Procedures that affect or remove your lymph nodes can cause lymphedema as a side effect. Lymphedema will only occur in the area of your body near a surgical site. For example, if you have lymph nodes removed as a part of cancer surgery to your left breast, only your left arm, not your right, might be affected with lymphedema.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) (sometimes referred to as Manual Lymphatic Drainage) is a form of specialised massage (offer through our sister division Core Concepts) to assist the natural circulation of the lymph through the body.

Lymphedema can also occur as a result of an injury or medical conditions such as or in the body. There are other causes of lymphedema. Lymphatic massage is a gentle pressure technique used to move the waste fluids away from the damaged area. Raakhee Patel, PT, DPT, CLT, is a physical therapist and certified lymphedema specialist who trains patients to perform their own lymphatic massage after surgery. Lymphatic massage is one technique used to reduce lymphedema. “We don’t talk enough about lymphedema,” says Patel. Download bleach anime songs.

Not only is fluid buildup uncomfortable, causing pain and heaviness in the affected area, but according to Patel, “Stage 3 lymphedema can be devastating,” causing significant depression and lack of mobility that could further complicate healing. When performing a lymphatic massage, it’s important that the massage include more than just the affected area to be effective. The entire lymphatic system of the body, except the head, right side of the chest, and right arm, drains near the left shoulder, so a massage should include all areas to drain properly. Patel teaches two stages of lymphatic massage: clearing and reabsorption. The purpose of clearing is to create a vacuum with gentle pressure so that the area is prepared to bring in more fluid, creating a flushing effect. Clearing involves: • the: located directly under the collarbone • the: located under the arms • the inside of the elbows Clearing motions can be repeated as many as 10 times a day.

Patel advises, “Always massage both sides of your body, not just the side with the lymphedema.” A guide to clearing There are three stages to clearing. Be sure to clear the supraclavicular area, the axillary area, and the inner-elbow area, in that order. To clear the supraclavicular area: • Begin by lying on a comfortable, flat surface. • Cross your arms on your chest, with your hands resting just below the collarbones. • Then simply lift your elbows slowly. The muscle action is as much pressure as is required to prepare the area to flush lymphatic fluid.

Next, clear the axillary area: • Lay one hand above your head. • Use your other hand to gently scoop the underarm area from top to bottom. The only pressure required is that which is gentle enough to move the surface of the skin. Finally, clear the area inside the elbows: • Lay your arm straight at your side.