We discuss what lymphatic drainage massage is, the benefits of the treatment and if this treatment is for you. You’ll know where your lymph nodes are located and what they do for your body. We discuss the difference between a lymphatic massage treatment and a regular massage therapy treatment.1 And, lastly, we tackle how often you need to get a treatment before seeing results.
What is Lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a superficial fluid technique. Other superficial fluid techniques include superficial gliding or stroking. Lymphatic drainage massage treatment is a non-gliding massage technique performed without oil/lotion. This massage is performed in the direction of lymphatic flow, using short stokes with minimal pressure. And in this treatment, the muscle is not engaged in the technique at all. The goal of lymphatic drainage massage is to assist the fluid along the lymph vessels/channels to the lymph glands to flush out the toxins.
Your lymph nodes are located in various areas of the body, they are inter-webbed throughout the body similar to your blood vessels. Lymph nodes contain certain kinds of immune cells. Some immune cells therein capture and fight viruses while other immune cells destroy and flush out the captured toxins.
At times, the accumulation of toxins and the workload placed on the lymph nodes causes the glands to swell. The swelling is noticeable behind the ears, under the chin, in the neck, in the armpit, groin, behind the knees and in front of the elbow. In these instances, lymphatic drainage massage treatment is necessary.
Benefits of Lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic Drainage massage benefits all patients, especially ones living with lymphedema or swelling from surgery. Lymphedema is swelling that happens when lymph cannot flow normally and builds up in the soft tissues of a limb. Lymphedema usually happens in parts of the body where lymph nodes have been removed or damaged by cancer treatment 3. Lymphatic drainage massage treatment has also shown to help relieve breastfeeding mothers.
The treatment helps the body’s immune system move fluids along the channels towards glands located in the neck, armpits and groin. As mentioned above, these glands act as body cleansers, they remove toxins and return the “clean” lymph throughout the body for the immune system to thrive.
Is Lymphatic drainage massage for me?
Lymphatic drainage massage is helpful to those living with lymphedema or any kind of swelling in the body. It would also help people living with chronic stress. This treatment is known to have a sedative effect more potent than a traditional or regular relaxation massage, to alleviate stress.
How does lymphatic massage treatment differ from regular massage treatment?
A regular massage treatment alleviates the tension in the muscles of the body. Massage therapy treatments also alleviate any pain associated with exercise, training, injury or improper posture. They are deeper in pressure. In massage therapy treatments, stretching and trigger point therapy is used to help release tension and alleviate pain.
Lymphatic drainage massage differs as it is known to be very superficial, the goal of the treatment is to move the lymph along the vessels and not address the tension in the muscles. Our clinic does not differentiate in the massage therapy pricing of this treatment, however, other clinics may differ in their pricing and this may be something to consider when choosing where to get treated.
How often would I need treatments, before I see results?
If you have a condition to address then results will depend on the severity of the condition. See an RMT in Toronto who will help with a treatment plan and with obtaining your goals as quickly as possible. Despite the fast paced life we live in right now, the progress made in healing the body still depends on consistency and maintenance. Namely, the consistency of your treatments and maintenance of the health outside the clinic. Consider speaking with an RMT in Toronto and getting a therapeutic massage treatment at Yonge and Eglinton.
We shared, now it’s your turn…
Have you had a lymphatic drainage massage treatment before? Let us know… share your experience. How did you find it?
References
- Andrade C, Outcomes Based Massage 2014, 3ed. p.216
- https://www.medicinenet.com/swollen_lymph_nodes/article.htm
- https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/managing-side-effects/lymphedema/?region=on
