A Guide To Reabsorption
The second part of lymphatic massage is reabsorption. To perform this stage of massage:
- Begin at the affected part of the body farthest from the core of the body. For example, begin at the tips of the fingers if you have lymphedema in your hand, arm, and shoulder.
- Using a gentle, sweeping motion with just enough pressure to shift the surface of the skin, massage from fingertip to hand, from hand to elbow, and from elbow to shoulder.
Patient compliance is the hardest part of self-care, especially for women, who are so used to taking care of others, says Patel.
She advises people to set aside at least 20 minutes a day for lymphatic drainage massage. If you only have a brief amount of time, perform the clearing stage of massage.
To begin reabsorption on the legs, you will use a pumping motion behind the knee:
- Place both hands behind your knees.
- Pump the back of the knee with a rolling, upward motion 10 to 15 times.
Your knee is now ready to take in fluid from the lower leg, so you can proceed to massaging the lower legs:
- Put one hand on the top of the shin and the other behind the leg.
- Stretch the skin in an upward motion, then release it.
- Continue down toward the ankle area.
- Repeat down through the ankle and feet, always stroking upward.
- End the massage by gently pushing fluid in the toes upward with your fingers.
Leg Massager For Edema
Edema complication can arise in different locations of the body depending on the condition. If managed properly, it can allow you to remain perfectly functional in your daily life. So what is edema? If youre looking for a leg massager for edema you probably already know that is the pooling of fluid in the body because of abnormalities in venous circulation that causes the fluid to leak out of the veins in the body.
Leg massagers make a great addition to a clinic especially if you are a physician, chiropractor or a massage therapist. It is also a great tool to be used by individuals on an out-patient basis, to manage their edema. What are the basic features that you should look for when shopping for a leg massager for edema?
Here we will discuss in detail, all of the features that are important to keep in mind when looking for a leg massager that suits your needs well. We will also recommend a product that we think fulfills all of these requirements and is one of the best leg massagers currently available.
What Is The Goal Of Manual Lymphatic Drainage
The Manual Lymphatic Drainage has a preventive purpose: accompanied by a circulatory massage, it is very useful in people who have heavy legs or who have, what is commonly called, water retention .
This defect over the long term can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, cellulite
It is also very useful for already established lympheodema, especially in breast cancer.
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How To Perform Lymphatic Drainage Massage
What is lymphatic drainage?
Your lymphatic system helps eliminate your bodys waste. A healthy, active lymphatic system uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue to do this.
However, surgery, medical conditions, or other damage can cause fluids to build up in your lymph system and your lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphedema.
If youve ever had a surgery on or involving your lymph nodes, your doctor may have suggested lymphatic drainage massage performed by a certified massage or physical therapist. However,
lymphatic massage is not recommended for people with the following conditions:
- congestive heart failure
- history of blood clots or stroke
- current infection
Procedures that affect or remove your lymph nodes can cause lymphedema as a side effect.
Lymphedema will only occur in the area near a surgical site.
For example, if you have lymph nodes removed as a part of cancer surgery to your left breast, only your left arm, not your right, might be affected with lymphedema.
Lymphedema can also occur as a result of an injury or medical conditions such as congestive heart failure or blood clots in the body.
To move waste fluids away from the damaged area, lymphatic massage, which uses a gentle pressure, can help. Its one technique used to reduce lymphedema.
Raakhee Patel, PT, DPT, CLT, is a physical therapist and certified lymphedema specialist who trains people to perform their own lymphatic massage after surgery.
Clearing involves:
Lymphatic Drainage: What It Is And Why Im Hooked On Doing It At Home
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In This Article
Ive always taken care of myself , and had a healthy relationship with my body. That said, I wasnt totally psyched about it post-baby. And that is common, real, and allowed. Sure, from an outsiders perspective, itd seem as though I lost the majority of my baby weight rather swiftlyand I didbut there was also this annoying all-over puffiness that was taking up residence on my upper arms, belly, and upper legs that I just couldnt seem to iron out over time.
So, I did what any person would do, and Googled what might be going on. As with all great internet searches, mine ended with a thousand possibilities and mindless scrolling through each one. I toggled over to Instagram’s Explore Page and, there, staring back at me, was a woman wielding a giant wooden body brush. I was intrigued. The goddess Im referring to is none other than Melissa Wood-Tepperberg aka Melissa Wood Health. My friend actually mentioned her to me previouslythe universe is funny that way, right?so I clicked on the video . Afterwards, I was beside myself. She is so fit, so powerful, and so tonedI had to get into whatever she was doing. And buy whatever that bizarre tool was, too. Turns out, she was doing an at-home lymphatic drainage tutorial.
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What Should One Expect On A Visit To A Practitioner Of Lymphatic Massage
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. Lymphatic drainage is very gentle, is not painful and doesnt have a stimulating effect. Each session lasts from 45 to 60 minutes, and therapy usually is performed once a day four or five times a week for two to four weeks. One study showed that the greatest reduction in swelling from lymphedema occurs in the first week of treatment and stabilizes during the second week.
How To Relieve Heavy Legs With The Help Of Lymphatic Drainage
A period of hot weather or poor venous return can leave your legs feeling heavy and you feeling uncomfortable. Maybe you’ve already tried phytotherapy, pressotherapy, and compression socks, but nothing has really worked? Then maybe you should give lymphatic drainage a try! This manual massage technique stimulates the circulation of lymph fluid and helps to flush out toxins from your body.
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Massage For Edema: Lymphatic Leg And Foot Massage For Edema
Edema generally affects the dependent parts of the body, namely the extremities. It is important to remember, that edema is caused due to several medical conditions and massage therapy may not be beneficial for systemic causes of edema. However, after obtaining permission from the medical professional, massage therapy may be beneficial for local causes of edema.
Massage therapy for edema should be done only be qualified and experienced massage therapist, as improper massage therapy by amateurs can have detrimental effect on health.
Risk Factors For Developing Lymphedema In Your Legs
Risk factors for lymphedema in your legs include:
- Gaining weight or being overweight.
- Infection in the affected leg.
- Having radiation therapy to the pelvis.
- Having cancer that comes back.
- Being inactive.
- Traveling in an airplane for long periods of time.
- Constricting your leg. This happens when you have a tight ring of pressure in one area of your leg and is often caused by wearing certain clothes .
- Exposure to extreme temperatures.
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Do Leg Compression Machines Really Work
Yes, the compression therapy delivered by leg compression machines has been used for decades and research backs up the fact that compression therapy has proven benefits in increasing circulation, moving fluids through the lymphatic system, and easing pain and discomfort from swelling.
The intermittent pneumatic compression of leg compression machines is delivered through inflatable sleeves worn on your legs. This treatment is also called sequential compression. Every 20 to 60 seconds the sleeves inflate then deflate via an air pump, which stimulates circulation and provides the feeling of a leg massage.
This compression therapy helps the lymphatic system drain toxins and waste and reduces the chance of DVT. This is especially important when youre unable to be active and maintain proper blood flow due to trauma, injury, recovery from surgery, or mobility limitations.
Insufficient circulation can lead to DVT, which can be fatal if a blood clot breaks loose in the leg and travels to the lungs or brain. Lymphedema causes leg pain and raises your chances of infection because the cells that fight infection get crowded out of the affected area and wounds might heal more slowly.
The Basics Of Red Light Therapy
Humans have always needed sunlight to thrive. Ancient healers knew this and often prescribed fresh air and sunshine to their patients. Even today, bright light therapy that mimics sunlight is used to treat depression and other conditions.
Although sunlight appears to the human eye as warm white light, it actually contains many colored wavelengths of light. Some of these are visible to the human eye, while others are not. We can see red light, for example, but not infrared.
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Fit King Foot And Leg Massager
It comes with 3 different modes and 3 intensity levels from light to tight. With these, you will be able to customize the performance of this Leg and Foot Massager in different ways. It is possible to produce a total of ten kinds of massage techniques to offer different massage experience that meets your needs.
This leg and foot massager comes with 2 free extensions that can make maximum calf size up to 28.5 inches. It will provide better massage experience from the thigh, calf to the foot while relieving pain and improving body circulation.
Aside from the massage sleeves, the package includes one Massage Sleeves Extensions for Calves, a handheld controller, a power adapter, a user manual, a quick-start manual, and a storage travel bag.
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What Is A Lymphatic Drainage Massage Used For
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, is a gentle form of massage used to relieve painful swelling in your arms and legs caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema often affects people recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Lymphedema happens when your tissues retain fluid left behind after your cardiovascular system sends blood to your tissues and organs.
The remaining fluid is called lymph. Normally, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When something disrupts your lymphatic system’s process, lymph collects in your arms and legs, making them swell.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.
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Hangsun Leg Massager For Circulation
Hangsun leg massager was manufactured from durable anti-scratch basketball grain PU leather. It is light weighted with 2.4 pounds. Its a flexible and portable device that could be used anywhere you are whether in the office or home as needed.
It relaxes out your legs and improves circulation. Also, this device helps to improve posture and fasten leg recovery as noted through injuries and sprains.
This massager has three massage intensity levels with two massage modes which could be detected through LED lights, yellow, green, and red which illuminates when a particular setting is utilized.
The device has its built-in lithium-ion battery, and it is rechargeable and could be used cordless.
The device is equipped with four airbags to increase massage efficiency and adjustable leg wraps that are suitable for different sizes of limbs. The maximum calf diameter that it accommodate is about 19 cm.
Apart from the air compression massager, the package includes a controller and an AC adapter to easily charge the device as needed.
This leg massager is pocket-friendly with easy to use features that anyone would love to have.
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Lymphatic Drainage Massage Is A Highly Specialized Massage Technique Performed On Lymphedema And Lipedema Patients To Help Manage Painful Symptoms If Youre Suffering From Common Complications Associated With Either Disorder Such As Discomfort And Swelling Lymphatic Drainage Massage Is Sure To Rub You The Right Way
Lymphatic drainage massage was first introduced by Austrian husband and wife doctor duo, Emil Vodder, PhD and Estrid Vodder, PhD, in 1932 upon clinical investigation into the lymph vessel system. Their research eventually led them to developing a series of light, rhythmic manipulations to stimulate lymph flow and fluid movement. The unique massaging technique has since evolved to help mindfully manage and mitigate the most troublesome of symptoms associated with lipedema and lymphedema and is always performed by a therapeutic massage therapist who possesses a specialized certification in lymphatic drainage massage, so its not to be taken lightly!
As with any new treatment consideration, lipedema patients should always consult with their physician before undergoing any form of therapy to manage symptoms. In some cases, insurance providers cover the costs associated with lymphatic drainage massage. Please be sure to check with any one of our Total Lipedema Care team members to see if professional lymphatic drainage massage is covered by your insurance provider.
To learn more, please contact our Beverly Hills, California office to schedule a consultation with any of our highly trained specialists.
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What Is Dr Weils View Of Lymphatic Massage
Dr. Weil believes that lymphatic massage is a worthwhile treatment for lymphedema, but he emphasizes that individuals who do not have lymphedema do not need lymphatic drainage, no matter what health claims are made for it. He notes that some internet sites warn of the health consequences of sluggish lymphatic flow and promote lymphatic drainage for all manner of supposed benefits ranging from detoxification of the body, regeneration of burned, injured or wrinkled tissue, anti-aging effects, and relief of sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, constipation, insomnia, memory loss, cellulite, and obesity. He also says he has seen lymphatic drainage promoted as a beauty treatment. However, Dr. Weil has not seen good evidence supporting any of these effects of manual lymphatic drainage. Dr. Weil emphasizes that manual lymphatic drainage is not a necessity for general health and explains that lymph fluid circulates as result of muscular contraction, including the muscles used during normal physical activity. As long as long as your lymphatic tissues or lymph nodes have not been damaged or removed, Dr. Weil maintains that that there is no need to worry about lymphatic flow and drainage.
Are There Any Weight Loss Benefits Lymphatic Massage Before
When you take a look at before-and-after pics, the slim-down effects look r.e.a.l. See for yourself in these snapshots, pulled from a few popular, celebrity-backed spas and/or therapists:
The thing is, actual fat loss isn’t happening . Instead, lymphatic drainage may help reduce water retention and bloat, according to anecdotal evidence and reviews, which may have a temporary visual slimming effect . Famed massage therapist Flavia Lanini, who has worked with countless celebrities and supermodels, described to Us Weeklyin December that lymphatic massage can “promote a contouring effect while also promoting relaxation.”
Koehler points out, however, that bloating is a symptom that someone who has a normal functioning lymphatic system experiences. “Bloating will eventually go away on its own,” she addswithout a special rub.
So, at most, you may experience a reduction in bloating post-lymphatic massage, but don’t expect the results to last forever, and don’t rely on a massage for weight loss.
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D What Happen During The Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Your therapist will chat through your medical history and any current or previous injuries. They will do a physical assessment if they think is need it, prior to starting your MLD.
During the treatment, your therapist will use series of gliding, compressing, stretching, and cupping motions on your body. The light rhythmic movements, applied without massage oil, stimulate the lymphatic system without compressing the vessels allowing lymph to move easily through the tissues and lymph nodes.
MLD follows a specific sequence over the body so lymph isnt trapped anywhere, making sure every area is treated with care.
Due to the slow technique, 60 minutes will allow the therapist to treat one of the following areas:
- Neck and face
- Arms
- Neck and abdomen
Can I Take Care Of My Lymphatic System Any Other Ways
Yes! The primary drivers of lymphatic movement are activity and breathing. “Exercise will move fluid in a similar manner and has all the other additional benefits,” Koehler says. Try these DIY tricks to help keep your system running smoothly:
The bottom line: You don’t *need* to get lymphatic drainage massages if you’re healthy. But if you enjoy the technique, there’s no harm in getting the service. Enjoy.
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