Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Specializing In Therapeutic and Esthetic Lymphatic Drainage

Massages designed specifically to enhance the flow within lymph vessels have been shown to have numerous positive health benefits. These treatments can be very effective before and after surgery to help in healing wounds or chronic conditions, or as part of a beauty regimen. At Wave Crest Massage in Suffolk County we provide lymphatic drainage massages on the head and face as well as the entire body to help with these conditions.

Lymph vessels play a big role in transporting waste, water, proteins and other debris within the body. They remove these materials from connective tissues and carry them to the bloodstream, performing filtering and other functions along the way. At the sites where the lymph vessels pass through lymph nodes, additional functions related to immunity are taken.

When an injury is sustained or surgery is performed on connective tissue, the lymph system is forced to work overtime to efficiently remove all the inflammatory products and toxins and pull these substances away from the affected area. The entire system is thrown into overdrive and vessels can become congested, slowing lymph vessel functioning when it is needed most and in turn curtailing recovery.

Almost anyone can benefit from the Therapeutic and Esthetic Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage from our Certified Therapists at Wave Crest Massage.

Some of the reasons why many health-conscious people seek this treat are:

• Pre-Surgery - When performed prior to an operation, this massage can help prepare the body for surgery by flushing out toxins, stimulating the immune system and ensuring that the lymphatic system is functioning as it should prior to surgery.
• Post-Surgery - After an invasive  procedure is performed, the body (and the lymphatic system in particular) can be overwhelmed. Trauma has occurred and all the systems are fighting to send the surgical site what it needs to heal while at the same time carrying away dead cells and other waste that must be filtered out. In times of stress, the lymph vessels can become overwhelmed and slow their functioning, extending the healing process. This treatment can help get the body back on track for a faster, healthier recovery.
• After an Injury - The lymphatic system is critical to the healing process. Sprains, strains, whiplash, burns, wounds, bruising and swelling can be reduced and healing time shortened.
• Chronic Conditions - Lymphatic drainage therapeutic massage has helped people find relief from a variety of chronic conditions including fibromyalgia, digestive issues, migraines, allergies, arthritis, sinusitis and tinnitus to name a few. It is also frequently used to reduce the pain associated with various health conditions.
• Cosmetic Reasons and General Well-Being - Even if you aren't planning surgery or have not suffered a serious illness or injury, you can reap the benefits of heightened lymphatic activity. Lymphatic drainage massage has been shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite and to rejuvenate the skin by promoting new collagen growth. It can also help in the treatment of puffy eyes and alleviate stress and fatigue.

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Contact Wave Crest Massage to learn about our in-home massage service.

Lymphatic Drainage

Two lymphatic disorders that massage therapy—more specifically manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)—has shown some promise in helping are edema and lymphedema.

These conditions can occur for many reasons, including post-operatively (especially for cancer treatments that require lymph node removal), acute injury, orthopedic trauma and some autoimmune conditions, to name a few.

Lymphatic System Basics 

In simplest terms, the lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes and organs that work as part of the immune system to carry lymph fluid that is rich in infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body, while also helping rid the body of waste and excess fluid. In addition to the nodes and vessels, the tonsils, thymus and spleen are all part of the lymphatic system.
Via the circulatory system, blood delivers oxygen, nutrients and hormones to cells and also collects waste. This exchange takes place in the interstitial fluid surrounding the cells. About 90 percent of this interstitial fluid returns to the circulatory system as venous blood. That last 10 percent is lymph fluid, which travels through the body via lymph vessels, passing through lymph nodes, where excess fluid and waste products are filtered out. Here, too, lymphocytes (specialized white blood cells) kill pathogens that might be present.
Lymph can only move in one direction—upward, toward the neck, where it reenters the circulatory system via the subclavian veins. And unlike blood in the circulatory system, which relies on the heart pumping, lymph fluid depends on muscle contractions in the surrounding skeletal muscles to move through the lymphatic vessels.
The average person has approximately 600 to 700 lymph nodes.

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD is generally discussed as a massage technique that works to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid. “It is a systemic, rhythmic method of purposefully stretching the skin to produce an increase in the volume of flow of the lymph fluid through the filtering system of the body.
For many, the main benefits of MLD are going to be helping reduce edemas and inflammation and prevent lymphedema—the latter being of particular importance as there currently is no cure for lymphedema.

Reduce Edema and Inflammation
One of the biggest benefits of MLD is the quick reduction of edemas that occur, in part, because MLD—unlike some conventional treatments like medication, edema pumps or pulling the fluid out with a syringe—helps move the protein, not just the water. Because of the physiology of the edema, treatments that focus on moving the water component but not the protein molecule can create a cycle of dependency. So people begin to rely on the medication or pump, for example, to move the fluid.
MLD may help the lymph do its job better. By understanding the anatomy and function of this delicate system, your massage therapist can assist your body in clearing sluggish tissues of waste and swelling.


TIPS:

For a professional massage, seek a licensed massage therapist. The American Massage Therapy Association recommends you ask your massage therapist about their credentials to practice massage therapy. Talk to your massage therapist about why you are seeking massage therapy -- this will help your therapist choose the best style and approach to your massage.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage. Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email: info@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment. 

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