Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Relief From Swelling, Edema and Pain

Lymphatic Drainage is a technique used by massage therapists to provide relief from edema, an accumulation of fluids in the tissues that causes swelling and pain. Lymphedema has serious complications such as bacterial infections that can cause cellulitis. This condition causes stiffness

and soreness of muscles. Kathy Curry, owner of Huntsville Massage Professionals, is the only Certified Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapist in the state of Alabama. She has undergone extensive training in procedures to help eliminate the pain and suffering associated with edema

and lymphedema. The beneficial effects of Lymphatic Drainage Massage include stimulating the lymphatic circulation of immune cells in the lymph vessels and nodes. This massage procedure also softens and minimizes scar tissue, improves circulation after surgeries, reduces pain and

inflammation, reduces stress and tension and improves the overall condition of the body as a whole.

Within us all there is a silent system working to keep us healthy- the lymph system. Without it our bodies would swell up like balloons, swamping our cells with stagnant fluid. The lymph system's impact is so far reaching that many don't even realize that minor aches and pains, low energy or susceptibility to colds and flu may be due to a sluggish lymph system and a compromised immune system. Lymphatic Drainage

Massage’s effectiveness lies in its ability to increase the flow of lymph through the lymph vessels.

Lymph vessels make an intimate meshwork that covers every inch of your skin, and surrounds each organ in great detail. The lymph vessels also collect dead cells, waste products, bacteria, viruses, inorganic substances, water and fats. The primary function of lymph nodes is to filter and purify the lymph. The lymph nodes produce various types of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes destroy harmful substances within the body, and are a big part of the immune system. Lymphatic drainage massage is a technique to help increase lymph flow. With an increase of lymph flow, immune function is increased. Harmful substances are removed from the tissues and neutralized in the nodes.

It has also been shown that an increase in lymph flow stimulates an increased production of lymphocytes, thus enhancing immune function. Lymphatic drainage can be applied to clients who are suffering from a lack of energy. Massage Therapists can enhance the health of their clients and reduce minor cases of edema.

Lymphatic drainage massage is also useful when working with clients who have sports injuries. After the initial inflammatory stage has passed, lymphatic work can be applied after Sports or Neuromuscular massage has been completed. This will help to clear the tissue of debris, and help to reduce the minor edema that sometimes occurs after deep massage. Continued applications of lymphatic drainage while the client is healing can help to enhance the tissue regeneration process by keeping the tissue as healthy as possible.

Another common use for lymph drainage massage is with women who have had breast cancer and had some axillary lymph nodes removed. Sometimes these people develop edema in their arm. If there is a great deal of swelling, then this is out of the scope of practice for a most massage therapists due to the need for bandaging. If the swelling is minor however, then a massage therapist with a good knowledge of contraindication and a few techniques can do a great amount of good.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
For the most part lymphatic drainage massage is safe. With such a light touch, the danger of causing damage to the tissue is slim. However, there are a few conditions that are contraindicated. Acute inflammation, Malignant tumors, Thrombosis, Phlebitis, Fever and major heart problems are all contraindications to lymphatic drainage massage. Acute inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, poisons or allergens is contraindicated.

When we have a strong immune system, we are happy, balanced and whole. Lymphatic drainage massage can go where Deep Tissue and Swedish cannot- into swollen areas. The paradox is that such a superficial technique has such a deep impact.

For more information, please visit my website at http://www.huntsvillemassageprofessionals.com