Massage Therapy and Lymphedema
Massage therapy is a practice that has been practiced for thousands of years. It has numerous applications. One of the most popular uses is to help heal the body. Massage therapy is often referred to as the art of healing because it does work with the body's natural healing ability. It is a great way to ease pain, aid in the healing process of injured tissues, lessen inflammation, increase circulation, and encourage the movement of waste material and fluids from the body.
Manual lymph drainage, also referred to as MPL is a type of massage therapy based on the theory that it can help in the natural lymphatic drainage, which takes away waste products from your tissues prior to when they can be absorbed into the blood. MPL is a method to treat many ailments, but it is especially efficient for treating lymphedema. Lymphedema refers to a condition in which lymph systems are weak and/or incapable of transferring waste products from the tissues into the bloodstream.
Other physical ailments that improve by massage are arthritis and cellulite. Massage improves lymph flow to decrease swelling and consequently reduce edema. Cellulite is characterized by fatty deposits that cause the skin appear dimple. MPL treatments are effective in decreasing the appearance of cellulite because lymphatic drainage helps the skin "sweat" away the fatty deposits. The use of MPL in conjunction with other treatments can be effective in helping reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Another physical condition that improvement with massage can help is fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia refers to an inflammation of muscles and tendons, as well as the joints. It's often associated with chronic inflammation, pain and stiffness, swelling of joints, fatigue and tension. MPL stimulates the lymphatic drainage, improves circulation, and assists in the movement of lymph fluid. It can also be used to treat other conditions such as headaches, back pains, joint pains, fever, irritability, depression, insomnia and urinary tract problems.
Cellulite appearance is also reduced by massage. The small positive changes to the skin that result from massage aren't significant. Massage is more effective when it is repeated often throughout the day or for a longer duration. Regular massages can lead to more smooth skin. The increased circulation results in an increase in lymphatic drainage which in turn leads to a reduction in cellulite.
One of the most frequently-asked treatments is lymphedema treatment. Lymphedema is a condition in the lymphatic system that is often caused by auto-immune malfunction. The lymphatic drainage system is not created to function as it should when there are auto-immune conditions. This can result in swelling and a swell of lymph fluid or even complete paralysis of lymphatic vessels. A gentle massage that is the ability to balance and a firm movement that increases circulation will help to improve the lymph fluids to alleviate the symptoms of lymphedema.
Certain techniques of massage are not appropriate for all patients. Healthcare professionals must talk about massage with the patient first. Certain massage techniques have the potential to cause additional problems for example, lymphedema. Healthcare professionals will conduct a medical exam prior to any massage therapy begin. This is to assess the state of the patient. A healthcare provider will also ask the patient about any other conditions such as asthma or chronic obstruction pulmonary disease and cancer.
In general, massage therapists should concentrate on enhancing flexibility and mobility in moves and on improving skin's texture. They should also apply a moisturizer following the massage to aid in healing and maintain the skin's softness. It is essential that lymphatic drainage massage is done carefully and thoroughly so it doesn't cause further damage to tissues. Massage therapists should always be aware of the medication used by their patients, particularly chemotherapy and steroidal medications. Negative side effects can occur if massage is not properly done.