Benefits of MLD lymphatic drainage massage:

Are you planning on having cosmetic surgery and are worried about the recovery? You might have heard about lymphatic drainage massage for quicker recovery and back to the activities you enjoy. Many surgeons swear by and recommend MLD lymphatic drainage massage post-surgery.

 

The body’s natural lymphatic system:

Let’s explain what the lymphatic system is and what the natural lymph system does. It is a cleansing mechanism of the body that gets rid of excess fluid, toxins. Because of these fluids our body can develop pain and swelling (oedema). You might also feel tired, low energy along with other health issues related to a non-functioning lymphatic system.  A functioning healthy lymph system ensures that your body gets rid of all toxins daily and as a result, you feel healthier and energized.

Tension Release Massage can help with:

Back Pain

Neck Pain

Shoulder Pain

Tight Calves

A lymphatic drainage massage

  • Drains the excess fluid which into the lymph nodes
  • Reduces bruising dramatically and at a much faster pace
  • Minimizes pain, discomfort and swelling
  • Speeds up the overall healing process
  • Reduces the appearance of scars and makes them less visible
  • Softens and reduces the appearance of cysts, indentations, orange peel effect and fibrous lumps in body and tissues

A few things to know about lymphatic drainage

  • It is a gentle treatment that involves extremely gentle hand strokes, which are very relaxing
  • It will be pain free
  • You may be asked to wear some type of compression garments after or during treatment to get the best benefit from MLD.
  • It is not a one-time treatment. It involves several treatments to achieve the best outcome
  • You will have to remove some clothes for the treatment.

What is MLD lymphatic drainage massage?

If our bodies have a natural lymphatic system, why do we need a massage for lymphatic drainage?

Think of it as manual assistance to the body’s natural drainage system. This technique originated in Germany for treating lymphedema (body swelling).  This is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, part of the immune and circulatory systems. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by lymph node removal or damage due to cancer treatment or from under developed lymphatic system. The massage is not only used to drain excess fluids in the body but also to eliminate swelling and pain. Sometimes, patients might experience excessive water retention and swelling due to other reasons. Over the years, the technique became widely popular amongst patients of cosmetic surgery and people struggling with the dysfunctional lymph system.

Importance of MLD Lymphatic Drainage Massage.

A functional lymphatic system of the body is critical for its ability to function optimally. It regenerates the body tissues, filters out the toxins, detoxifies the body, and maintains a healthy immune system.

The entire lymphatic system comprises various vessels and nodes that are constantly working to keep your body in a healthy state. The lymph itself is made up of fatty acids, immune cells, toxins, proteins, and hormonal cells, which are processed by the nodes. If the body is under any kind of stress, surgery, infection or illness the entire process slows down.

The benefits of MLD are not only limited to health. In fact, lymphatic drainage massage has proven to be beneficial for improving the quality of the skin and can help keep you looking young for longer. Moreover, it can boost the radiance of the face and minimize the early morning swelling some people struggle with. All in all, one cannot deny its importance for both health and beauty reasons.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Cosmetic Surgery

We are all aware of the fact that all cosmetic surgeries come with some form of swelling. This is fairly normal as this is how our bodies heal. Certain surgeries such as liposuction and tummy tuck disrupt the natural pathways which are used by the lymphatic system for drainage. In these cases, lymphatic drainage massage can be great.

Choose Post-Surgery Garments Wisely

There is a reason why your surgeons ask you to wear a compression garment for a specific amount of time after the surgery. They help with the entire lymph drainage process as well as the swelling. These garments help to prevent the build-up of toxins carrying fluids in one area. Moreover, it is a great pre-MLD measure to take as it helps prepare your body for the massaging process. Listen to your surgeon’s advice in this regard and ask them to recommend some great options for compression garments.

Always Consult Your Surgeon

After reading this post, you might be convinced that going for a lymphatic drainage massage is the best thing you can do for your body post-surgery. While it can be amazing if done right, you should always, always, and always consult your surgeon before going ahead with anything. Only your surgeon can give you the final word of whether it will be beneficial for you or not. If your surgeon is ok with it, ask him/her about how many weeks post-surgery you should get it done.

What to Expect During the First Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

During your first session, your therapist will ask you about your medical history as well as what type of surgery you have undergone. These details are necessary to treat the condition effectively. The massage itself is a simple process that involves only a massage table and a few clean towels. It will be a very relaxing experience. The therapist will use gentle, rhythmic motions all over your body to aid the drainage.

Once the massage is complete, the therapist will ask you to put on compression garments along with some post-care instructions.

DURATION OF THE SESSION

Most people are curious about how long the massage will last. It typically lasts anywhere from thirty to ninety minutes. After your first session, you might be asked to come in every other day for the first few weeks. After that, the therapist will perform a massage once a week for four to six weeks. Eventually, it will be done only once a month for four to five months.

Please note that it is a general guideline. Your experience can vary drastically depending on the condition of your body and the therapist you see.

Preparing for the Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Any treatment or health care practice requires a little bit of homework to achieve the right results. Here is how you can prepare for the MLD treatment;

  • Make sure that you are getting a lymphatic drainage massage from a qualified therapist. Do not go to any random person for the massage. An untrained person can do more harm than good.
  • Get ready for some relaxation. The massage involves gentle strokes, which can cause you to dose off. So, don’t feel embarrassed if you fall asleep, it’s fairly common. MLD is a very relaxing technique.
  • Do not apply moisturiser or lotion to your body or face before coming in for a massage. The lymphatic drainage involves minor skin stretching and therefore you should avoid applying anything which hinders this process.
  • Always use the restroom before going for MLD. In other words, empty out your bladder one last time before the massage starts.
  • Your massage therapist will instruct you to do a bit of walking before coming for the massage. Always perform all the steps as instructed.
  • Do not eat a huge meal before coming in for treatment. Stick to something light and easily digestible.
  • Try to avoid processed food and eat healthy a few days before coming in for a massage.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Post Care

Here are the few simple steps you should follow to get the most out of your lymphatic drainage massage:

  • Drink plenty of water as you will feel very thirsty immediately after the massage. Keep yourself hydrated at all times.
  • If you can, take the day off as you will feel extremely tired after the massage. All you will want to do is sleep and rest.
  • Eat plenty of clean and healthy food. You should also limit the intake of processed food.
  • Continue to wear compression garments as instructed by your surgeon.
  • After one day of complete rest, go for a gentle walk to keep things moving.