This blog discusses manual lymphatic drainage therapy and endermologie, and how these therapies are important for health and wellbeing, especially for those suffering from lymphedema or for post-surgery recovery.
A healthy lymphatic system is integral to YOUR body’s needs; everything you do to, or put into your body affects it. The food you eat; how much water you drink (or don’t drink); alcohol; getting a tattoo; your level of physical activity; physical trauma; emotional stress levels – all impact the very nature of the lymphatic system’s ability to perform optimally.
Your lymphatic system is therefore an integral part of your immune system, and present in nearly all body tissues. It works in tandem with your circulatory system, nervous system, endocrine system, integumentary (skin) system, digestive system. Its effects are integral to your health, and without it, human life would cease to be.
The lymphatic system transports immune cells and nutrients; filters debris, bacteria and recycles interstitial fluid; drains waste The lymphatic system transports immune cells and nutrients; filters debris, bacteria and recycles interstitial fluid; drains waste products and excess fluids from the body. A breakdown in your lymphatic system – either congenitally or through any trauma (surgery or injury) can lead to edema and lymphedema. Edema is predominantly water swelling, and is a symptom of a sluggish venous/lymphatic system. Lymphedema is a lifelong disease that causes protein-rich swelling as a result of a compromised lymphatic system. Prolonged edema can turn into lymphedema.
In the United States, the most common cause of lymphedema is surgery as a result of breast cancer. Lymphatic drainage In the United States, the most common cause of lymphedema is surgery as a result of breast cancer. Lymphatic drainage therapy in combination with other decongestive therapies can help significantly.
Lymphatic drainage therapy can be administered manually, or by an endermologie machine such as the LPG M6 Alliance, as offered at Jayne Poyner Massage. Following surgery, manual lymphatic drainage is recommended for the first 4-6 weeks post-surgery followed by a series of endermologie sessions. Endermologie can achieve faster results than manual lymphatic drainage can achieve on its own.