What is lymphatic drainage? It is a specialised massage that supports lymph flow and can help reduce swelling, a feeling of heaviness and fluid retention in the body. The treatment is often chosen by people with a puffy face, swollen legs or a feeling of being “bloated”. It is worth remembering, however, that not every ailment requires drainage – sometimes the cause of the problem may be myofascial tension. Find out what lymphatic drainage is and what effects it may give, how it works and when it should not be performed.
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Table of contents
- What is lymphatic drainage?
- What effects does lymphatic drainage give?
- How many lymphatic drainage treatments are worth doing?
- What are the contraindications to lymphatic drainage?
- What effects does facial lymphatic drainage give?
- Lymphatic drainage before and after – summary
What is lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a specialised massage technique that supports the flow of lymph, i.e. the fluid circulating in the lymphatic system. During the treatment, the therapist performs gentle and rhythmic movements along the course of the lymphatic vessels. The aim of the therapy is to improve the outflow of accumulated fluids and to reduce swelling and a feeling of heaviness.
The treatment is most often chosen by people struggling with facial puffiness, swollen legs or fluid retention resulting, among other things, from prolonged sitting or intense physical exertion. It is worth remembering that not every ailment results from an incorrect flow of lymph. Sometimes the cause may be muscle or fascial tension. If you care about an individually selected therapy, it is worth choosing a massage in Warsaw at UfMed Studio Regeneracji.
What effects does lymphatic drainage give?
The effects of lymphatic drainage depend on the cause of the swelling, the condition of the body, lifestyle and the regularity of the treatments. In some people, the first results may be noticeable after just one session. Most often they concern a reduction in the feeling of heavy legs, less swelling and improved everyday comfort.
Possible effects of lymphatic drainage include:
- reduction of limb swelling,
- less facial puffiness,
- a feeling of lightness in the body,
- improved comfort of movement,
- support for regeneration after physical exertion,
- support for recovery after selected treatments, if the doctor finds no contraindications.
In the case of chronic lymphatic stasis, the therapy can be supplemented with appropriately selected physical activity, hydration and specialist recommendations. However, drainage does not replace the diagnosis or treatment of the disease causing the swelling.
How many lymphatic drainage treatments are worth doing?
The number of treatments should be tailored to the individual needs of the body and the cause of the swelling. In the case of slight swelling, improvement may be noticeable after just a few visits. With chronic stasis, longer and regularly conducted therapy may be necessary.
There is no single frequency suitable for everyone. The treatment plan should take into account the state of health, the body’s reaction and the recommendations of a doctor or therapist. In a professional place such as our massage studio in Warsaw, a specialist can assess the condition of the tissues and suggest the appropriate course of action.
What are the contraindications to lymphatic drainage?
Although lymphatic drainage is a gentle treatment, it should not be performed in every situation. Before starting the therapy, you should inform the therapist about chronic diseases, medications taken, previous procedures and current ailments.
The most important contraindications may include:
- active infections and fever,
- thrombosis or suspected thrombosis,
- decompensated heart failure,
- acute inflammatory conditions,
- certain kidney diseases,
- active inflammatory and infectious skin lesions,
- certain cancers or ongoing oncological treatment.
In the case of chronic diseases, a post-operative condition, oncological treatment or unexplained swelling, it is worth consulting a doctor before the treatment. Correct qualification increases the safety of the therapy and allows the appropriate method of work to be selected.
What effects does facial lymphatic drainage give?
Facial lymphatic drainage is chosen, among others, by people struggling with morning puffiness of the eyelids, cheeks or the lower part of the face. Gentle stimulation of the tissues can support the outflow of accumulated fluids, so that the face may look less puffy and more rested.
The effects of facial lymphatic drainage may include:
- reduction of morning puffiness,
- less feeling of heaviness in the face,
- improved visibility of the facial contours,
- a feeling of relaxation and calm.
If the cause of the ailments is primarily myofascial tension, drainage alone may prove insufficient. In such a situation, a specialist may suggest combining several therapeutic methods.
Lymphatic drainage before and after – summary
The effects visible before and after lymphatic drainage most often concern a reduction in swelling, less facial puffiness and a feeling of lighter legs. The results, however, depend on the condition of the body, the cause of the problem, the regularity of the visits and the therapy plan applied.
Lymphatic drainage does not replace the diagnosis or treatment of diseases causing swelling, but it can be part of a therapy supporting everyday functioning and wellbeing. It is especially important to determine the cause of sudden, one-sided, painful or long-lasting swelling.
If you want to check whether lymphatic drainage will be right for you, consult a specialist and choose a therapy tailored to your body’s needs. Go for a professional massage in Warsaw at UfMed!
Lymphatic drainage: frequently asked questions
What is lymphatic drainage?
It is a specialised massage technique that supports lymph flow. The therapist performs gentle, rhythmic movements along the course of the lymphatic vessels to improve the outflow of accumulated fluids and reduce swelling and a feeling of heaviness.
What effects does lymphatic drainage give?
Most often a reduction of limb swelling and facial puffiness, a feeling of lightness, better comfort of movement and support for regeneration after exertion. In some people the first effects are noticeable after just one session.
How many drainage treatments are worth doing?
It depends on the cause of the swelling and the condition of the body. With slight swelling, improvement is often noticeable after a few visits, while chronic stasis requires longer, regular therapy. The plan should be set by a specialist.
What are the contraindications to lymphatic drainage?
Among others: active infections and fever, thrombosis or its suspicion, decompensated heart failure, acute inflammatory conditions, certain kidney diseases and cancers or ongoing oncological treatment. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
What effects does facial lymphatic drainage give?
It can reduce morning puffiness of the eyelids and cheeks, lessen the feeling of heaviness in the face and improve the visibility of the contours, giving a feeling of relaxation and calm.