LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE FAQs
· What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
o Lymphatic drainage (also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD) is a method of massage that relieves swelling that occurs after surgery or illness blocks your lymphatic system from working properly. Lymphatic drainage gently moves that excess fluid to the closest working lymphatic vessels.
· Who needs Lymphatic Massage? What is Lymphatic Massage good for?
o This method of massage is effective after having surgery (such as liposuction, tummy tuck, face lipo or facelift) when patients often find they are left with excess fluid that is tight, constricting and very uncomfortable. Lymphatic massage will immediately leave the patient feeling less tension in the surgical area, thus speeding the healing process.
o Lymphatic Massage is also effective for people suffering from Lymphedema. Lymphedema can result in inflammation in areas such as the legs and ankles. Lymphedema also occurs in the arms (especially after breast cancer surgery where the lymph nodes in the armpit are either removed or not functioning properly).
o Lymphatic Massage is also effective as a method of detoxification. Our lymphatic system takes in all of the waste products and toxins that accumulate in the cells, and massage transports them to the vessels and moves them to your nearest lymph nodes for removal via your urinary system.
· Is Lymphatic Massage painful?
o Lymphatic Massage is one of the most gentle methods of massage there is. Overall, it should not be painful. In situations where the patient has had a recent surgical procedure, patients report that the first few moments of the massage may be tender. However, after a few minutes the nerves tend to calm down as fluid is being moved and that tenderness will begin to subside.
· How does Lymphatic Drainage Massage work?
o Lymphatic vessels are located immediately beneath the epidermis, the top layer of the skin in the body. One major job of the lymphatic vessels is to regulate fluid homeostasis. This is why Lymphatic Drainage Massage is effective in cases there the patient is suffering from excess inflammation (such as post-op surgical situations, lipo, tummy tucks) and Lymphedema. It is important to have these massages regularly in order to keep the fluid moving through the lymphatic system and help to keep the patient as pain-free as possible as they recuperate.
· How often should I have Lymphatic Massage?
o There is no “cookie-cutter” answer to this question, mainly because people are not “cookie-cutter”. Everyone handles pain at different rates, some people heal faster than others and many factors play a part in the regulation of pain in different people. Factors such as age, overall health condition, patient medication, and many other factors. As a rule of thumb, however, following surgery, many patients report that a lymphatic massage at least once per week can be effective at minimizing the pain from excess inflammation and fluid retention. Still others report that twice per week is necessary to help speed the healing process and make the patient more comfortable. Massages should continue regularly until your discomfort subsides.
· After surgery, how soon after should I have my first Lymphatic Massage?
o In general, in order to start you on your healing journey after a surgical procedure, it’s important to schedule your first massage within two weeks. You will find that fluid will begin to accumulate as soon as a day or two after surgery. As long as your incisions are closed, it is generally safe to begin having your massages. In the event that an incision opens up during the massage, latex gloves can be worn. *Note: If you have an allergy to Latex, please alert your Therapist.
· Can Lymphatic Massage make you sick?
o For most people, Lymphatic Massage results in a feeling of immediate minimizing of tension and swelling in the area that is treated. Many people who have had lipo or tummy tucks describe the tension in that area as if their midsection is being “squeezed by a boa constrictor”. Lymphatic Massage immediately goes a long way towards relieving that tension.
o Very few people describe having a reaction referred to as the “Herxheimer reaction”. Because Lymphatic Massage is often referred to as a sort of detox because of the removal of built-up toxins, cellular waste and fluids contained in the lymphatic vessels, some people report having a Herxheimer reaction. This reaction is unlikely and consists of 12 to 24 hours of chills, fever, nausea, headache, and in very few cases, actual vomiting. *Note: Herxheimer reaction is usually only experienced by people who are having Lymphatic Massage for detox purposes, although unlikely.
· Who can give Lymphatic Massage?
o The practitioners at Good Karma Mobile Massage have been practicing lymphatic drainage massage, in addition to multiple modalities, for over 10 years in other states.
In the State of North Carolina, lymphatic drainage massage can ONLY be performed SAFELY by a Certified Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner. We have been certified since 2019.
