Lymphatic Drainage
Read on to learn more about lymphatic drainage, including how it effects to your body and what to expect during a session.
What is lymphatic drainage?
Your lymphatic system helps eliminate your body’s waste. A healthy, active lymphatic system uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue to do this.
However, surgery, medical conditions, or other damage can cause fluids to build up in your lymph system and your lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphedema.
If you’ve ever had a surgery on or involving your lymph nodes, your doctor may have suggested lymphatic drainage massage performed by a certified massage or physical therapist. However,
lymphatic massage is not recommended for people with the following conditions:
- congestive heart failure
- history of blood clots or stroke
- current infection
- liver problems
- kidney problems
How to perform lymphatic massage on the legs
The goal of lymphatic massage on the legs is to open the lymphatic vessels to let excess fluid drain back up into the lymph nodes located in the groin.
There are different techniques used to perform lymphatic massage on the legs, but all have the same end goal: to release the fluid to go back up through the lymph nodes.
To perform a lymphatic massage on the legs, you can follow these steps:
- Perform lymphatic massage of the upper body before beginning with the legs. Follow the three stages of clearing in the supraclavicular area, the axillary area, and the inner-elbow area, in that order. This ensures that the system is clear to allow fluid to drain up.
- Use light pressure. If you can feel the muscles underneath your skin, you are pressing too hard.
- Begin the leg massage at the furthest point away from the injury or affected area and work your way down. For example, if your ankle has swelling, start the massage on the upper part of the leg.
- Starting at the top of the leg, put one hand on the inside of the leg and the other on the back of your leg.
- With gentle pressure, stretch the skin from the inside of your leg up and out, toward your hip.
- Continue this motion down the leg until you reach the knee.
- When you reach the knee, stretch the skin up, with alternating hands, toward your armpit.
- Repeat 10 to 15 times.
You have now completed the clearing step of the lymphatic massage.
Measuring effectiveness
How do you know if lymphatic drainage massage is effective? “This is a maintenance technique,” says Patel. “Your lymphedema should not get worse if you regularly practice lymphatic massage.”
Also, drink water. Well-hydrated tissue helps moves out waste materials.
Managing your lymphedema can also include:
- using a compression sleeve to prevent fluid buildup
- seeing a qualified therapist for in-office drainage massage
When choosing a therapist, learn as much about their education as possible. “Massage is very good for you, but deep tissue massage can be too heavy for someone with lymphedema, so don’t assume you can just go to a massage therapist.”
Look for someone who is a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) and preferably a physical or massage therapist with oncology and pathology training.
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