What is a Lympathic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a massage treatment benefiting those with weakened immune systems, with physically active sports and training lifestyles, and those in recovery or rehabilitation from surgery or an injury.
It is a targeted technique utilising long, gentle and rhythmic strokes, aimed at improving the transport of fluid and waste in the body through the lymphatic system. This helps to restore a healthy immune system and eliminate toxins by moving materials back into the blood’s circulation so they can be flushed from the body by the right organs.
This movement of lymph fluid also reduces swelling in the body, aiding recovery for injuries and sore muscles. Like blood in the circulatory system, lymphatic fluid is always moving. If it stops, lymph fluid builds up in the arms or legs which is when swelling can occur, known as lymphedema.
The massage will often focus on decongesting the major lymphatic drainage regions of the body which are the neck, legs, arms, underarms, abdomen and lower abdomen.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Treatments
Before your lymphatic drainage massage your therapist will consult with you to get a complete understanding of your medical history and lifestyle to help determine the best treatment plan for this and any subsequent massages.
Lymphatic Drainage Massages benefit people with different conditions, from low immunity, to post surgery recovery to those who actively train and play sports.
(i) Recovering From Illnesses, Or Those With Low Immunity
Because the lymphatic system forms the basis of the immune system, the treatment can provide an immune boost, particularly for those who have been ill for long periods.
Lymphatic drainage reduces swelling, flushes out toxins in the body, relaxes the nervous system and aids the immune system. This type of treatment may highly benefit those with:
- Low immunity
- Prone to or recovering from infections, colds and sore throats
- Constant tiredness, chronic fatigue, chronic lethargy
- Swollen glands
- Digestive issues, bloating and constipation
- Joint inflammation, such as arthritis and MS
- Menstrual imbalances
- Pregnancy related swelling
(ii) Post Surgery Recovery
Lymphatic drainage is often recommended by doctors pre and post-surgery as it increases your range of motion by accelerating healing, softening the scar tissue, and alleviating pain and swelling. This includes cosmetic procedures and sports related operations.
(iii) Sports and Active Trainers
Lymphatic drainage treatment has strong benefits for physically active people, or those who play regular sports. It both can improve performance and preventing injury.
Overworked or injured muscles can cause damage to the soft tissue, creating a build up of fluid causing swelling.
By moving this stagnant fluid through the body, it allows for a much quicker recovery. This includes common pains such as sprains, contusions and tendonitis.
Lymphatic Drainage improves athletic performance, by improving the responsiveness and muscle recovery time as a result of the immunity boosting and anti-inflammatory effect.
Collaborative Approach
As with all treatments at Selph Health Studios, your Therapist will be able to see and discuss your past and current treatments with any other of the Selph practitioners you are being treated by. This ensures that your treatments and wellness plan are both cohesive and collaborative across all disciplines.
You can view the range of other Remedial, Sports, Energetic, Pregnancy, Hot Stone and Relaxation massages available at Selph here.
Meet Our Massage Therapists
