestive system for absorption into the blood vessels. Hormones and proteins that cannot make it automatically into the blood must travel via the lymphatic system before they can be utilized. The lymph also assists our metabolism.
The primary drivers of lymphatic movement are activity and breathing. Even a 15min jog while focusing on deep breaths helps your body shift the fluid around and get rid of metabolic waste. Swimming also benefits lymphatic movement. The water pressure provides a built-in compression which further helps lymphatic circulation.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system fails to drain the lymph fluid. This fluid can then accumulate, cause swelling, and potentially increase the risk of infection. Lymphedema may arise because the lymphatic vessels or nodes have been damaged or were not formed correctly.
Secondary lymphedema is the most common type that develops following damage to the lymphatic system. This can occur with:
- Cancer treatments which may involve the removal of lymph nodes or radiotherapy to lymph node groups
Hereditary lymphedema is also known as primary lymphedema. It’s less common than secondary lymphedema. You’re more likely to have hereditary lymphedema if a family member also has it. Meige disease is the most common form of hereditary lymphedema, accounting for 80 percent of all cases. It’s caused by a genetic mutation and affects the legs, arms, face, and larynx. It also causes yellow nails in some people. Another type of hereditary lymphedema is known as Milroy disease. It can cause the structures that make up your lymphatic system to form incorrectly.
Secondary Lymphedema
Treatment for breast cancer with a mastectomy is one of the most common causes of secondary lymphedema. Surgeons often remove lymph tissue from under the arm when they’re removing cancerous breast tissue. Fluids draining from the arm must pass through the armpit. If lymph nodes are removed from this area, lymphatic dysfunction and swelling in the arm can occur. Cancer and radiation therapy can also cause lymphedema to develop. Tumors and scar tissue from radiation and surgery can lead to damage and injury to the lymphatic system. Lymphedema can also occur after treating cancers of the head and neck. It can lead to swelling of the face, eyes, neck, and lips.
What is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage, or lymphatic drainage, is a gentle massage treatment to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around the body. This helps to speed up the removal of wastes and toxins. Lymphatic drainage can also be used to help people who have had damage to their lymphatic system following surgery, trauma, or due to developmental disorders. Lymphatic massage has very light pressure because the lymphatic system is close to the surface of the skin. It is not like a regular massage that has deeper pressure to massage the muscles. It also has a specific sequence to ensure the blocked lymph areas are cleared and the lymph is being moved in the right direction.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned your physical health might be affected by lymphatic drainage massage.
How Often Should You Get a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
For the best effects, a professional may recommend lymphatic drainage from once per month to once per week. For home use, they may also advise the person to massage one to two body parts per day. Brief, regular home treatment can provide a short, daily relaxation experience and may benefit the lymphatic system.
How Do You Know If You Need a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
While you can always come and see us for a lymphatic drainage massage even if you're not exhibiting any specific symptoms, several signs indicate you may need one:
- You have congestion or fullness in your ears
- You suffer from headaches
- You feel fatigued or run down
- Your skin is dull
- Your skin is dry
- You have aches and pains with no apparent source
- Your muscles feel heavy or tender
If any (or all!) of these sound like you, then a lymphatic drainage massage may be just what you need. This type of massage is perfect for those looking to improve their circulation and detoxify their bodies; it’s also great for reducing swelling from injury or surgery (we see many clients who've recently undergone cosmetic surgeries like tummy tucks or BBLs, for example). We come right to your office or home to provide you with a truly valuable wellness experience like no other.
When clients are asked how they feel right after a lymphatic drainage massage, they often describe the feeling as “lighter” or “energized.” Many clients report feeling less pain, improved skin tone, and better overall energy in the days and weeks following the massage.
What is the Difference Between a Lymphatic Massage and a Regular Massage?
Both are focused to make you feel better and recover faster. However, they are not the same. A traditional massage is a different therapy altogether. Massage works the muscle while MLD focuses on the lymph vessels to help the flow of the lymphatic fluid.
How Long Does A Lymphatic Massage Last?
A session usually lasts from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the scope and scale. A typical lymphatic massage can be done only once a day but four to five times a week for two to four weeks. As per the current studies, through lymphatic massage, there is a significant reduction in the swelling of the affected part of the body even in the first week of the treatment, and will eventually stabilize in the second week. Just remember that before taking the lymphatic massage, make sure to know who to administer the technique.
Signs and Symptoms of Lymphatic Dysfunction
The main sign of lymphatic dysfunction is lymphedema. Lymphedema causes swelling in your arms or legs. Your fingers or toes may retain fluid and swell. The tissues of the head and neck may be affected, too.
The swelling can limit your range of motion. You may experience heaviness or a dull ache in the affected area. Lymphedema can also lead to:
- skin changes
- skin discoloration
- blisters
- leaking of fluid from the skin
- infection
In the head and neck, lymphedema can affect vision and cause ear pain and nasal congestion. It can also cause problems with:
- breathing
- swallowing
- talking
- drooling
People with congenital lymphatic dysfunction may show symptoms in early childhood. It can also occur with the onset of puberty or in adulthood, even beyond age 35. Symptoms of secondary lymphedema can appear at any time after surgery. Most symptoms will appear within several months to a few years after surgery. However, it can also be significantly delayed.
Conditions That Can Benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Massage
1. Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
2. Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
3. Chronic venous insufficiency: This happens when your leg veins aren't working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.
4. Lipedema: This happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.
- cancer and cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes
- filariasis, which is an infestation of the lymph nodes by a parasite carried by mosquitoes
- some types of vascular surgery, such as vein stripping
- burn scar excision
- lipectomy, a type of surgery to remove fat from the body
- infection or trauma in the lymphatic system
- a buildup of fluid due to deep vein thrombosis
- health conditions that affect blood flow to the extremities, such as the hands and feet
Lymphatic buildup affects around 20% of females who have had treatment for breast cancer. The authors of a 2015 review concluded that lymphatic massage might be more effective than connective tissue massage in relieving symptoms of stiffness and depression in people living with fibromyalgia.
A doctor may recommend lymphatic massage as part of a person’s treatment plan. If anyone believes they have lymphedema, they should ask a doctor about this option. They should not use lymphatic massage without consulting a doctor first. It is of note that this type of massage may not be suitable or safe for some people, for example, if they have cellulitis or a heart condition.
1. Vodder. This foundational technique uses various sweeping motions around the area the therapist is treating.
2. Foldi. An extension of the Vodder technique, Foldi requires the massage therapist to alternate between circular hand motions and moments of relaxation.
3. Casley-Smith. This approach to lymphatic massage also involves circular hand motions, mainly using the sides and palms of the hands.
4. Leduc. This technique relies on hand motions to collect lymph fluid before redirecting it for reabsorption into the larger lymphatic system.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
All these techniques function on the same principle. They all use gentle movements to stretch the skin in the direction of lymph flow. The methods must start at the part of the limb nearest to the torso and move outward. The procedure will typically last between 15 to 60 minutes.
The massage consists of precise, skillful gestures that deftly sweep stagnant ‘waste’ towards the lymph nodes, which makes it easier for your body to eliminate the toxins – and fast. But make no mistake: it takes an expert to carry out these techniques properly, so it’s always recommended that you seek a professional to give your lymphatic system a boost. This also isn’t like your usual massage, which works to loosen knots and tension; it combines firm pressure with a specific set of motions to unlock a raft of other tangible body benefits. So, what are the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage?
1. Debloats and depuffs
Fluid retention can happen to us all. Whether around your belly or your legs, ‘water weight’ can result in puffiness and bloating that your lymphatic system may need help to clear. A lymphatic drainage massage helps to ease all that fluid away, pushing it toward the lymph nodes where it can be eliminated. This is one of many reasons you may leave your treatment feeling lighter and more energized. If you suffer from heavy legs, this is a big benefit.
2. Breaks down cellulite and fat cells
Your practitioner can target cellulite during your lymphatic drainage massage, using a clever technique that, over time, may contribute to the smoothing of dimpled skin. This manual process also aims to break down fat cells, with some people reporting that it’s helped them to lose weight faster.
3. Gives skin a glow
Massaged skin often glows because the manual gestures give your blood circulation a boost, but we haven’t just seen boosted radiance on limbs, legs and decolletage. Some of our lymphatic drainage clients notice the skin on their face also looks more luminous – again, as a result of stimulated blood flow.
4. Helps with post-injury swelling
When you have an injury – say from working out hard in the gym – you might find the area doesn’t circulate fluids as well, which causes extra swelling. Excess puffiness may be a sign that your lymphatic system isn’t working quite as it should, so a lymphatic drainage massage could be needed to help drain some of the swellings away.
5. Optimises results after liposuction
If you’ve undergone liposuction or a body-sculpting treatment (such as CoolSculpting or EMSculpt Neo), booking in for MLD post-procedure can help to enhance the contoured results. Talk to your surgeon or practitioner first, as they may advise some downtime before you go for a massage. However, in many cases, you can visit soon after your procedure.
6. Eases tension in the body
Last but not least, a lymphatic drainage massage can be truly relaxing. The sweeping gestures and the increase of lymph flow often works wonders at easing tension throughout your body. So, if you’re feeling pent-up, you can lie back and allow your practitioner to ease away stresses, all while receiving the benefits above.
Deep breathing acts like a pump that helps move fluid through the vessels and lymph nodes. Follow the steps below:
- Place both hands on the ribs.
- Take slow, deep breaths and feel the air move down to the abdomen.
- Slowly sigh the air out through the mouth.
- Rest between breaths and repeat 5 times.
2. Prepare the front of the neck
- Place the index and middle fingers of each hand on either side of the neck, just below the earlobe.
- Stretch the skin by gently sliding the fingers down toward the shoulders, then release.
- Repeat 5 times.
- Move the hands down and repeat until you have massaged the whole neck.
3. Prepare the side of the neck
- Place the palm of each hand on either side of the neck below the ears.
- Slowly move both hands down and back.
4. Prepare the back of the neck
- Place the palms of the hands on the back of the neck near the hairline.
- Gently slide the hands together down the neck toward the spine.
5. Prepare under the arms
Prepare the lymph nodes under the arms to help them accept lymph fluid from other areas of the body. Do not perform this movement in areas that doctors have treated for cancer. Follow these steps:
- Cup the palm under the armpit.
- Gently pump the palm upward and toward the body.
- Repeat on the other arm.
6. Prepare behind the knees
- Place both hands behind the knee so that the fingers point toward each other.
- Pump the back of the knee by gently pressing the hands into the back of the knee and rolling them upward.
- Repeat on the other knee.
How to Perform a Lymphatic Massage
Trained professionals provide lymphatic massage, but they can teach individuals basic drainage techniques to use at home. A doctor or other professional can advise on safe ways to drain lymphatic fluid. People can perform most of these exercises either standing, sitting, or lying down, as long as they are comfortable. Keep the following tips in mind during a lymphatic massage:
- These massage movements should affect only the skin, so use gentle pressure and do not press hard enough to feel the muscles.
- Keep the hands relaxed.
- Do not massage swollen or infected areas.
- Do not massage areas of the body that have undergone treatment for cancer.
- Drink extra fluids, ideally 2–4 glasses of water, after each massage to help flush the body.
- During the massage, there should be no pain or skin reddening.
- Do not use lotions or other products, only the hands.
1. Dry brushing. Also known as “skin brushing” this promotes lymph flow as you brush in the same direction that the lymph travels. For best results, brush up from your hands and feet towards the collarbone.
2. Exercise, stretching, and yoga. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump. It relies on your movement and muscle contractions to keep flowing.
3. Eat a cleaner diet. Avoid packaged and processed foods when possible, and opt for fresh, natural, whole foods. This reduces toxins coming into your body, therefore making the job of the lymphatic system easier.
4. Avoid tight clothing. Tighter clothes can restrict the movement of lymph fluid, especially when worn for long periods. Wear loose-fitting clothes whenever possible.
When to Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Massages
In most cases, lymphatic drainage massages are safe with a low risk of harm when used properly. However, some people complain of headaches, nausea, and fatigue. When that happens, you should talk to your therapist or healthcare provider about managing side effects. There are certain situations and conditions that should not be mixed with lymphatic drainage massages, including active infections. “Make sure to wait till infections and fever subside before getting a lymphatic drainage massage,” Blanchard says.
Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's essential to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist.
Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:
- Are you licensed, certified, or registered?
- What are your training and experience?
- How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?
- What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
A skilled therapist has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback. Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever.
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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