Reasons to try lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a therapeutic technique that aims to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid in the body. The massage therapist uses light, rhythmic strokes to move the fluid and remove waste products. This can help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, leading to a decrease in pain. The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include: Improved circulation: By promoting the flow of lymph, lymphatic drainage massage can help to improve circulation and remove waste products from the body.

• Reduced swelling: Lymphatic drainage massage can help to reduce swelling in the body by stimulating the flow of lymph fluid. The massage therapist uses light, rhythmic strokes to move the fluid, which can help to reduce inflammation and remove waste products. This can lead to a decrease in swelling, particularly in areas that are prone to edema (excess fluid accumulation). Lymphatic drainage massage can also help to improve circulation, which can further aid in reducing swelling
• Stress relief: Lymphatic drainage massage can also provide stress relief benefits. The massage itself has a calming and relaxing effect, as we use light movement to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid in the body. This can help to promote relaxation and reduce tension in the muscles. Additionally, the reduction of inflammation and removal of waste products that lymphatic drainage massage promotes can also contribute to a sense of well-being and stress relief. Lymphatic drainage massage is particularly helpful for those who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
• Improved immune function: Lymphatic drainage massage may also be beneficial for improving immune function. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the immune system, as it helps to transport immune cells and antibodies throughout the body. When the flow of lymph is slowed down, the immune system can become compromised. Lymphatic drainage massage can help to stimulate the flow of lymph, which can aid in the transport of immune cells and antibodies, potentially boosting the body’s natural defenses. However, more research is needed to confirm the effect of lymphatic drainage massage on the immune system.

Is lymphatic drainage suitable for me?
Lymphatic drainage massage may be suitable for a wide range of people, including those who are experiencing swelling or fluid accumulation in the body, those who are feeling stressed or anxious, and those who are interested in boosting their immune system or improving the appearance and health of their skin.

The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include improved circulation by stimulating the flow of lymph, which helps remove waste products from the body. It can also help reduce swelling and edema, provide stress relief, boost the immune system, and improve skin health.

1. Can Lymphatic Drainage Help with Fibromyalgi?

Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique that is used to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid in the body. This technique may be beneficial for individuals with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by chronic pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues. The massage therapy helps to move the lymphatic fluids and remove waste products, which can reduce inflammation and improve overall circulation in the body. Lymphatic drainage massage is gentle, and it can help to reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue. It’s important to note that lymphatic drainage massage is not a cure for fibromyalgia, but it can be used as a complementary therapy to help manage the symptoms of the condition.

Research around lymphatic drainage for Fibromyalgia.

A study conducted in 2010, evaluated the effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on patients with fibromyalgia. The study found that MLD led to a reduction in pain, stiffness, and fatigue in the patients who received the treatment.

Another study conducted in 2017, assessed the effectiveness of combined manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and exercise therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. The study found that the combination of MLD and exercise therapy was more effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life than exercise alone.

A 2020 randomized control trial study also showed that MLD is effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.

However, it is worth noting that these studies have small sample size and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of lymphatic drainage massage as a treatment for fibromyalgia. However, we do know that we can manage it MLD and other forms of  Massage which we offer here at Myofitness.

2. What is Complete Decongestive Therapy

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a type of physical therapy that is used to treat lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling in the arms or legs caused by a build-up of lymph fluid. CDT is a two-part therapy that includes manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage and compression therapy. The goal of CDT is to reduce swelling, improve lymphatic flow, and prevent further build-up of lymph fluid.

The first part of CDT is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage. MLD is a gentle massage technique that is used to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid in the body. The massage therapist uses light, rhythmic strokes to move the lymph fluid and remove waste products from the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall circulation in the body.

The second part of CDT is compression therapy. Compression therapy involves the use of compression garments such as bandages or compression stockings to apply pressure to the affected area. The pressure helps to reduce swelling and prevent further build-up of lymph fluid. Compression therapy can also help to improve the effectiveness of MLD massage by helping to move the lymph fluid towards the lymph nodes.

CDT is widely used as a treatment for lymphedema and has been found to be effective in reducing swelling and improving the quality of life for patients with the condition. A systematic review published in 2015 showed that CDT is effective in reducing the volume of the affected limb, reducing pain, and improving the quality of life for lymphedema patients. A meta-analysis also published in 2018, showed that CDT is effective in reducing swelling, improving range of motion, and improving quality of life for lymphedema patients.

It’s important to note that CDT is not a cure for lymphedema, but it can help to manage the symptoms of the condition.

3. Lymphatic drainage for Chronic pain management

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage technique that is used to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid in the body. The massage therapist uses light, rhythmic strokes to move the lymph fluid and remove waste products from the body. This can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall circulation in the body.

How does lymphatic massage reduce pain?

Lymphatic massage can help to reduce pain by promoting the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the body. When waste products and excess fluid accumulate in the body, they can cause inflammation and pain. By promoting the removal of these waste products and excess fluid, lymphatic massage can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Additionally, lymphatic massage can help to improve circulation by increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This can help to reduce pain by providing the muscles and joints with the necessary nutrients and oxygen to function properly.

Lymphatic massage can also help to reduce pain by promoting relaxation. The gentle, rhythmic strokes used in lymphatic massage can help to relax the muscles and reduce tension, which can in turn lead to a reduction in pain.

Research effectiveness of lymphatic drainage massage for chronic pain.

• A study published in 2015, evaluated the effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on patients with chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia. The study found that MLD led to a reduction in pain.
• Another study published in 2018, assessed the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for the treatment of chronic pain in patients with osteoarthritis. The study found that MLD led to a reduction in pain and stiffness.
• A recent study published in 2020, also found that MLD is effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in patients with chronic pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome.

However, it is worth noting that these studies have small sample size and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of lymphatic drainage massage as a treatment for chronic pain.