What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a specialised, gentle type of medical massage. It may be used as part of your lymphoedema treatment. The aim is to encourage the lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area, so it can drain normally. It also helps lymph fluid drain through the healthy lymph vessels. This helps control swelling.

There are 2 main types of lymphatic drainage:

• manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

• simple lymphatic drainage (SLD).

  
  

What does the lymphatic system do?

The lymphatic system has different jobs:

• It helps fight infection – inside the lymph nodes are white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes attack and destroy bacteria, viruses, damaged cells and cancer cells. When lymph nodes are fighting an infection, they can get bigger and feel sore.

• It removes waste products – the lymphatic system carries destroyed bacteria and other waste products back into the bloodstream. The liver and kidneys remove these from the blood. The body then gets rid of this waste when you pass urine (pee) or stools (poo).

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During lymph drainage, a healthcare provider will use light pressure and strategic massage techniques to prepare and clear your lymphatic system. The session usually starts with a massage to stimulate the areas of your body that house your lymph nodes. This means a healthcare provider will massage your armpits, neck and, with your consent, your groin area. Next, they’ll coax excess lymph fluid from your swollen tissues toward your lymph nodes, where the lymph can reabsorb.

Risks / Benefits

What are the potential benefits of lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic massage may reduce swelling in your body and make it easier for your lymph nodes to get rid of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage benefits may include:

• Immune system support.

• Reduced fluid retention.

• Relief from neuropathy.

• Stress management.

• Glowing skin (when done as a cosmetic procedure).

  
  

What are the risks or complications of lymphatic drainage massage?

For many people, lymphatic massage is a safe way to relieve lymphedema. But you should avoid it if you have:

• Blood clots.

• Cellulitis.

• Deep vein thrombosis.

• Fever.

• Heart disease.

• Infection.

• Kidney failure.

• Stroke.

  
  

Healthcare providers won’t do lymph drainage massage directly over cancerous tissue or skin that’s damaged from radiation therapy.

Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic massage. But some people develop side effects like fatigue, headaches or nausea. If this happens, let your healthcare provider know. They can tell you how to reduce your risk for these complications.

Recovery and Outlook

How long will it take for me to feel better?

You might not see immediate results from lymph drainage massages. If you have several sessions without noticeable improvement, ask your healthcare provider about alternative treatments.

Can I drain my lymphatic system myself?

You can do lymphatic draining massage on yourself at home in some cases. But before you attempt it, ask your healthcare provider how to do it properly. Depending on your situation, you might still need to work with a trained massage therapist.

Is lymphatic drainage massage worth it?

Lymphatic massage can be quite helpful if you have lymphedema. But it shouldn’t be your only treatment. If you wear compression garments (like socks or sleeves) to reduce fluid retention, you should keep wearing them.

Lymphatic massage may not work for everyone. If you don’t have lymphedema, you may not see meaningful results. But it’s not dangerous in most cases either.