Lymphatic Drainage Massage Benefits: What is True MLD Like?

Balance Spa has a certified lymphatic drainage massage therapist on staff. We’re excited to introduce you to this popular massage treatment!

What is the lymphatic system?

Your body has two circulatory systems, one of them is your bloodstream and the other is your lymph system. It runs throughout your body, and has two pathways, one deep and one superficial. Lymph fluid itself is clear and colorless. It contains white blood cells that bathe your tissues in nutrients and drains them of toxins.  Your lymphatic system fights against infections as it courses through its pathways draining into your bloodstream.

The origins of lymphatic drainage.

Lymphatic massage, (sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage [MLD]), is a specialized form of medical massage created in the 1930’s by Dr. Emil Vodder. Dr Vodder was a Danish medical doctor who treated patients in the French Riviera.  He noticed that people who had chronic colds also had swollen lymph nodes. Along with his wife, Enid, who was also a medical doctor, he began to study the lymph system. He went on to develop a protocol using specific hand movements which stimulate and move the lymphatic fluid in the body.  In 1936, after four years of research they introduced this technique to the world in Paris, France. They spent the rest of their lives demonstrating and teaching this method.

Dr. Vodder’s lymphatic massage techniques use rhythmic manipulations to stimulate lymph flow and fluid movement. After much success with his patients, he developed a series of techniques for a more systematic approach. Thish became known as Manual Lymph Drainage. Today, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) is one of the most widely practiced massage techniques in the world.

Do you need MLD? How it helps you feel better.

Have you ever felt swollen lymph nodes on the side of your neck (or even in your armpits) when you have a cold? What you’re feeling is your lymph nodes full of cellular debris your body is unable to flush out. Your system can become overloaded due to health issues, bad diet, lack of exercise or even stress. This can lead to swelling in your limbs and abdomen, a feeling of heaviness and poor quality of sleep. Receiving a lymphatic drainage massage can alleviate these symptoms and ultimately improve the quality of your day to daily health.  In addition, it can help with the following:

Strengthens Your Immune System

One of the main benefits of MLD is the removal of harmful waste and toxins that build up in your lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system is designed to support the immune system while nourishing and cleansing cells. If your lymphatic system begins to fail, so will your overall health. The good news is that lymphatic massage techniques can reverse environmental elements and poor lifestyle decisions that lead to a compromised lymph system.

Gives You More Energy

Many people report feeling more energy after a manual lymphatic drainage treatment. It can last for a few hours to a few days. MLD massage can be used weekly or monthly for energy boosting purposes.

Improves Sleep

MLD massages reduces pain, stress and promotes healing. This is great for anyone having trouble sleeping, or is feeling anxious or stressed.

Reduces Swelling in the Arms or Legs

Swelling, pain, or discomfort in your arms or legs, can be improved with MLD. Specific MLD treatments are used to help clear up excessive lymph fluid in your arms and legs. Swelling caused by long flights and traveling can also be reduced faster with MLD.

Sinus/Congestion

MLD is highly decongestive. Blockages in lymphatic fluid may cause sinus or allergy issues. Draining the lymph nodes in sinus areas can clear the blockages and offer relief from frustrating congestion.

Lymphedema Prevention

When the normal flow of lymph is interrupted due to surgery or medical conditions, you could end up with lymphedema. This can cause major swelling in one or more limbs. Compression therapy is typically used to prevent lymphedema. However, lymphatic massage can also greatly help reduce swelling and prevent lymphedema from getting worse.

Inactivity

Lymphatic massage is helpful for everyone. This is especially true if you sit at a desk all day or lead an inactive lifestyle. The lymph system does not circulate like blood flow (which has the heart as a pump) or other bodily fluids. It relies on physical activity/movement to properly move lymph fluid through the body. MLD is another very effective way to move lymphatic fluid through the body.

Understanding how MLD helps support lymphatic drainage.

While conventional massage therapy might focus on deeper, tight muscles, MLD focuses on the lymphatic system, which is situated just millimeters below the skin’s surface. The therapist applies very light pressure to stretch the skin and push lymph flow in the correct direction. This specialized and deeply relaxing technique aims to help the body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and immune function urination.  Lymphatic drainage is a manual massage technique stimulating the lymphatic system to work more efficiently by moving the lymph to the lymph nodes [located throughout your body, but largely located in your neck, armpits, and groin]. The lymph nodes filter out harmful substances. The therapist applies very light pressure to stretch the skin and boost lymph flow in the correct direction. This specialized and deeply relaxing technique aims to help the body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and immune function urination.

The capillaries, in the lymphatic system, then filter waste and toxins (such as excess protein, white blood cells and fats). A healthy, intact lymphatic system collects your lymph, filters it, and returns it to your heart via a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. The waste that is pumped through the lymph nodes is then excreted by means of sweat, feces, urine as well as through the liver and kidneys.

When something disrupts your lymphatic system’s process, lymph collects in your arms, legs, and abdomen, making them swell.  Certain health conditions can cause the capillaries to not function correctly, and this causes lymph fluid to build up in certain areas of the body because it cannot drain effectively.  Through LD, the therapist can open up the congested lymph nodes and move the stagnant lymph from the congested areas, back into the lymph capillaries which will filter the impure lymph. 

Medical conditions which LD massage could improve.

• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – Arthritis occurs in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency – This can occur when the veins in your limbs are not working effectively, making it difficult for the blood to return to your heart from your limbs.
• Lipedema – Occurring mainly in women, this happens when excess fat accumulates in the lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing unilateral swelling of the proximal legs.

Lymphedema:

• This chronic accumulation of lymphatic fluid within the soft tissues of the body causes swelling in part of, or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes.
• A feeling of heaviness or tightness
• Restricted range of motion
• Recurring infections
• Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
• Signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe

MLD massage before and after surgery.

Many physicians will recommend LD treatments after surgeries such as liposuction or tummy tucks.  It is common for them to recommend three to five sessions at least two weeks after the procedure.  However, it is essential that you take this advice/prescription from your surgeon as each situation is different and there are many different types of surgeries.

Typically, after surgery, lymphatic channels are disrupted and can take two to three months to return to normal flow.  It is in these cases that LD can help to decongest the tissue and speed up recovery by reducing swelling and congestion.  It is not recommended to do LD until after most of the bruising has resolved.

LD is also recommended before surgery to enhance the immune system in preparation.  Post operative LD aids in faster recovery and reduced scarring. Once again, it is required that you discuss your best treatment plan with your medical doctor before booking a series of lymphatic drainage massages either pre or post operative.

Compromised Immunity and Pain.

If your immune system is compromised or lowered at times of illness or recovery, LD could help to speed up your recovery and reduce congestion. It may also be a helpful treatment for pain, especially if you have fibromyalgia. In fact, research has shown that a LD massage was more effective for fibromyalgia symptoms than other types of massage.¹

Research has shown that the lymphatic system isn’t just located directly under the surface of our skin — it actually continues deep within the brain. The brain uses the lymphatic system to dispose of waste, just like the rest of the body. Some neurological conditions, like Alzheimer’s Disease, are related to poor waste removal. On April 28, 2021 the NIH released research which found the brain’s lymphatic system can drain the amyloid-beta plaque that accumulates in the brains of those living with Alzheimer’s.²  So, think about what that means in terms of prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease? The lymphatic system is made up of vessels which run alongside blood vessels, and which carry immune cells, waste, bacteria and toxins to lymph nodes. Lymphatic vessels extend into the brain’s meninges, which are membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

The frequency of LD treatments will vary depending on your condition, however, anywhere from once per week to once per month is common.  Discuss your ideal treatment frequency with your certified LD therapist or your physician.

When LD is NOT recommended.

LD massage might not be for you if you prefer a deep tissue massage.  True lymphatic drainage techniques are very different to traditional massage therapy and feels very different.  If you are looking for that deep tissue massage type feeling, we highly recommend that you book a massage instead.   Most of the LD treatment uses very light, precise movements. If you have had cancer treatments or had lymph nodes removed, you should talk to your healthcare provider before having a lymphatic drainage massage.

Yes, Balance Spa offers lymphatic drainage.

With over 24 years of hands-on experience in the massage and wellness field, Mary Abraham our Spa Manager, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, has done extensive training and practice in Dr Vodder’s School of Lymphatic Drainage. Upon successful completion of the 150 hour Lymphatic Drainage course, she is also certified in Complete Decongestive Therapy which allows her to treat clients who suffer from Lymphedema.

Mary’s goal was to be able to treat all conditions of lymphatic disease. Lymphatic Drainage is a specific modality that supports total body health, detoxification, swelling and pain reduction. Mary’s years of experience allows her to instinctively and expertly intuit how to treat her clients’ issues, thus restoring their bodies to an optimal state.

She is able draw on her years of experience and all the modalities that she excels at, to create a treatment plan that is specific and unique to every client. LD is a natural addition to her many skills and an integral part of her healing modalities.

Can I do lymphatic drainage massage at home?

There are some aspects of lymphatic drainage that you can do on your own, but you’ll miss out on many of the benefits compared to a professional treatment. That’s because a full body treatment is more effective than small areas that you can cover at home.  In addition, trained practitioners are much better able to identify how the lymph system is moving. They use a strategy called lymph system mapping, which allows them to find and correct blockages.

If you’d like to try some lymphatic drainage techniques, start by clearing fluid buildup near your collarbone and upper arms. Make sure you use gentle pressure and massage both sides of your body. You can also try dry brushing, which provides similar benefits and is very easy to do at home.

Before booking your session here are some things you will need to know:

• If you had complications after your surgery you will need a release from you doctor before you are seen. Complications include laser/lypo burns, negligent post operation care, incision failure, blood transfusion(s), necrosis, hematoma or any condition that you may have that is a liability concern.
• You cannot be running a fever, have an infection, and/or
• You cannot be actively diagnosed with blot clots (phlebitis).  A release is required from your doctor even after treatment of this condition.
• You cannot be heavily medicated or under the influence of drugs.  The therapist will need to have you coherent during the entire session.
• Your drains/tubes must be removed. You cannot be bleeding or oozing fluids from incisions.
• Incisions that are not yet healed must be covered with a gauge or band aid.
• Due to liability and health concerns the massage therapist cannot push lymph or fluids out of liposuction drainage tubes or incisions. It is not only unsanitary but can lead to infection and blood clotting in some individuals. This places the therapist at risk for possible cross contamination or disease.
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) clients may need to wait 7-14 calendar days after procedure to have a lymphatic drainage therapy. BBL clients need additional time to heal and cannot lie on back their back for extended periods of time. Side lying position will be used to work on back, gluts and leg area. You will need to bring a doughnut pillow to your session just in case.
• Speak with your doctor to find out if manual lymphatic drainage would be beneficial for your type of surgery.
• Failure to disclose medical information regarding your surgery will result in termination of future services.

The Benefits Of A Professional Lymphatic Drainage Massage

There are some aspects of lymphatic drainage that you can do on your own at home. However, you will miss out on many of the benefits compared to a professional treatment. That is because a full body treatment is more effective than small areas that you can cover at home. Also, if you like the idea of lymphatic drainage but want deeper pressure, consider cupping massage.

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.recoverymassage.com.au/blog/manual-lymphatic-drainage-can-help-with-fibromyalgia
2. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/brains-waste-removal-system-may-offer-path-better-outcomes-alzheimers-therapy

Book a lymphatic drainage massage in gorgeous downtown Boca Raton.  If you would like to book a lymphatic drainage massage treatment, you can call Balance Spa at 561-208-8111 or book an appointment online here.