What is Lymphatic Massage?
The Science
The lymph system in our bodies cleanses and removes toxic fluids. For many reasons, our lymph system may not be working optimally, or our lymph system may be slowed or overtaxed. Acute injury, lymph node removal, trauma to the body, recent surgery, and autoimmune conditions are some things that can affect the effectiveness of our lymph system. Lymphatic Massage is an effective therapy to alleviate symptoms of a slow lymph system.
We feel healthy and energized when our lymph system is operating optimally.
When to choose Lymphatic Massage?
Some conditions Lymphatic Massage may be helpful for include Swelling, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autoimmune Diseases, Pre-Surgery, Post-Surgery and Lymph Node Removal. Many doctors are recommending Lymphatic Massage after liposuction and plastic surgery.
Lymphatic Massage is known for reducing stiffness and pain, supporting the sympathetic nervous system to decrease stress and anxiety, and boosting the immune system.
Oftentimes, drooping skin is caused by a slowed lymph system. Many people are enjoying the benefits of facial Lymphatic Massage for more radiant, younger looking, tighter skin.
Pre-Surgery- Receiving 3-5 sessions two weeks before your surgery may drastically improve your post-surgery symptoms. Many people have reported minimal bruising and much faster healing times. The reason for this is because your lymph system is responsible for bringing your body back to normal after a surgery and clearing out your lymph system before a surgery ensures that your body is ready to handle the challenges of your upcoming surgery.
Post-Surgery- Always ask your doctor when it is safe for you to begin Lymphatic Massage sessions. After your doctor has cleared you and you have no sign of infection, Lymphatic Massage can reduce your post-surgery swelling and bruising, reduce inflammation, drain excess fluid, reduce appearance of scars, improve your immune response to decrease your risk of infection, decrease scarring and the build-up of fibrotic nodules (hard lumps), and decrease pain.
Call 801-503-0848 for a discounted 3-pk for your first three Lymphatic Massage sessions with us or ask about our Pre-Op and Post-Op packages.
Lymphatic Massage is a gentle, pain-free, relaxing treatment that is very different from traditional massage. The strokes are soft, slow and feel like a bit of a skin stretch. Since lymph vessels are located very close to the skin, it is imperative that the therapist not place too much pressure on the skin in order to not push past the lymph vessels or flatten them.
After removing your clothing, you will lie on a warm massage table, covered with a drape. Any compression garments given by your doctor will remain in place. The therapist may use a bit of water to keep from slipping on your skin. Using gentle, rhythmic motions, the therapist will move the lymph to aid drainage.
The therapist will clear the main drains and then move your lymphatic fluid toward your lymph nodes for reabsorption.
What to Expect
FAQs
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60-minute sessions are recommended, as there is sufficient time to treat the whole body. Every body is different, so depending on your specific needs, you may want to schedule three sessions per week for a few weeks before reducing your frequency to once per week until you have achieved your desired results. Maintenance sessions may be performed monthly.
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Pre-Op recommendation is to schedule 3-5 consecutive 60-minute sessions the week before surgery. This prepares the body for surgery while all the lymph vessels are still intact.
Post-Op recommendation is to schedule 5 consecutive 60-minute sessions after the post-surgery follow-up appointment with your doctor. The purpose for these visits is to reduce swelling, pain, bruising and scars.
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Be Sure You are receiving Manual Lymphatic Drainage from a Trained Professional.
Please do not apply any moisturizer or lotion to your body before your session as this can hinder gentle skin-stretching technique. Be sure to drink lots of extra water during the 24 hours prior to your MLD session.
Do not eat a heavy meal before coming in. Always use the restroom immediately before the session, but keep in mind, it’s normal to need to use the restroom mid-session.
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Plan for extra rest for the remainder of the day, if possible. Continue drinking lots of water and continue wearing your compression garments as directed by your doctor. The day after your session, plan on a gentle walk (or other gentle exercise) to keep your lymph system moving. Also, be sure to ask your therapist about techniques you can do at home to support the work being done in the clinic. Congratulations! Your lymph movement has increased by 10x its normal speed. This will last approximately 48 hours.