Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic Massage for Chronic Health Issues

Here is a great video from Osmosis on YouTube about a basic overview on the Lymphatic System

*Talk to your Primary Care Provider for more information on your specific care

What is the Lymphatic System and How Can Lymphatic Massage Help Me?

Your Lymphatic System is one of the most important and largely undiscussed systems of the body. It is a complex network of tissues and organs responsible for carrying waste out of the body and draining excess fluid left in the tissue. When it is not functioning properly, toxins can become embedded in your tissues creating a stagnant environment which causes broad inflammation and a domino effect of chronic dysfunction.

This lymphatic congestion can lead to fatigue, pain, depression, and a host of other issues. The lymphatic system works by transporting lymph, a colorless fluid containing white-blood cells that serve an essential role in the immune system. The lymphatic system plays many roles in maintaining a balance in your body and it is important to ensure that it is flowing properly. Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic treatment used to decrease lymphatic congestion and is a great way to improve your health and wellbeing.

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a Manual Therapy Technique which can be utilized in conjunction with a Massage Therapy Session or completely separate. MLD is a gentle, lighter pressure, rhythmic technique helping facilitate waste exchange in tissues and assists the body to rid itself of stagnant interstitial fluid and toxins, boost your immune function, and provide essential opportunities to create a reset when recovering from many long term chronic systemic dysfunctions. It is vitally important to the body that the Lymphatic System works at its optimum because no matter what the purpose or job a particular cell is, they all need nourished and cleaned. By opening up the bodies natural system of waste removal first and assisting vessels which drain into that system to actively move fluid, this modality has been shown to aid in general body detoxification, improves healing from injuries or surgeries, and many other ailing conditions as listed and described below:

Therapists on staff at Unlocking The Body who are trained to treat lymphatic congestion and perform lymphatic reset protocols are: Rachel Blasko, Katy Killingbeck, Janelle Wise, Destiny Roberts, and Anne Schiele. Feel free to click the names or select from the drop down above under “Staff” to review their bio page for more information and hours of availability.

How Do I Know if I May Be Suffering From Lymphatic Congestion?

If you experience any of the following, lymphatic stagnation and congestion may be a contributing factor:

Increased allergies
Swollen and stiff, especially upon waking
Constipation
Enlarged or tender lymph nodes
Fatigue
Eczema – Neurodermatitis
Brain Fog
Stubborn weight
Chronic sinusitis
Clogged ears
Sore throat or inflamed tonsils
Frequent or reoccurring viruses or infections
Retaining fluid in tissue
Food or chemical sensitivities

*consult your chosen care provider for ultimate treatment plan recommendations

Some Issues or Instances Which May Benefit From Lymphatic Reset Through MLD

Gut Reset Protocols
CIBO Treatments
Hormonal Resets including estrogen reset
Chronic Autoimmune Dysfunction
Thyroid Issues
Stubborn weight retention
Breast Implant Illness
Leaky Gut Repair
Chronic Lyme Disease
Long Haul Covid Symptoms
Anxiety or Depression
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Lymphadenectomy (lymph node removal)
Chemotherapy or Radiation
Pre and Post Covid – 19 Immunization
Scleroderma
Multiple Sclerosis
Mild Edema

Lymphatic Massage FAQs

What does a typical session like?

Lymphatic drainage utilizes a light rhythmic compression and stimulation of the body’s natural waste removal pathways helping rid tissue of cellular debris, toxins, excess fluid, fibrosis, anesthesia breakdown, and pathogens. The pressure is light to moderate, lymphatic massage is not a deep tissue technique, although it does affect the body in a deep manner. Your Therapist will do a complete medical history and prepare the table with necessary bolstering for your specific needs.

You will disrobe to your comfort level, just like for a regular massage. If you prefer to wear your undergarments, please make sure they are loose fitting and not constricting. You will then position yourself face up on the treatment table using the provided bolsters. Your Therapist will begin by opening the major lymphatic vessels in your body, then move to the more concentrated pathways specific to your issues or condition. The session is very relaxing and many fall asleep during the treatment.

Why should I get in for Lymphatic Drainage prior to my procedure?

Increased parasympathetic response
Increased immune system ability
Decrease in symptoms mentioned above
Decrease in tightness from fluid retention
Decrease in pain or inflammation
Increase blood flow and waste exchange
Faster recovery or detox supporting other healthcare plans

When should I schedule my first post surgical MLD session and how long a do they last?

Following the session some clients feel a deep sense of relaxation while others may find immediate relief in their symptoms. Increased urination can also continue for several hours post treatment as well. Results and experiences vary just as your unique healing journey is to others, remember, these pathways may be congested and will require a few sessions to clear out the congestion.

How long does it take to work?

During the session clients may feel nothing except the Therapist’s hands on their body, or they may feel things are moving inside their body. Movement of fluid, a decrease in skin or fascial tightness, or an increase in a parasympathetic signified by gurgling of your digestive system may all be observed, as well as a fullness in your bladder or the need to urinate immediately or soon after the end of your session. Following the session some clients feel a deep sense of relaxation while others may find immediate relief of a fullness or puckering of their incision area, increased urination can also continue for several hours post treatment as well. Results and experiences vary just as your unique healing journey is to others, remember, these pathways were damaged during your procedure and will require some time to heal.

How many MLD sessions post procedure will I need?

Response to MLD varies for each individual and procedure received. Your response is uniquely your own and can’t be compared to anyone else’s — even those cases that may appear to be similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies widely — from one to two per week over the course of several weeks.

Your Practitioner will discuss your specific plan with you at the end of your first session. As a general rule, we recommend a commitment of 3 sessions when establishing care to give your body time to respond to the treatments and to start to see results. Ideal treatment plans for chronic issues are 1-2 times a week for 6-12 weeks for long term results. Ideal Minimum care plans would start with 1 time per week for 6 sessions.

I found a cheaper place, why should I go to Unlocking The Body?

For many chronic conditions listed above Massage School training simply isn’t enough to provide supportive care to clients. Many variables make this a modality one where it pays to see someone with a significant amount of training above initial schooling. Rest assured at Unlocking The Body, you are receiving care from a highly skilled Therapist who has had supplemental training above and beyond the basic training received in Massage School for Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

Our Therapists adhere to the Vodder method of MLD, which is a medically based Lymphatic Drainage application. Anne Schiele is our Lymphatic Drainage Instructor in house who provides all of our mentorship and training for our Therapist.

If you are shopping around, be sure to ask your potential Therapist what training they have in addition to their Massage School training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, as well as Post Cosmetic Lymphatic Drainage.