Lymphatic What? The Best-Kept Secret of Massage Therapy

“Lymphatic Drainage can be practiced on clients who are contraindicated for massage therapy because of swelling.” This is what Massage magazine tells us in that same article I quoted in the first part of this four-part series about how to choose the type of therapy that’s right for you. “Contraindicated” is just a fancy way of saying that something is not recommended. In the case of clients experiencing inflammation, then, massage therapy that applies pressure to areas below the skin may be contraindicated. But, what if there’s a type of touch therapy that can help alleviate swelling? Ah, so that’s where Lymphatic Drainage Massage comes in!

What exactly is the lymphatic system, anyway?

According to the website of the Cleveland Clinic, “The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream).”

The purpose of Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) (also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD) is to move lymph that may be “stuck” in inflamed tissues (where swelling, often called “edema”, is occurring) back into the lymphatic pathways and toward the lymph nodes. This practice may not only relieve swelling (and the attendant pain), it can also help your body get rid of toxins, thus supporting your immune system.

While you might not need to consult your doctor about getting a Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage, you might want to ask about whether LDM can aid the healing process if you are experiencing swelling – perhaps in connection with an injury or other physical ailment.

Again, quoting that Massage magazine article, “Specific conditions that can be addressed using MLD include lymphedema, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, cellulite, post-traumatic swelling and post-surgical swelling".

And, remember to get the most out of your massage by following my 6 simple steps:

1. Call to inquire about the therapist’s style, techniques, specialties.

2. Schedule a free consultation (if available).

3. Ask your doctor about which therapies will complement your health-care regimen.

4. Try a 30-minute session to start.

5. Take advantage of promotions to learn more about the therapist.

6. Visit our website or send an email message to find out more.