Your body contains vessels known as lymph vessels, which circulate a clear fluid called lymph. Sometimes, too much of this fluid stays suspended in your body's tissues, which can cause you to feel swollen and sluggish. Lymphatic massage is a process by which a massage therapist can manipulate your tissues in ways that encourage the lymph to leave the body tissues and go back into circulation. So, who can benefit from this sort of massage?
Fibromyalgia Patients
Lymph accumulation is a common problem for patients with fibromyalgia. The fluid accumulates in the extremities. This makes the patient feel puffy and sluggish, which often means they do not move as much. A lack of movement only serves to make the symptoms of fibromyalgia worse. Lymphatic drainage can therefore be really helpful for fibro patients. It can reduce foot and arm swelling, making patients feel more limber and comfortable. They then tend to move more, which helps with other fibro symptoms like aches, weight gain, and depression.
Arthritis Patients
Lymphatic drainage massage is not a cure for arthritis and it does not directly address the joint pain associated with arthritis. However, a lot of arthritis patients end up with fluid accumulation in their feet and legs due to a lack of movement. This causes those areas to feel even more stiff and more uncomfortable than they usually do. A lymphatic drainage massage can encourage the fluid to return to circulation, helping the patient feel looser.
Athletes
Athletes can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage, especially when in recovery from a very challenging or demanding event. For example, marathon runners and ultramarathon runners can benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage a few days after a race. When the body has been challenged to the max athletically, fluid tends to accumulate in the sore, tired muscles. This can slow down the recovery process. Lymphatic drainage massage can reduce that swelling, allowing for better circulation and faster recovery.
Some extreme endurance athletes may even want lymphatic drainage partway through an event. For example, a runner doing a 24-hour ultra race may want to stop halfway for a lymphatic drainage massage to ease the fluid accumulation and stiffness they're facing.
Not all massage therapists offer lymphatic drainage massage, but many do. Contact lymphatic drainage massage therapy services to learn more about what they have to offer. When you find the right place, you'll know it, and you can set up a session.
Share7 October 2022
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