Why Lymphatic Drainage Massage
If you’re looking for the best place in downtown Toronto and Oakville for a Lymphatic Drainage Massage, look no further than PhysioDNA. Our experienced massage therapists are experts in lymphatic massage and use the latest techniques to help reduce swelling, improve circulation and boost your immune system. We offer a comfortable and relaxing environment, and our state-of-the-art equipment ensures that you get the best possible results. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just looking to improve your overall health, PhysioDNA is the perfect choice for a top-quality lymphatic drainage massage.
What does lymphatic drainage massage do?
Imagine your body’s lymphatic system as a network of tiny highways that carry fluid away from your tissues, kind of like a waste disposal system. Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle form of massage that helps expedite this process to help fluid move more efficiently – to improve the flow of lymph fluid and reduce swelling and inflammation.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) gently stimulates the lymphatic system and is often used to treat conditions such as lymphedema, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia. Unlike deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage uses very light pressure and specific strokes to move lymph fluid along its natural pathways. MLD techniques include stretching and releasing the skin in specific sequences which open and close valves in the superficial lymphatic capillaries to move fluid out of the interstitium along the lymphatic system.
What benefits can manual lymphatic drainage bring?
- Reduced Puffiness: When fluid builds up in certain areas, it can cause puffiness or swelling. Manual lymphatic drainage can help to reduce that puffiness and leave you feeling lighter and more energized.
- Detoxification Boost: As lymphatic drainage techniques can help to improve the flow of lymph fluid, this helps your body to eliminate waste products more effectively.
- Promotes healing: Decongesting the interstitial space by moving fluid along the lymphatic system will promote a healthy tissue environment in the local area
- Improved range of motion: Decreasing fibrosis and fluid buildup in an area may improve the mobility of a joint..
What conditions can manual lymphatic drainage treat?
- Post Surgical Swelling: manual lymphatic drainage can target areas of inflammation to reduce fluid build-up in the area. This can be especially helpful after procedures such as a mastectomy, liposuction, lipoabdominoplasty, or other cosmetic surgeries. Studies have found that manual lymphatic drainage had a significant effect on reducing pain, swelling, and tissue fibrosis post-operatively for individuals after plastic surgery
- Lipedema and Lymphedema: These conditions are characterized by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the body’s tissue and may lead to increased swelling and discomfort. If the body’s ability to reduce fluid build up is impaired, it may lead to an imbalanced amount of fluid and an increased risk of infection. MLD can effectively improve lymphatic circulation, reducing symptoms and promoting health.
- Fibromyalgia: This syndrome can be accompanied by widespread pain and chronic fatigue; affecting one’s overall mood, sleep, and well-being. Often those with fibromyalgia may be hypersensitive to traditional massage techniques, and the gentle techniques associated with MLD can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) to contribute to pain relief.
- Digestive Issues: MLD has been found to have effects on enhancing immune function. It may reduce the frequency and severity of digestive flare-ups. Facilitating the removal of waste products through the immune system may result in a healthier gut environment.
Is lymphatic drainage covered by my extended health benefits?
Yes! Lymphatic drainage is done by our licensed and experienced Registered Massage Therapists. These clinicians are highly trained with additional certifications in specialized programs. These sessions can be covered by your extended health benefits through Massage therapy and we can also directly bill for these specialized services.
Are there risks to getting Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a safe and gentle technique done by specialized Registered Massage Therapists. There may be some health conditions where it would be important to speak to your doctor prior to receiving the service. Some examples include: if you have a heart condition, kidney failure, blood clots or an active infection. Please consult your doctor prior to booking an appointment.
Lymphatic Drainage post-operative cosmetic surgery
Lymphatic drainage is a common technique used post operatively for cosmetic surgeries such as post abdominoplasty, liposuction, brazilian butt lift (BBL), rhinoplasty and more. Our team is highly skilled and trained in working with these post operative cases as soon as 2 weeks post surgery (depending on the indication of the surgeon or the specific surgery). We are able to work closely with your surgical team to follow any specific post operative procedures they have outlined to ensure that recovery happens efficiently and effectively.
Some of the conditions we treat:
- Tummy Tuck: Abdominoplasty
- Tummy Tuck: Mini-abdominoplasty,
- Abdominoplasty
- Liposuction
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Revision
Lymphatic drainage will improve the flow of fluid allowing for better results following the surgery and promoting better healing and the look of the surgical area. The process works at clearing lymphatic fluid in the tissue and then reabsorbing the fluid through the lymph nodes.
Review our Lymphatic Drainage Massage Frequently Asked Questions below:
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Is it good to drain the lymphatic system?
Draining the lymphatic system can be beneficial in certain cases, such as when the lymphatic system is not functioning properly or is blocked. This can lead to swelling, pain, and other symptoms. In these cases, a therapist trained in lymphatic drainage massage or other techniques can help to alleviate symptoms by manually draining the lymphatic system. However, it is important to note that self-treatment or draining the lymphatic system without the guidance of a medical professional can be dangerous and should be avoided.
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How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage may be needed if you have a condition that affects the functioning of the lymphatic system, such as lymphedema, which is a build-up of fluid in the body’s soft tissue. Symptoms of lymphedema include swelling in the affected area, a feeling of heaviness or tightness, and a reduced range of motion.
Other conditions that may benefit from lymphatic drainage include:
- Lipedema, a chronic disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs and buttocks.
- Chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which the veins have trouble sending blood from the legs back to the heart.
- Post-surgical swelling, edema or hematoma.
- Fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in certain areas.
It’s always important to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis before seeking lymphatic drainage. Your doctor may refer you to a therapist trained in lymphatic drainage massage or other techniques to alleviate your symptoms.
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What happens to your body after lymphatic drainage massage?
After a lymphatic drainage massage, some people may feel a sense of relaxation, lightness, and reduced swelling in the affected area. The massage is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage the flow of lymph, which can help to reduce swelling and improve the overall functioning of the lymphatic system. Additionally, a lymphatic drainage massage can help to release tension and improve range of motion in the affected area.
It is also important to note that some people may experience temporary discomfort or mild soreness after a lymphatic drainage massage, especially if the massage is being used to address a chronic condition or if the massage is quite vigorous. This is normal and should subside within a day or two.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water after the massage as it helps to flush out the toxins that have been released during the massage session.
It’s also important to keep in mind that lymphatic drainage massage is not a one-time solution, and it may take multiple sessions to see the full benefit. It’s also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet, and to follow your doctor’s or therapist’s recommendations in order to maintain the benefits of the massage.
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Does lymphatic massage reduce weight?
Lymphatic massage is not typically used as a weight loss technique. It is primarily used to improve the function of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body. However, it is possible that lymphatic massage may promote weight loss as a secondary effect. For example, if the massage helps reduce swelling in the body, this may make people feel more comfortable and able to move around more easily, which could lead to more physical activity and a higher metabolism. Additionally, lymphatic massage may improve digestion and elimination, which could help the body break down and remove stored fat more effectively. However, it’s important to note that lymphatic massage alone is not a weight loss solution and should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise for best results.
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FAQs
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Who can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage therapy?
Lymphatic drainage massage therapy has multiple benefits for a variety of people, including those healing after surgery and those coping with lymphedema or chronic pain and inflammation. Moreover, athletes willing to speed up the healing and ease the muscle soreness benefit from it as well. Other groups of people, for instance, those who suffer from stress or simply want to relax, can also appreciate its benefits. So anyone who wants to improve blood flow, help the immune system function, or enhance health in general can find this treatment useful.
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How many sessions of lymphatic drainage massage are typically required for noticeable results?
The number of lymphatic drainage massage sessions for visible effects may differ depending on the requirements and conditions of the individual. In most cases, the clients may start noting improvements after 3 to 5 sessions of lymphatic drainage massage therapy, with the final results attained after 10 to 12 sessions. For individualized or specific aims, like recuperating from surgery or dealing with an illness, the help of a qualified massage therapist to prepare an effective strategy is advisable for optimal treatment and outcomes.
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Are there any conditions where lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended?
Yes, lymphatic drainage massage is contraindicated in certain conditions. Some of these conditions are acute infective processes, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, the presence of deep venous thrombosis, severe asthmatic conditions, and dermatologic infections. Some patients with cancer, for instance, should discuss the type of lymphatic drainage massage therapy with their healthcare professional before utilizing it – more so when they are receiving treatment. It is important to be honest about one’s past health issues to the therapist lest lymphatic drainage therapy is attempted for a condition not appropriate for one’s health status.
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How does lymphatic drainage massage differ from other types of massage therapy?
Lymphatic drainage massage therapy involves methods and techniques that focus on the lymphatic system and the movement of lymph into lymphatic vessels in order to detoxify the body. In contrast to conventional massages, which concentrate on relaxing musculoskeletal tension, lymphatic drainage consists of light, repetitive strokes applied to the surface of the skin for lymph movement rather than any muscular/skeletal activity. This approach is usually more conservative and slow, which works to ease various forms of edema and swelling to assist blood flow as well as the lymphatic system within the body’s defence mechanisms and, therefore, is different from other forms of massage treatments.
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What should I do to prepare for a lymphatic drainage massage session?
To prepare for a lymphatic drainage massage session, stay hydrated by drinking water beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid heavy meals or alcohol for at least a couple of hours prior. Arrive a few minutes early to relax and communicate any health concerns or specific areas of focus with your therapist.
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Can lymphatic drainage massage improve the immune system's function?
Of course, lymphatic drainage massage sessions can improve the functioning of the immune system by promoting lymph flow, thereby eliminating wastes and toxins from the body. Such a technique promotes better blood circulation, controls swelling, and assists with the production of lymphocytes and immune system cells, which in turn can enhance health and immunity.
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