Manual Lymph Drainage
Service Performed by certified advanced lymph drainage specialist for decrease swelling, detox and improve immune system
This is video from annualreviews.org, you can see the lymph fluid moving through the lymphatic vessels (white)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (CPT 97140)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle technique-which is used to stimulate the lymphatic system to promote the flow of lymph fluid around the body. The massage encourages the natural drainage of the lymph out of the affected area, helping to eliminate your body's waste, reducing swelling as well as boosting the body's immune system.
Lymphatic detox can help in so many ways, and if you suffer or struggle with:
Fibromyalgia
Tummy Tuck
Mommy Makeover
Breast Surgery/Breast lift
Explant
Plastic Surgery
Swollen lymph nodes
Sinus congestion/Drainage
Pain
Surgery/pre and post op surgery
BBL
lipo 360/lipo
Chemo/radiation therapy
Detox
Injury/Infections
Lymphedema/swelling
Stress
Digestive issues/Hormones
Headaches/Migraines
Fluid retention
Edema
Constipation
Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Your lymphatic system is key to healing, regenerating tissues, and removing toxins from the body. When the body has experienced stress, such as fighting off illness, healing from an infection, or experiencing emotional stress, the lymphatic system can slow down. Manual lymphatic massage helps “re-start” the system of moving lymph through the body and can provide a variety of benefits, including:
More efficient healing from illness, injury, or surgery
Supports relaxation and relieves stress
Reduces scar formation by boosting healing responses
Removes excess water and metabolic waste from the tissues in the body
Reduces swelling and fluid retention
Improves skin quality and provides a more vibrant appearance
Prevent fibrosis after Liposuction and scar tissue formation
Helps facilitate weight loss
Reduces risk of infection
Contraindications
Although lymphatic massage is a generally safe treatment, it may not be suitable for you if you have a heart condition, acute kidney failure, active infection, or acute inflammation.
After lymphatic massage (Possible Reactions)
The body may feel " clean" or "light"
You may feel relaxed or energized
You may urinate more and the urine may look or smell different
You may feel nauseous
You may sleep really deeply, or not be able to sleep
You may feel clear headed
Signs You Need Lymphatic Drainage Massage
The following conditions may seem innocuous, but if you experience some or many of them altogether chronically, it could be a sign that your body is suffering from toxin overload and you may therefore need a lymphatic drainage massage.
Allergies and/or food sensitivities
Bloating
Brain fog
Chronic lethargy (persistent tiredness)
Constipation
Depression
Digestive problems
Swollen lymph nodes
Excess weight
Increased susceptibility to colds and flu
Sinus infections
Skin problems/dry and or itchy skin
Swelling in your fingers/rings fitting more tightly
Aftercare advice for Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Loosen tight clothing to encourage the lymph flow
Increase your water intake over the next few days after your treatment
Reduce your caffeine intake
Avoid hot baths, saunas etc, for at least a couple of hours
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
Try to reduce smoking (if you smoke)
Avoid salty food
ADD-ONS
Dry Brushing (Free)
Dry brushing is thought to help the body release toxins through sweat. The course bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up. This makes it easier for the body to sweat, which in turns reduces the amount of toxins flowing through the lymphatic system.
Elastic Tape
Applied in a fan-like pattern over the area of swelling or bruising. This lifts the skin over the lymphatic channels in the area, assisting them in removing excess fluids. Allowing lymphatic drainage to be stimulated 24 hours a day, drainage up to 3 days, helping decrease swelling.
Cavitation
Lymphatic massage, along with cavitation, is an effective adjuvant therapy that can improve healing time, reduce scarring and bruising, and smooth out lumpiness to help you recover from your surgical procedure. After any surgery, the body is stimulated to begin the healing process.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage after Cosmetic Surgery
After you have plastic surgery, particularly a body procedure like a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a mommy makeover, you want to heal as quickly as possible. You want to feel better so you can get back to your daily routine, but you also are excited to see the results of your procedure more quickly. While rest, gentle activity, and following your post-op instructions are key, lymphatic drainage massage can accelerate your recovery period.
Why Is Lymphatic Massage Important After Cosmetic Surgery
One of the side effects of cosmetic surgery is swelling. This is a normal inflammatory response and a part of the healing process as fluid rushes to the area to nourish it with white blood cells. Body procedures, particularly tummy tucks and liposuction, often cause additional swelling as excess fluid and fat cells will harden within a few weeks of surgery. Lymphatic massage helps to move the fluid that’s built up and allows it to move back into the lymphatic passages where excess waste and fluid can be flushed from the body. This prevents fibrosis, which is the development of thick, fibrous scar tissue under the skin as well as reduces swelling and bruising. Many doctors, including Dr. Ortiz, highly recommend lymphatic drainage after surgery for both their patients’ comfort as well as to help them get the best possible results after their procedure.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Liposuction
Why do I need lymphatic drainage therapy or lymphatic massage after my liposuction? If you have ever had liposuction then you know that hardness or lumpiness can result in the areas where fat was removed. These post-surgical changes are caused by inflammation and trauma from the cannula (an instrument that sucks out the fat) moving under the skin. Channels are formed by the cannula that can fill up with fluid and the tissue also becomes swollen. Manual lymphatic massage helps to move the fluid by gently moving it back into the lymph vessels. Reducing swelling can reduce discomfort. Without lymphatic massage, the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of blood) can form.
How soon after my procedure can the massage begin
It is possible to begin within 24 hours. It has been over a month since i had my procedure. Is it too late to begin? No. The healing process after these types of procedure is several months. If it has been over a month since your procedure you can still get the soothing benefits of lymphatic massage.
Manual lymphatic drainage and proper garment wear is key for reducing fibrosis after cosmetic surgery
One of the most common secondary effects of surgery is fibrosis. Many people notice it some weeks after the surgery or during the post-op. At first, you may feel some lumps on the scar tissue, then you will notice that they get thick and hard, and you may feel pain in the area. To avoid fibrosis development, it’s very important to start your post-op manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) as soon as possible, to wear your garment 24/7 and to have the right compression to prevent the accumulation of fluid in order to heal properly and faster.
What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage and Massage
People with health conditions are not the only ones who can benefit from lymphatic drainage and massage. Let’s go through the multiple benefits of going to a lymphatic specialist.
Facial And Skin Care
Have you felt bloated somewhere in your face and limbs? Lymphatic fluids can build up in these areas, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles on your face. When they build up on your limbs, your complexion can become unevenly colored.
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Strengthening Immunity
Did you know that the lymphatic system has natural white blood cells that help fight infection? It works together with the immune system to keep our immunity strong. When our lymphatic system isn’t working well, our body’s natural soldiers could slow down.
Detox And Relaxation
Most of us tend to eat a lot of fat and sweets in our diet. Also, many of us experience stress from work. With a sedentary and stressful lifestyle, your circulation gets slower, and your blood pressure increases.
Healthy Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnant women produce more blood and fluids for the health of the developing baby. Because of the extra fluids in their bodies, they may feel more bloated and uncomfortable in their legs and feet.
A similar problem occurs after pregnancy, just when they’re starting to breastfeed. Women use up more fluids in their bodies to make breast milk.
Healing From Surgery and Injury
Swelling is a natural and healthy response that occurs to protect our injuries and wounds from further damage. But sometimes, our immune system overdoes its job and produces too many white blood cells that block our blood vessels.
Relieving Headaches
If you experience regular headaches, lymphatic drainage and massage might help. It reduces the pain and discomfort by decongesting your tissues. The massage improves blood flow and reduces blocked fluids. It can even help with sinusitis.
Reducing Edema and Swelling
When we are in a sedentary position, fluids start to build up in the legs and feet. Air travel or long periods of immobility can also cause edema. Lymphatic drainage and massage usually help people experiencing this condition.