Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphoedema is a condition that affects the tissues in the body, causing long term swelling that can affect any part of the body. It’s a condition that develops if the lymphatic system is not functioning in the way that it should.
Just like your circulatory system, the lymphatic system is a network that runs throughout the entire body to help remove any excess fluids and fight away infection. The lymphatic vessels contain a colourless fluid called “lymph”, which contains the lymphocytes which fight infection and damaged cells.
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How can a lymphatic drainage massage help with lymphoedema?
A lymphatic drainage massage is designed to be performed to free up the fluid in the lymphatic system, allowing for easier movement without pain. While the lymphatic system does share some similarities with the circulatory system, it does differ in one huge manner and that is that it doesn’t have it’s own pump system like the heart. Instead, it relies on the movement of the body and contractions of the muscles to move the lymph fluid around the body.
While wearing tight compression bandages or stockings can apply a constant pressure to the area that is swollen, this doesn’t do the same job to get the lymph fluid moving again that a lymphatic drainage massage can.
Lymphoedema can be treated by helping the lymph fluid to return to the heart as normal via manually draining the swollen lymph deposits in the tissues. Specialised massage techniques help the fluid to move from the tissues through to the lymph nodes, easing the swelling and the pain.
Can lymphatic drainage massage treat other conditions?
Putting lymphoedema aside, lymphatic drainage massage is also able to help in treating a number of other health problems as well, with some conditions benefitting more than others. Studies into the lymphatic system show that lymphatic drainage massages can be beneficial for;
- Rheumatoid arthritis can be linked to poor flow of lymph as the disease progresses. Things like swollen tissue, joint pain and loss of function and even colour changes to the skin can be helped via lymphatic drainage.
- Fibromyalgia causes inflammation of the nerves, discoloration of the skin and swelling of the tissues. Lymphatic drainage has shown to be better at treating stiffness and improving the quality of life for those living with fibromyalgia than other treatments like a connective tissue massage.
There are also other problems that can be treated, such as chronic venous insufficiency or lipoedema, that can receive true benefits from a lymphatic drainage massage.
Does lymphatic drainage have other benefits?
Lymphatic drainage massages are suitable for treating a number of different problems and conditions, but it also has a number of other benefits that can provide a boost for others who aren’t struggling.
Firstly, lymphatic drainage is capable of breaking down the cellulite and fat cells that are found within the body. Over time, repeated massaging of the target area can contribute to smoothing out the dimpled appearance of cellulite on the skin. It also helps to give the skin a luminous glow, because the manual massage techniques improve the circulation of blood in addition to the lymph fluid.
It’s also capable of easing tension within the body to provide a truly relaxing feeling. The sweeping gestures associated with lymphatic drainage, in tandem with improved lymph flow, often works wonders to help the body to relax.
Get lymphoedema treatment in Nantwich today!
Call now: 01270 627118
Book your lymphatic drainage massage appointment with The Nantwich Clinic by calling the number above.
Alternatively, you can use the link below to book online.
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