Is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) painful?

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No, not at all!

 

True Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, as practiced by a properly qualified and certified professional practitioner (please ensure that your therapist has been educated and hands-on trained at a LANA-approved school), is a gentle manual technique that utilizes very light pressure (the equivalent of 5 grams), whether positive or negative, in order to gently stretch the lymphatic collectors just beneath the skin to promote and encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid.  This lymphatic fluid is then directed towards venous circulation and is ultimately excreted as urine through the bladder.  Lymphatic Drainage Therapy NEVER pushes fluid by painful force or through incisions.

 

A true massage (such as Swedish or Deep Tissue), on the other hand, typically involves kneading muscles and joints with medium to deep pressure for the purpose of releasing pain.  Because Lymphatic Drainage Therapy generally works at a depth just beneath the top layers of the skin, and not at the deeper level of muscles, there is no pain.  It is an entirely different manual technique, and for an entirely different intended outcome.

 

All clients find Lymphatic Drainage Therapy quite soothing and relaxing, and many fall asleep during their sessions.

 

Which Session Should I Book?

 

For all first-time clients, we recommend a 90-minute initial session.  This allows us to assess your condition, provide treatment, review compression (if required) and other self-care techniques, and develop a future treatment plan best suited to your unique condition and concerns, including financial considerations.  Once a treatment plan has been established, follow-up sessions may be 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

 

How Long Will the Results Last?

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Following treatment, you will see full results within 24 to 48 hours.  Factors including underlying condition, diet, lifestyle, and environmental influences will then determine how long the results of each session will last.  We have found that with more sessions, the results become enduring, and that many clients can go a month, or more, without needing re-treatment.

 

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

 

It depends on the condition.  Typically, for post-op clients, we recommend 1 to 2 sessions prior to surgery and 2 sessions per week for the first six weeks following surgery, and then 1 session per week from weeks 7 to 12. However, this varies.  Some clients may need more sessions, while others may require fewer.

 

For health and wellness clients, we will be able to provide a better estimate after the first session.  Generally, terrific results typically occur within 3 to 5 sessions, which are then followed by semi-monthly or monthly maintenance sessions.

 

Lymphedema and Lipedema care is typically long-term and permanent. However, many of our clients are experiencing outstanding and longer-lasting results when we combine lymphatic drainage and negative pressure techniques coupled with education and self-care strategies.

 

How Will I Feel After My Session?

 

Depending on your underlying level of health and/or toxicity, it is possible to feel a slight headache or even mild flu-like symptoms following the first or second treatment with Lymphatic Drainage Therapy. These detoxification symptoms may last for 24-48 hours, and we recommend hydrating, preferably with electrolytes, following your session.  Most clients report sleeping very well the night following treatment.  Typically, by the third session, clients report feeling lighter, less bloated, experiencing less pain, more energetic, and simply, "better."

 

How Should I Prepare for My Session?

 

Please arrive well-hydrated for your first session. Additionally, try to avoid eating rice for at least 24 hours prior, and avoid a large meal in the hours preceding your appointment.

 

What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?

 

Due to the nature and role of the lymphatic system, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) can prove beneficial in correcting numerous conditions, as well as in preventative health maintenance.  Many of our regular clients report that they have enjoy cold and flu seasons with little to no illness!

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Lymphatic Drainage Therapy works to recirculate body fluids, stimulate immune function, and balance the autonomic nervous system. Some of the benefits include:

 

• Reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedema of various origins.

• Relief of acute and chronic pain.

• Relief of chronic and subacute inflammation.

• Accelerated post-operative recovery time.

• Regeneration of tissue (including burns and scarring).

• Relief from eczema and other skin conditions.

• Reduction in sinus and allergic inflammation, swelling, and discomfort.

• Immune system stimulation for preventative and therapeutic effects.

• Reduction in the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

• Anti-spastic actions to relieve conditions such as voluntary or involuntary muscle hypertonia.

• Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression, stress, loss of vitality, and loss of memory.

 

Who Should NOT Receive Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?   (For those with any underlying health conditions, always please consult and receive clearance from you Licensed Medical Practitioner prior to receiving treatment.)

 

• Acute injuries: Such as bone fractures

• Acute inflammation: Caused by bacteria, viruses, or poisons

• Untreated skin conditions, such as Cellulitis

• Heart conditions: Such as CHF or cardiac edema

• Kidney conditions: Such as kidney failure

• Blood clots: Conditions that can move lymphatic fluid back to the heart or kidneys

• Infections: Such as active infections or areas with swelling

• Cancer: Such as malignant tumors, areas undergoing radiation treatment, or known cancer sites

• Leukemia or lymphoma: There is a theoretical risk that lymphatic techniques may spread the condition further 

 

How Can I Support My Lymphatic System?

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Whereas our Circulatory System, pumped by the heart, flows at a fairly decent rate, our Lymphatic System moves quite slowly and perhaps has not yet evolved to accommodate our sedentary, high-stress lifestyle replete with toxins, whether environmental (indoor and outdoor), chemical, or dietary.

 

Consider the following:

 

• Movement: Engage in activities such as walking, swimming, weight training, and using a vibration plate.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated.

• Relaxed Deep Breathing: Learn and practice relaxed deep breathing exercises to promote lymphatic flow.

• Healthy Diet: Enjoy a diet free of excess sugars, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods to maintain a healthy gut.

• Reduce Exposure to Toxins: Minimize exposure to environmental toxins and those introduced through household chemicals and personal care products.

• Learn and Practice Lymphatic Self-Care: Learn the location of your body’s main lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin) and learn how to gently stimulate them to increase body-wide lymphatic flow.