Lymphatic Massage Is Not A Traditional Massage
Contrary to what you might think, lymphatic massage is not a traditional massage like deep tissue, Swedish massage, or hot stone. It is a specific technique that is both specialized and advanced. Additionally, it should never hurt. I constantly have clients ask me if the massage will be painfulbecause the image of draining fluids from your lymphatic system doesnt invoke scenes of serenity. However, it is actually quite pleasant and relaxing.
During the massage, I use gentle rotating, and pumping motions to gently move lymph fluid through your body. Sometimes I incorporate gentle vacu-therapy or massage cupping for additional post-surgical support when indicated. I never use heat with my massage technique, as that can increase edema in the surgical area. Also, never receive a deep tissue or therapeutic massage in place of a lymphatic massagethe results will not be the same.
Consult With Your Surgeon/physician
If there is one thing you want to do before making up your mind about any procedure, it is to talk to your surgeon beforehand.
Not only your surgeon will provide you with detailed nutritional guidelinessuch as which supplements to take to maximize the cleansing effectthey will also tell you when exactly is the best time to get the massage to maximize your plastic surgery results.
For example, depending on your individual case and the scope and type of procedure you went through, your surgeon may suggest to start your lymphatic massage course a couple of weeks after the procedure, following a custom-tailored session plan.
Usually, at least two procedures are booked in advance for optimal results.
Rehydrate Your Body After Lymph System Massage
You most probably feel thirsty after your regular massage sessions. That is a sure sign that your body is dehydrated and needs more fluid.
You can help replenish your body fluids with water or a drink that is full of essential elements, vitamins and mineral salts. Through blood flow, your bodys nutrients will be recovered.
Also Check: How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Massage Chair
Specialized Massage Technique Recommended Post Surgery
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a specialized massage technique recommended post surgery to accelerate the recovery period. During a surgical procedure, the lymphatic fluids build up and can pool which results in swelling. Giving the lymphatic massage to areas of the body can stimulate the lymph nodes which drains the lymph fluid. This massage works well and has shown positive results in a numerous amount of patients. We recommended that patients receive at least 10-15 LDM for the best possible results.
Some patients will experience lumpiness or hardness to the areas affected by liposuction, which is normal for most patients after surgery. The lumpiness or hardness is caused by inflammation and trauma from the surgical instrument that is used under the skin to extract the fatty tissue. The tunnels and channels which are created by the surgical instrument will fill with fluid and become swollen with both fluid and left-over fat. This fluid and left-over fat begins to harden between one week and three weeks after surgery. LDM will help move the fluid by gently pushing back into the lymph passages. It also helps get rid of bruises, as they are cellular debris and releases the substances that are trapped.
Doctors will advise their patients that, without LDM, there is a risk that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. LDM ensures youll achieve the best results possible from the surgery.
A Lymphatic Drainage Massage:
- Drains the excess fluid which is close to the lymph nodes
- Reduces bruises dramatically and at a much faster pace
- Minimises pain, discomfort, and swelling
- Speeds up the overall process of healing
- It may help to improve the appearance of the scars and make them less visible
- And it may also help reduce indentations, rippling, and hard lumps in the body.
You May Like: Massage With Happy Ending In New York
What Happens During Lymphatic Massage Therapy
At Eterna Cosmetic Surgery, you will be treated by a licensed medical aesthetician trained in providing lymphatic massage therapy. You can lie down, sit or stand during your treatment, but comfort is essential for relaxation and best results. The session takes about an hour, depending on the number of areas treated.
Unlike blood which circulates continuously throughout the body, lymph travels in just one direction toward the neck. So lymphatic massage therapy is also directional, beginning at the fingers and working up the arms, for example, or beginning with the toes and working up the legs. The aesthetician massages the skin, soft tissues and underlying muscles, following specific patterns.
We combine two techniques for this treatment —HydraFacial lymphatic therapy uses suction to lift and move excess fluids, and manual lymphatic therapy performed by the aesthetician — to ensure all layers of the tissues are treated in the same session.
It is possible to perform basic lymphatic drainage massage on yourself, but a relaxing environment helps promote relief. It may be difficult or even painful to massage at home.
Surgery Causes Swellinglymphatic Massage Reduces It
Every surgery causes some sort of swelling. The buildup of fluids in your body and around the surgical incision area needs to be relieved and eliminated. To prevent that build up, doctors often recommend compression garments and lymphatic massage. As you receive the massage, toxin-carrying fluids are flushed from your body properly.
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Massage Therapy Insurance
When To Schedule Mld For Cosmetic Surgery
Phase 1: This is done a day or two before your procedure up to 1-2 sessions to help prepare the body.
Phase 1 helps prepare the body by advancing the healing process by stimulating the immune system while draining excess fluids and toxins.
Preparing the body through lymphatic drainage also helps with surgery because it is easier for the surgeon to see the area he is working on, resulting in cleaner cuts.
Phase 2: Few days post-surgery, strictly focusing on the surgical site.
Phase 3: Cross friction/deep tissue, and sometimes the technique in phase 2 is repeated to help break up adhesion formation.
Here are the outcomes of post-cosmetic surgery with MDL massage:
If you need a Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage on Oahu, we have just the right place to go.
What Is It Like To Receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage After Liposuction
Manual lymphatic drainage is usually delivered in one-hour sessions, and should include some education on self-care practices. It is not painful, much more gentle than regular massage, and is usually described as being pleasant. No oils or other products are used on the skin during these sessions.
Surgeons typically recommend for best results that care be initiated in the first few days following surgery , and some recommend that patients come for a standard number of treatment sessions. However, the number of sessions should ideally be determined by the therapist in conversation with the patient and based on: the amount of swelling patient responsiveness to treatment patient commitment to self-care practices and of course, on the patients perception of benefit and financial considerations. Patients should experience some benefit from the very first treatment, and may find that this benefit increases upon subsequent visits, but typically no more than a handful of sessions are required to achieve maximal benefit.
Don’t Miss: Best Time To Buy Massage Chair
Prevents Fibrosis And Seroma Development
A potential risk of some types of plastic surgery is the development of fibrosis or seromas. These conditions can occur if excess fluid builds up in tissue gaps that are left behind after surgery.
Lymph drainage massage can help prevent these complications by avoiding extensive fluid buildup in those areas. MLD can also drain the lymph fluid from those areas after it develops.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage And What Does It Do
Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a massage technique performed by registered physiotherapists, professional massage therapists, or other expert health professionals.
Manual lymphatic drainage uses gentle strokes that stimulate the flow of fluid in the lymphatic system. It is sometimes offered alongside compression garments or part of combined decongestive therapy. It is also the standard treatment for lymphedema, which is sometimes referred to as lymphatic insufficiency .
You May Like: Where Do Massage Therapists Advertise Now
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Before And After: The Takeaway
Lymphatic drainage massage is highly effective, thanks to its ability to solve many health problems. Its ability to equip your body with disease-fighting mechanisms is exemplary. Take it as a way to communicate and coordinate body cells, and help them carry out their functions as required.
The secret was following the lymphatic drainage massage before and after tips. And we have unveiled it all here. lymphatic drainage massage before and after hacks are no longer a magic trick. There is no reason at all for you not to see real lymphatic massage benefits now.
How Often Should You Get One
This depends somewhat on your particular doctors recommendations, though the typical recommendation is about four to six massages post-surgery. Dr. Katz suggests biweekly massages for two weeks, starting the week after surgery. Dr. Su recommends biweekly massages for two to three weeks, starting two weeks post-surgery. Youll also see the effects pretty quickly, definitely after one or two sessions max. The reduction in discomfort and swelling almost immediately afterward is what makes this type of massage an even more pleasurable experience, points out Cobb.
Interested in lymphatic-massage?
You May Like: Massage Therapist Looking For Work
What Is A Lymphatic Massage
Its first important to understand what the lymphatic system is. Its a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into your bloodstream, explains Mysti Cobb, a massage therapist specializing in lymphatic drainage at BIÂN Chicago, a holistic health and wellness club. The three main functions of the lymphatic system are tissue drainage, fat transport, and activating a response from the immune system. In short, that means that lymph fluid can carry everything from white blood cells to various waste products. Eventually, the lymph gets carried to lymph nodes located throughout the body, which then help clear it.
The thing about the lymphatic system is that, unlike the circulatory system, which is pumped by the heart, theres nothing to move lymph besides gravity. Thats enough most of the time, but if it becomes stagnant or if the lymph is overloaded, manually getting things movingvia massagecan be very helpful. A lymphatic drainage massage is exactly that: a unique and very gentle massage technique that helps to manually promote and expedite the movement of lymph fluid.
Interested in lymphatic-massage?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Before And After Frequently Asked Questions
Lymphatic drainage massage Los Angeles has proven to be highly effective in treating different conditions. However, it remains delicate, especially if you dont follow lymphatic massage drainage before and after hacks.
We answer a few questions on the lymph system massage to help you prepare to get the most out of it.
You May Like: Air Compression Full Leg Massager
Floating After Surgery Another Method For Recovery:
We would recommend coming in for a float session after your wounds have healed. Float pods, often used by professional athletes, can assist in healing the body and training the mind. Clearly injuries affect more than just the injured area of the body. Undoubtedly this can be both physically and mentally draining.
Scientific study on floating:
Patients experience of pain intensity at its worst-
Analysis of inter-action indicated that the experimental group experienced less severe pain after treatment than before treatment.
Depression-
The results indicated that there was a significant difference in depression assessment before and after treatment the degree of depression was reduced after treatment. There was a significant correlation between groups and degree of depression before and after treatments .
Anxiety-
The analysis indicated that there was a significant difference in anxiety before and after treatment level of anxiety decreased after treatment.
Time to sleep onset-
How Is A Lymphatic Drainage Massage Different From A Regular Massage
The lymphatic system is located almost immediately under the skin, so it takes just a small amount of extremely light pressure to get it moving. Lymphatic massage techniques are very light and relaxing and use a combination of little, gentler strokes, along with a deeper pumping action, over the main parts of the lymphatic systemon the neck, armpits, chest, abdomen, and upper legs, explains Cobb. For those who are used to traditional massages, where deeper pressure is utilized to target the muscles, it can actually not feel like a massage at all.
It bears mentioning that traditional and deep tissue massages are an absolute no-go post-liposuction and can actually hinder the recovery process. For this reason, its paramount that the massage therapist you see is well-trained in manual lymphatic drainage technique, cautions Dr. Thomas Su, a physician in Tampa, Florida.
Also Check: Massage Magazine Insurance Plus Reviews
Regular Massage Vs Lymphatic Massage
Regular massages target the muscles, whereas lymphatic drainage massages address the skin in order to improve the efficiency of the lymphatic system. A lymphatic drainage massage is different than getting a regular massage in the sense that long, rhythmic, wave-like strokes are used to open and then shut the lymphatics, leaving little time for that lymph to get sucked down along the vessel, explains Leyla Valladares, manager of Health in Hands Spa in Hoboken, NJ.
But thats not all. An appropriate rhythm will also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, causing the client to relax, she says. Other benefits include reducing the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness and decreasing swelling, muscular fatigue, weakness, and pain.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Post Care
Here are the few simple steps you should follow to get the most out of your lymphatic drainage massage:
- Drink plenty of water as you will feel very thirsty immediately after the massage. Keep yourself hydrated at all times.
- If you can, take the day off as you will feel extremely tired after the massage. All you will want to do is sleep and rest.
- Eat plenty of clean and healthy food. You should also limit the intake of processed food.
- Continue to wear compression garments as instructed by your surgeon.
- After one day of complete rest, go for a gentle walk to keep things moving.
Recommended Reading: Massage Envy Colonial Heights Va
What You Need To Know About Post
Whether youre planning cosmetic surgery or surgery related to an illness, lymphatic massage is a great way to speed up the healing process. However, if you have not had surgery or a lymphatic massage, you might not know how to prepare for the massage or the pain after your surgery. With that in mind, I decided to share some helpful information regarding post-surgery massage and what to expect.
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Or Mld
If our bodies have a natural lymphatic system, why do we need a massage for lymphatic drainage?
Think of it as manual assistance to the bodys natural drainage system. This technique originated in Germany for treating lymphedema . This is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, part of the immune and circulatory systems. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by lymph node removal or damage due to cancer treatment. The massage is not only used to drain excess fluids in the body but also to eliminate swelling and pain. Sometimes, patients might experience excessive water retention and swelling due to other reasons. Over the years, the technique became widely popular amongst patients of cosmetic surgery and people struggling with the dysfunctional lymph system. The top benefits include:
Also Check: Can Massage Help Herniated Disc
Duration Of The Session
Most people are curious about how long the massage will last. It typically lasts anywhere from thirty to ninety minutes. After your first session, you might be asked to come in every other day for the first few weeks. After that, the therapist will perform a massage once a week for four to six weeks. Eventually, it will be done only once a month for four to five months.
Please note that it is a general guideline. Your experience can vary drastically depending on the condition of your body and the therapist you see.
What Happens During Post Surgical Lymphatic Massage
While there are several different methods of post surgical lymphatic massage, they all typically have the following components in common:
- Begins and ends with deep diaphragmatic breathing
- Drains the affected area by moving proximal to distal
- Performed with the patient in the prone position
- Treats the unaffected lymph nodes and regions of the body first
- Uses gentle pressure
- Uses slow and rhythmical movements
There are four different post-surgical lymphatic massage approaches: Vodder, Foldi, Casley-Smith, and Leduc. The Vodder approach uses different kinds of hand motions depending on the body part being treated. The Foldi approach is based on the Vodder technique and emphasizes thrust and relaxation, while the Casley-Smith approach uses small, gentle effleurage movements with the side of the hand. Finally, the Leduc approach uses special enticing and reabsorption movements.
Also Check: How To Become A Professional Massage Therapist
Your Advanced Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Treatment
The success of post-surgical advanced manual lymphatic drainage massage lies in its gentleness. Most experts believe that heat and deep massage are counterproductive in a post-surgical setting thus, it is important that you NOT substitute deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, or other massage technique for this advanced treatment. Your specific treatment planincluding when to begin advanced MLD and how frequently you should receive treatmentswill depend on the surgical procedure you had and your unique state of health.
Post-surgical MLD is an advanced technique requiring specialized training, and should only be performed by a licensed massage therapist. If you have hador if you are planning to havea mastectomy or a cosmetic procedure such as a facelift or liposuction, contact Orlando Massage Clinic to discuss how we can help incorporate advanced manual lymphatic drainage massage with one of our highly-trained and fully licensed massage therapists, into your pre- and post-surgical routine.
You can easily schedule your next appointment by calling our office at 298-5603 or by booking online.