Manual lymphatic Drainage 

Lymphatic Drainage is not the

same as a tension relieving,

work the knots out

massage.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, MLDM,

is a gentle and powerful form of bodywork that stimulates and encourages the natural movement of the lymph fluid.

Understanding how and why MLDM is properly provided is important for achieving your expectations and goals.

MLDM is a very gentle, soothing, and relaxing form of manipulating the skin and specific areas to facilitate lymph circulation. It is not aggressive or painful. MLDM is not a deep tissue massage. It does not drain fluid out of the body. A properly trained therapist uses the right amount of pressure and strokes to guide the lymph fluid towards nodes for processing naturally through sweat and urine.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is also extremely effective in treating post-surgical swelling and fibrosis caused by liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift, breast lift/reduction, and other reconstructive/cosmetic surgeries.

Occasionally I may need to contact a health care provider to ascertain if MLDM is an acceptable therapy.

Lymph fluid is responsible for removing waste, toxins, fat cells, and boosting your immune system. The lymphatic system is made up of organs, such as the tonsils, thymus and spleen, and a network of nodes and vessels that are found throughout the body. The lymphatic system maintains proper body fluid levels.

If disrupted, fluid is retained and swelling occurs.

Lymph nodes work like filters that remove dead or abnormal cells, and play an important part in the body's defenses against infection. These nodes are found in clusters in the head, neck, underarm, groin, pelvis and abdomen. You may have felt small hardened lumps under the jawline when you have a cold or flu. This is the result of the node working to rid the body of illness.

Contraindications include:

Congestive heart failure

COPD

DVT

Kidney disorders

Arteriosclerosis

Acute cold/flu

Fever

Certain Medications

Acute inflammation or infection/malignancies

Lymphatic drainage massage was developed to treat lymphedema, a condition of accumulated fluid within the body that can happen after removing lymph nodes, injury, and inactivity. A trained massage therapist uses specialized techniques that coax lymph towards the nodes. Various forms of stress, such as fighting off illness, healing from an infection, surgical procedures or emotional stress can cause disruption of the lymphatic system.

It is a relaxing therapy for those who cannot tolerate a deep tissue massage or suffering from fibromyalgia.

A healthy diet, proper hydration, and deep, meditative breathing, vibrational therapy, infrared sauna, or a brisk walk, are all recommendations for the best results when receiving MLDM therapy.

Benefits of MLDM:

More efficient healing from illness/injury/surgery

Incredibly relaxing - relieves stress - reduces pain

Reduces scar formation

Removes excess fluid and metabolic wastes

Reduces swelling

Improves skin quality

Prevent/treat fibrosis in post-op clients

*Chronic swelling, abdominal bloating, and other conditions may not be affected by MLDM. Seek professional medical assistance.

*Some people experience nausea and/or headache after a session.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Importance After Surgery-

Edema, aka. swelling, is a normal inflammatory response of the healing process as fluid rushes to the area to boost immune response and protect it.

MLDM facilitates the movement of lymph, so that the excess fluid and waste it carries are flushed from the body through urine and sweat. Most plastic/cosmetic surgeons recommend a series of lymphatic drainage after surgery for comfort, enhanced healing, and the best possible results after their procedures.

MLDM helps to decrease recovery time and improve results by reducing post-surgical swelling and fibrosis (hardened tissue). Clients can also complement their treatment with body sculpting treatments for enhanced and non-invasive results.

Cosmetic Surgery Side Effects:

SWELLING-

After any trauma to the body, cells release chemicals which affect the absorbency of blood vessels in the area of the injury. This increase in permeability allows lymph fluids and white blood cells to flood the areas to start the healing process. This process is known as inflammation and causes swelling.
Excessive fluid or localized pockets of fluid (seroma) may slow recovery and/or impact results negatively by causing uneven healing and fibrosis. Combined with inactivity due to discomfort and limited mobility, this can result in prolonged recovery times, increased pain, and complications. Uncontrolled swelling has the potential to create other complications and possible infection.

BRUISING-

Bruising is caused by blood leaking from capillaries. While these are cauterized during surgery, there may be some mild bleeding. There is usually no reason for concern as bruising is inevitable after surgery and is rarely serious. Bruises are broken down cellular tissue and old red blood cells stuck in the tissues after surgery.

MLDM facilitates the removal of these waste products.

FIBROSIS-

When the body is injured, including by surgery, specialized cells go to the area to help stabilize the tissue. This natural inflammatory response is initially a very good thing because it helps to protect the areas from further damage.

When lymph flow is compromised, the accumulation of these stabilizing proteins can cause lumps to form, known as fibrosis. Excessive fibrosis may be easily felt and seen . It may restrict motion and produce an uncomfortable sense of tightness.

Fibrosis can be prevented or reduced with lymphatic drainage because it removes fluid buildup, helps to break down the accumulation of cellular debris and reestablish proper lymphatic flow.

If you have developed chronic fibrosis post-surgery it may be helpful to you receive a combination of MLDM, Ultrasound, Myofascial Release, and Cupping Therapy.

SCARING:

When a surgery is performed lymphatic vessels are cut and damaged. Over time these will rebuild. But as scar tissue forms it can inhibit the proper function of these vessels, resulting in prolonged swelling, pain, reduced range of motion and numbness. Scarring will diminish with time as the tissue gradually remodels itself, but this process can be long, and some scarring is likely to be permanent.

Lymph drainage helps heal damaged lymph vessels, reconnects interrupted routes, and creates new pathways where necessary.

PAIN MANAGEMENT:

By decreasing edema, fibrosis, scaring, and discomfort you will have quicker healing timelines, a much improved range of motion and mobility, and an overall decrease in pain. Many of my clients are able to lessen or stop the need for painkillers after a few sessions.

Is Lymphatic Massage Painful?

No!

It is NOT painful.

If you have viewed or gotten a painful Lymphatic Drainage Massage, it was not true lymphatic drainage, and was performed by someone who is not properly trained and definitely not a certified therapist.

When done correctly it is gentle and soothing – even right after surgery or injury. Proper technique involves as much of the body as possible, not just the surgical areas.

Post-op clients and most MLD clients will benefit from light, superficial techniques that guide the lymph gently. Deeper work is like putting a kink in a hose. It blocks and impedes proper flow.

Think about it this way- how would a deep, painful massage promote healing in traumatized tissues? Deep tissue massages and the application of wooden tools, so called lymphatic drainage rollers and such, can cause more inflammation, pain, an increased chance of complications, and delayed healing.

*Pushing fluid out of open wounds -or surgical incisions is NOT lymphatic drainage and should only be performed by a medical professional in a clinical setting.

*Removing drains and stitches should only be done in a clinical setting with a medical professional.

How soon after surgery should I start my sessions?

Surgeons often recommend that their patients supplement

their recovery with MLD as early as possible.

Ask your surgeon for their preference.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the type of plastic surgery, how extensive it was, and your dedication to following healthy recovery guidelines. It is recommend to have a series of 2-3 sessions per week for the first 1-4 weeks, then decrease sessions as needed. For liposuction, the trauma is more comprehensive and it may be necessary to follow a routine for a few months post-surgery.

When worsening pain, inflammation, or any sign of infection is present, treatment will not be offered until a medical professional finds the cause.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is NOT the same as a muscle tension relieving massage- like deep tissue, Swedish, Thai, etc. There is no kneading of muscles and joints, no knots worked out, and no deep muscle work. This is the number one misconception. GB Massage and Bodywork provides deep tissue and other massage modalities for muscle and joint relief.

Please see the service menu page for options.

If you have purchased a lymphatic drainage massage from Groupon and now realize it is not what you want, you can request a refund from Groupon or upgrade to a regular session for an additional $35 paid directly to Gerilynn.