Lymphatic Massage
Conveniently located to serve Columbus, Lancaster, Pickerington, and Canal Winchester
Lymphatic massage, also called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), assists lymphatic flow by gently and lightly stretching the skin. It encourages more fluid to move through the lymphatic vessels and reduce swelling. Getting a lymphatic massage in Columbus promotes proper blood circulation, immune-system functionality, and body fluid balance.
What Is a Lymphatic Massage?
Edema and lymphedema are conditions that typically occur following an acute injury, inflammation, or surgical procedure. These conditions cause the infected tissues to swell.
A lymphatic massage helps stimulate the natural movement of lymph fluid by lightly stretching the skin. This process increases the volume of flow of the lymph fluid through the filtering system of the body. When done right, this technique helps clear the congested area and allows the fluid to move to other parts of the body.
Ideal Candidates for Lymphatic Massage
A lymphatic massage is often recommended for people who have been treated for cancer. This is because cancer treatments typically call for radiation or surgeries that involve the elimination of lymph nodes.
This technique can also support lymphatic drainage after a gynecological surgery or cosmetic procedures such as liposuction.
If you have certain health conditions or are suffering from unmanaged congestive heart failure, recent DVT (deep vein thrombosis), or cellulitis, a lymphatic massage may not be for you. It’s best to get a consultation with Dr. Lichten to find out whether you’re an ideal candidate for MLD.
Your Lymphatic Massage Consultation
Setting up an initial consultation prior to getting a lymphatic massage is crucial. This can help identify problems in your lymphatic drainage system early and make the condition much easier to manage.
The team at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery is committed to education. We’ll provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision before getting a lymphatic massage.
The Procedure
Lymphatic massages usually last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.
There are two major steps when performing a lymphatic massage:
- Clearing – Releases lymphatic fluid from the affected tissues
- Reabsorption – Moves lymphatic fluid to the lymph nodes
There are four types of lymphatic massage:
- Leduc – Uses hand motions to gather lymph fluid and redirect it for reabsorption into the larger lymphatic system
- Casley-Smith – Involves circular hand motions using the sides and palms of the hands
- Vodder – Uses several sweeping motions around the affected area
- Foldi – Features a combination of circular hand motions and periods of relaxation (an expansion of the Vodder method)
Whatever technique is used, all lymphatic massages are performed using light movements. These movements always pull the skin in the direction of lymphatic flow.
After Your Lymphatic Massage
There is no downtime or recovery time needed following your lymphatic massage. Only a few people experience negative reactions to a lymphatic massage; these may include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. If any of these occur, you should get in touch with Dr. Lichten right away to find out how to manage your side effects.
How Much Does a Lymphatic Massage Cost?
The cost of a lymphatic massage varies based on several factors. It’s best to discuss the price details with Dr. Lichten during your consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
A lymphatic massage is a safe treatment for relief of both edema and lymphedema. To achieve ideal results, you’ll want to get your lymphatic massage in Columbus from the trusted professionals at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery. Get in touch with us today for your consultation.
