Relaxation and beauty in one
Lymphatic massage, also known as drainage, is a treatment that involves improving blood and lymph flow, with the effect of reducing swelling and pain. Some of the most popular types of treatment include lymphatic drainage of the lower and upper extremities.
Lymphedema is primarily caused by lymphatic stasis, damage to the lymphatic system (secondary edema) or other congenital defects (primary edema) affecting tissue structure. It should not be taken lightly, as it can cause negative health consequences.
The main symptoms of lymphedema include:
- difficulty moving limbs,
- swelling and thickening of the skin,
- a feeling of heaviness in the legs,
- pain.
What does lymphatic drainage look like?
Lymphatic drainage is a type of massage that stimulates the lymphatic system. It involves rubbing and applying pressure to the skin, using special techniques and movements. The treatment is designed to push the fluid - lymph - through, thereby reducing swelling and improving lymph circulation. Lymph is a clear watery fluid that contains proteins and electrolytes, among other things. A component of the blood, its function is to cleanse the body's tissues. In the lymph you can find lymphocytes, which build the immune system.
Treatment of lymphedema involves compression lymphatic massage. Advanced stages of swelling in the lower extremities may require additional surgery to remove subcutaneous tissue.
The main purpose of such a massage is to improve the work of the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Frequent users of such a procedure primarily want to get rid of unwanted cellulite and speed up the fat burning process. Lymphatic drainage is one of the physiotherapeutic procedures and is aimed at preventing the occurrence of various inflammatory conditions and swelling.
Lymphatic drainage consists of two stages:
- sliding phase -aims to move fluids toward the proximal nodes by means of compression,
- relaxation phases -replenishes the lymphatic vessels through passive contact with the tissue.
The main purpose of the procedure is to improve tissue drainage, as well as to create optimal conditions for the restoration of the damaged lymphatic system. Drainage increases the temporal volume of lymph, that is, the time required for the lymphatic vessels to alternately fill and empty. As a result, the transport of lymphocytes from the lymph nodes is accelerated.
Effects after lymphatic drainage
Massage makes the face firmer and wrinkles are reduced. Swelling, including congestion and inflammation, disappears. Toxins are removed from skin cells, and lymph circulates much more efficiently. The treatment helps eliminate sinus problems, puffiness in the eyes and other parts of the face. It also improves the condition of the skin and increases the absorption of nutrients and healing substances that are contained in some cosmetics.
Lymphatic drainage aids skin care and improves lymph drainage. It is also part of a comprehensive decongestive therapy, which is the basis of conservative treatment of lymphedema.
Contraindications to lymphatic drainage can be general or local, and include:
- Uncompensated heart failure and acute inflammation caused by pathogens,
- malignant neoplastic lymphedema,
- Hyperthyroidism, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypersensitivity of the carotid artery sinus. Patients over the age of 60 must consult a doctor before undergoing the procedure,
- Crohn's disease, epilepsy, abdominal aortic aneurysms,
- menstrual period, pregnancy,
- intestinal diverticulosis,
- postoperative adhesions and radiation-induced inflammation.
For more information on the details of the procedure, its course and contraindications, visit physiotherapyesthetic.info
