How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Can Speed Healing and Boost Immunity
Are you struggling with swelling and inflammation in your body?
Do you find yourself feeling sluggish and fatigued despite a healthy lifestyle?
Maybe you want to find a way to speed up the healing process after surgery.
Or maybe you just want a good old-fashioned detox.
Anchorage Massage Therapies brings good news: lymphatic drainage massage may be what you need to improve your health and well-being.
So, how does this type of massage work on the body? Let’s dive in.
What is a lymphatic drainage massage?
This specialized massage technique works to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body and boosting the immune system.
By promoting lymphatic flow, lymphatic drainage massage can reduce swelling and inflammation, improve digestion, and increase energy levels.
This form of massage can also be especially beneficial for those who have undergone surgery or cancer treatment, as it can help to reduce scar tissue and improve overall healing.
With so many benefits to offer, it's no wonder that lymphatic drainage massage is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking to improve their health naturally.
If you’re ready to check out a lymphatic drainage massage in Anchorage, you’ve come to the right place.
With three certified lymphatic drainage massage therapists, Anchorage Massage Therapies is the #1 provider for lymphatic drainage massage.
What is the lymphatic system?
Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized massage technique that works to stimulate the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system (or lymph system,) is a network of vessels, organs, and tissues that carry white blood cells that fight off disease and infection.
The lymph system includes the spleen, thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels.
It’s all connected by lymphatic drainage points, also known as lymph nodes.
As a whole, the lymphatic system is your body’s way of clearing out waste and toxins. This is why clearing the lymph system can be so beneficial.
This form of massage is typically performed using light, rhythmic strokes that are designed to promote lymphatic flow and help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
During a lymphatic drainage massage session, our massage therapist will work to stimulate your lymph nodes and encourage lymphatic flow throughout your body.
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits to receiving lymphatic drainage massage.
Including:
Reducing swelling and inflammation in the feet, legs, and other areas of the body.
Alleviating symptoms of conditions like lymphedema and fibromyalgia.
Improving digestion and reducing symptoms of conditions like bloating, constipation, and IBS.
Improving immune function and reducing the risk of illness and disease.
Increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue.
Reducing scar tissue and promoting the growth of healthy tissue
How can lymphatic drainage massage help after surgery?
Post-surgery recovery can be a challenging process, as the body needs time to heal and recover properly.
Lymphatic drainage massage can be a helpful tool in speeding up recovery from surgery.
During surgery, the lymphatic system can become compromised, leading to swelling, inflammation, and a buildup of toxins and waste in the body.
By stimulating the lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote the removal of waste and toxins from the body.
In addition, lymphatic drainage massage can help boost the immune system, which is often weakened after surgery.
This can help reduce the risk of infection and other complications during the recovery process.
By supporting the body's natural healing processes, lymphatic drainage massage can help speed up recovery times and make the recovery process more comfortable.
At Anchorage Massage Therapies, we treat many clients who are recovering from breast augmentation. You can also receive get a lymphatic drainage face massage if you are healing from plastic surgery. No matter what you’re recovering from, we’ll tailor your lymphatic drainage massage to meet your needs.
When to start lymphatic drainage massage after surgery
The timing of lymphatic drainage massage after surgery will depend on the type of surgery you have had and the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
In general, it is best to wait until your incisions have healed before starting lymphatic drainage massage. This can help to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
Your healthcare provider will be able to give you specific recommendations based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Who else can benefit from this kind of massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage can be beneficial for a wide range of people, including those who:
Suffer from rheumatoid arthritis
Have joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
Have been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency
Have been diagnosed with lipedema
Suffer from lymphedema
Have swelling in the arm after breast cancer treatment
How often should you get lymphatic drainage massage?
The frequency of lymphatic drainage massage will depend on your individual needs and health goals.
If you are experiencing chronic swelling or inflammation, you may benefit from more frequent sessions, while those who are simply looking to boost their immune system may only need occasional sessions.
As a general rule, it is recommended that you receive lymphatic drainage massage at least once a month to maintain optimal lymphatic flow and promote overall health and well-being.
Your Anchorage massage therapist will work with you to determine how often lymphatic massage is best for you.
What are the risks?
Lymphatic drainage massage is generally considered a safe treatment. However, there are some conditions where lymphatic drainage is not recommended, including:
You have an infection
You have a kidney condition
You have blood clots
You have a heart condition
What should I expect during my appointment?
During a lymphatic drainage massage session, you can expect to lie down on a massage table and relax while the massage therapist performs light, rhythmic strokes on your body.
Our therapists at Anchorage Massage Therapies will focus on specific areas of the body, such as the legs or arms.
Your massage treatment could also be more generalized, depending on your individual needs.
Our massage therapists will also use gentle pressure on the lymph nodes to help encourage lymphatic flow.
Preparing for a lymphatic drainage massage
To prepare for a lymphatic drainage massage, it is recommended that you:
Drink plenty of water before and after the massage to promote lymphatic flow
Communicate with your massage therapist about any health concerns or issues you may be experiencing.
Can I get a lymphatic drainage massage near me?
You can! We have three certified therapists at our Anchorage clinic that offer this service.
A lot of our clients live in the Turnagain and Spenard neighborhoods of Anchorage, although clients travel from all across the city to see our therapists.
Aftercare for lymphatic drainage massage
After a lymphatic drainage massage, it is important to:
Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and promote lymphatic flow
Rest and relax to allow your body time to heal and recover
Avoid strenuous exercise or activities for the rest of the day
Communicate with your massage therapist about any issues or concerns you may be experiencing.
Conclusion
Lymphatic drainage massage is a highly effective form of massage that can be beneficial for a wide range of people.
By promoting lymphatic flow and encouraging the removal of waste and toxins from the body, this form of massage can help to reduce swelling and inflammation, improve digestion, boost the immune system, and speed up recovery from surgery.
Our therapists here at Anchorage Massage Therapies look forward to treating you.
If you’re ready to take the next step, book an appointment today.
RESOURCES:
Image By OpenStax College - Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30148305
