Lymphatic Drainage Massage - A Quick Overview

Lymphatic drainage massage has come to the forefront of the health and wellness movement and for good cause.  This style of manual manipulation boasts countless different benefits like the reduction of bloating, swelling, pain, fluid accumulation, and lymphedema just to name a few.  Before we go further, let’s do a quick dive into the lymphatic system and what it does for our bodies.  The lymphatic system IS our immune system and is largely responsible for a delicate balance of fluids within our body along with our overall health and immune response.  It consists of the initial lymph vessels (which are embedded in the superficial fascia, right below the skin), nodes, and organs that work together to move fluid, white

blood cells, fats, proteins, and anything else that the circulatory system says is too big to move (long chain fatty acids, tattoo ink, various proteins, it’s quite a bit actually).  In what instances is lymphatic massage helpful?  The answer is just about any!  Post surgery (cosmetic and non-cosmetic), if you have autoimmunity issues, lymphedema, edema (there are different techniques that can be used), bruise revision, scar revision, post-mastectomy, post plastic surgery, after a sprain or strain … you get the idea. 

So how & why does manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) aka lymphatic massage work?  Like I said, the initial lymph vessels are located in the superficial fascia which makes it easy to manipulate those structures with very minimal pressure; they’re actually right below the skin. Just the weight of a quarter is enough to move and manipulate those vessels.  There are two phases to each lymphatic massage “stroke.”  The first movement very gently stretches those lymph vessels to stimulate their pumping response.  The second movement of the stroke physically reroutes that fluid to an area of the body better able to receive and process it.  It’s a pain free, relaxing, and enjoyable experience. Lymphatic massage or lymphatic drainage helps the body boost immunity, reduces various kinds of swelling, promotes relaxation, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (think rest and digest).  

Now for the tricky part.  What qualifications should I seek when searching for someone to do lymphatic massage?  The massage therapy world can be a bit like the Wild West and you have to make sure your practitioner has the appropriate credentials. A weekend course taught by an uncredentialed person, without experience, is a dangerous recipe for disaster.  Once damaged, lymph nodes do not regenerate (the lymph vessels can though). The CLT (certified lymphatic therapist) credential is the most comprehensive lymphatic education and designation that can be obtained by massage, physical, occupational, and other manual/medical professionals.  I chose to pursue my credentialing through ACOLS because it included extensive hands-on training and has rigorous academic and practical testing standards, and my course was taught by a doctor of physical therapy.  It included extensive training on the use of compression, how to apply a compression bandage, wraps, pumps, lymphatic exercises, bandaging, lymphedema, post surgery application, and countless other subjects.  When selecting a CLT, you want to be sure that they’re certified through ACOLS, Norton, or Klose so that you receive professional, safe, & competent care that will get you the desired results.  

If you have questions about anything pertaining to the lymphatic system, my qualifications, manual lymphatic drainage massage, swelling, edema, lymphedema, elephantiastic limbs, bruise/scar revision, complete decongestive therapy, compression, need assistance, or just need someone to point you in the right direction with the issues you’re facing, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a no commitment consultation with me.  You can call/text 843.707.5383, visit my website at www.integratedbw.com, or email info@integratedbw.com

PS …. To our cancer survivors, especially those who have had a mastectomy or lymph node removal, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need treatment but can’t afford it.