Articles

Lymphedema Certification Lymphedema Management Lymphedema Therapies Lymphedema Training Manual Lymph Drainage LANA Certification Lymphology Association Of North America Lymphedema Courses Lymphedema Therapists Complete Decongestive Therapies Lymphedema Certification Courses Lymphedema Treatments Lymphedema Pumps Lymphedema Compression Garments Lymphedema Massage Lymphedema Supplies Lymphedema Symptoms Lymphedema Compression Sleeves What Is Lymphedema Lymphatic Therapies Lymphatic Drainage Therapies Foeldi Lymphatic Systems Lymphatic Massage Primary Lymphedema Secondary Lymphedema Compression Therapies Lymph System Lymph Node System Healthy Lymph System Muscle Pumps Pneumatic Compression Boots Medical Pneumatic Compression Cellulitis Symptoms Cellulitis Treatments Erysipelas Lymphangitis More Resources About Lymphedema Certification

Lymphedema Certification

Lymphatic Massage

by Diane Sievert

Lymphatic massage is probably the single most effective means of helping those are suffering from lymphedema. Though it should be followed up with other kinds of lymphedema treatments, lymphatic massage (also known as manual lymph drainage) is the first step to recovery. It should also be a part of lymphedema management.

Why Is Lymphatic Massage So Important?

If your lymph nodes are malfunctioning and your limbs are excessively swollen, simply elevating the limb in question isn't going to do much. Neither is icing it or wrapping it tightly. If excess protein from lymph fluid has accumulated in a particular body area, the only way to get rid of it is through lymphatic massage.

A trained lymphedema therapist knows where the lymph nodes and lymph vessels are. He or she should also be able to pinpoint where the majority of the protein has accumulated. Through massage, the therapist will redirect the excess fluid to properly functioning lymph nodes so that it can be filtered and disposed of.

As stated above, lymphatic massage can do wonders for a person suffering from lymphedema, but it's not enough on its own. Once the massage is over, the affected area must be tightly bandaged so that the drained fluid doesn't have the space to return. It's also important for afflicted individuals to learn and practice remedial exercises at home on a daily basis.

Get all Lymphedema articles via