Massage Works Dandenong Ranges
Lymphatic Drainage
Observation during extensive hands on classroom training in the Remedial Diploma at Swinburne University, for individuals not exhibiting symptoms, Lymphatic Drainage (aka Manual Lymphatic Drainage) is merely a slightly relaxing experience. I have come to learn that for those exhibiting symptoms, it is very powerful. Lymphatic drainage is a treatment performed to reduce fluid retention in a limb or following a surgical procedure or for boosting the immune system. The lymphatic system can be blocked by detritus over time and flushing it out by this manual process improves function. Lymphatic drainage is also useful to reduce inflammation from injury and clear bruising. I have seen bruising cleared away in minutes before my very eyes. Some clients seek out this treatment as a detox process to improve skin tone, health and vitality. After heavy physical activity and sport, pumping out lymphatic nodes accelerates recovery. It is not uncommon for nodal site pumping to be included in general massage treatment provided in my practice. I now have significant experience treating the after effects from breast cancer treatment.
The lymphatic system is a secondary circulatory system in the body collecting lymphatic fluid from the interstitial spaces of the flesh. Approximately two litres of fluid are collected daily and processed through the lymph nodes before being dumped back into the blood supply at the Terminus, in the subclavien vein in the upper chest. Pumping action for the lymphatic system is fluctuating pressure on nodal sites exerted by bodily movement. Manual Lymphatic Drainage accelerates the normal rate by up to fifty times. It is not uncommon the client will have to take a break halfway through the process to empty their bladder. Massage generally leaves one feeling light and revitalised immediately afterwards. However, where accumulated debris and toxins have been dumped from the nodal sites into the blood supply by lymphatic drainage, the after effects may leave one slightly unwell and sluggish until the Kidneys have had time to clean the blood. There will be a natural urge to drink water to help flush the system.
The process starts by pumping out the Terminus in the chest and progressively working outwards from there through the nodal sites. Lymphatic fluid for the far reaches of the body cannot be pumped through to the Terminus until intervening nodal sites, lymphatic arteries and arterioles have been emptied first. Each nodal site has an associated watershed of capillaries close beneath the skin that collect lymphatic fluid. The location and direction of flow in these watersheds is not necessarily what one might expect. Nodal sites are pumped by broad firm deep rhythmic pumping with the hand. The watersheds are flushed by gentle rhythmic repetitive short strokes encouraging/pushing lymphatic fluids to the nodes. Heavy pressure temporarily blocks capillary action. If the speed of these strokes is too quick, the flow rate is compromised.
It is not always necessary to carry out a full body treatment. A session may focus on an isolated injury or post operative condition where the affected area may be treated repeatedly several times in a session to achieve a satisfactory result. A full body lymphatic drainage requires at minimum 90 minutes.
Lymphatic Drainage Post Breast Cancer Surgery
A recent breast cancer case had several surgical procedures to remove lumps from the left breast and lymph nodes from the armpit plus radiation and chemotherapy. She presented primarily for sports massage two years following this treatment. The condition of the chest and shoulders shocked me. Range of motion in the left arm was severely restricted due to scarring under the arm. Holding and guarding patterns through the shoulder and chest were overwhelming. I could not believe the medical system would leave a patient in such a state. She was experiencing painful oedema in the left arm and pain about ribs adjacent to the left breast. She continued to have appointments with a lymphoedema specialist in the medical system but apart from measuring the degree of fluid retention and discussing management of the condition, no actual treatment was offered. A variety of compression sleeves and aids were being used that gave partial relief.She has an athletic background and is now doing regular gym training and running. She commenced fortnightly Sports Massage for back and lower limbs, and the Shoulder Treatment Protocol and Lymphatic Drainage of chest, left arm and shoulders. The Shoulder Treatment Protocol is a wide ranging treatment penetrating deep into the torso, ribcage and shoulders.Immediate pain relief in arm and chest. Fluid retention/oedema in the arm was temporarily reduced and would return by the time of the next appointment. Where Lymphatic Drainage is normally a gentle process, this treatment was supplemented with deeper more forceful pumping through the axilla. Partly to remodel surgical scar tissue restricting range of motion but also to encourage lymphatic flow through alternative pathways around the damaged area. This appears to have succeeded because after one year of this process, oedema has not returned lymphatic drainage has not been necessary for six weeks.
Lymphatic Drainage to Improve Immune System Function
This is an account of the first Lymphatic Drainage treatment I performed on a client 20 years ago.A 66 year old self-employed, academic female presents complaining of constant headache over the last four months...she has been “eating” paracetamol analgesics. She also appears to be suffering from a cold. Not being aware of the full extent of other symptoms and at the patient’s request, remedial massage treatment for upper back, shoulder and neck tightness is commenced.Three consecutive weekly treatments had absolutely no affect. On the fourth weeks I notice she still had the same cold/sniffles when she first attended clinic. I mention that should have cleared up by now. "What's going on?" I ask..."Oh" she says, "I've had constant coughs, colds and allergy reactions for over a year now."“I'm no expert but they taught me in massage school (Swinburne Uni) that's a sign of a compromised immune system and Lymphatic Drainage can help.” She is sceptical but agrees to undergo a treatment which we proceed to do.She later advises that on the evening following treatment, all symptoms disappeared. Runny nose, coughs, allergy symptoms and headaches all gone. Complete amazement. Condition resolved entirely. One week later she is still clear of symptoms.It was only then she told me that when first presenting for Remedial Massage treatment, she also visited her GP for a diagnosis of the condition. The result of the examination...there was no cause for the headaches, they were psychosomatic and she should visit a psychiatrist.Refusing to accept this she insisted on a referral for a second opinion. For a large fee, examination and testing by a Specialist concluded there was no physical reason for the headaches, they were psychosomatic and she should visit a psychiatrist.Meanwhile, the humble massage therapist notices she is actually not a very well individual and proposes treatment to boost immunity. Complete fluke but just going by the training. Response to treatment totally beyond expectation. I can only surmise her lymphatic system was blocked and sluggish, Lymphatic Drainage clearing blockages through the system, detoxifying her tissues, eliminated her symptoms. A second treatment was carried out and she has not been sighted since.
