Difference Between the Traditional Massage and Lymphedema Massage Therapy
There are some basic differences between a traditional massage and a lymphedema massage. Lymphedema is the swelling of a part of the body due to retention of lymphatic fluids. The condition is treated with Complete Decongestive Therapy which includes a form of massage known as the manual lymph drainage. This method of treatment is said to give excellent results and therefore it is considered to be the standard treatment for lymphedema.
Since lymphedema is the result of accumulation of a protein-rich fluid in the issues, the control of the condition involves stimulation of these fluids to drain into the venous system. The Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a procedure wherein the lymph vessels are activated to move the stagnated interstitial fluid. The MLD technique uses very little pressure on the skin so as not to increase the blood flow. However, in case of a traditional massage, special strokes are used to increase blood circulation. The traditional massage aims at loosening the stressed ligaments, muscles and tendons that are deeper into the tissues. Therefore, the massage strokes are applied with pressure so as to affect the deeper tissues.
With lymphedema, the lymphatic system is impaired and is unable to drain the protein-rich fluids because its transportation capacity has fallen below the level of fluid volume produced by the body. In other words, the lymphatic system is not working properly to remove the fluids and proteins from the affected part. A traditional massage will cause hyperemia or an increase in blood flow in the massaged area. This will also increase the water accumulation in the tissues requiring the lymphatic system to remove some of this excess fluid. In lymphedema patients, with the lymphatic system already weakened, it will not be able to handle this additional load of water and a swelling may result. So a traditional massage will actually have negative effects unlike the lymphedema massage which tries to move out excess fluids.
Manual lymph drainage therapy utilizes a gentle, specialized massage technique to stimulate fluids. With this massage, there is no damage to the lymphatic structures situated just under the skin. It is a relaxing massage that helps to reduce the swelling and provide relief to the patient. MLD is a non-invasive and painless procedure that shows excellent results in breaking up fibrotic tissues in severe cases as well. MLD is the first phase of CDT, after which compression bandages are applied. The patient has to follow a regular exercise regimen to keep the body flexible and to promote circulation of lymph.
The lymphedema massage must be performed by a trained therapist who has undergone an additional training in Complete Decongestive Therapy which includes MLD. These therapists are also trained in compression bandaging, since there is a special method to apply a compression bandage for a lymphedema patient. The therapist also helps in fitting the compression garments which the patients are required to wear daily as a preventive measure to keep the swelling under control. Lymphedema patients are taught special exercise and skin care measures so that they are able to manage the condition at home, after the therapy sessions are completed.
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