Massage Therapy And The Lymphatic System
- Chris Hall
- Jan 29, 2022
- 4 min read
With the 2016 US Presidential Election behind us, I wanted to write about something calming and soothing for this months article to help deal with the shockwave that it left. Lymphatic massage treatments are becoming more and more prevalent when it comes to your health care. Since the treatment is very light and soothing, I figured this would be the perfect topic for December!
But what is the Lymphatic System?
In order to understand the function of this system, it is essential to understand how the circulatory system works.
Blood helps to get fresh nutrients to the cells while removing waste and other materials. In order for this transaction to occur, the fluid needs to surround the cells outside of the arteries before it is returned to the veins with the waste. The heart needs to pump strong enough for the blood to reach all the way to the toes to provide those cells with nutrients, but if it is too strong, the force will damage the cells. This resulting force causes some of the fluid to remain in the interstitial space. This fluid is returned to the circulatory system by the lymphatic system by passively sucking the fluid back through canals that become larger as they come closer to the torso. These channels have valves in them to prevent back-flow of fluid (which is why movement is so critical for the lymphatic system because the muscle contraction squeezes the valves and moves the fluid closer to the heart). The channels link up and eventually connect to the subclavian veins (below the clavicle). Once the fluid is returned to the circulatory system, it can return to its duties to help keep you healthy.
So to recap – the lymphatic systems acts like a vacuum to suck up fluid excess fluid to return it to the circulatory system. (Rattray & Ludwig, 2005, p.217-218)
Sometimes, there can be access fluid in the interstitial space. This fluid is called edema (or swelling) and can be very uncomfortable or even limit your daily living.
Edema can be caused by an increase in capillary permeability (from inflammation, tissue trauma, and the immune response), an obstruction in the lymphatic flow, increased capillary pressure (heart failure, pregnancy, or an allergic reaction – much like squeezing a water balloon with a hole), or a reduction in plasma proteins (which increases the fluid flow). (Rattray & Ludwig, 2005, p.219-220)
Now that you know what causes edema, how can massage therapy help?
The massage sequence for edema is very important. Think of a highway during rush hour. Little/no movement, and your exit can’t be seen for a long time. Then the accident clears and traffic moves. Then you’re off the highway and closer to your destination! Lymphatic massage works the same way – starting with the main channel and clearing the smaller channels. (Rattray & Ludwig, 2005, p. 225-230)
Starting lying on your back, light pressure that flows with your breathing is performed around the clavicle. This will help get things moving from the main connection of the lymphatic system and the circulatory system.
Treatment is then focus on the area of edema by using light stroking and movement techniques that start closest to the chest and moving closer to the swelling.
For example, if there is edema in the wrist: pumping at the chest then the shoulder. Moving on to effleurage on the upper arm then pumping at the elbow before stroking up the forearm.
Deep diaphragmatic breathing is encouraged throughout the entire treatment so to encourage better fluid return and quicker drainage.
Hydrotherapy (temperature) can be used as well:
Self-Care plays a huge role in tissue recovery as well. This includes proper breathing techniques, hydrotherapy applications and self-massage to help drain the tissues. Activities depend on the area and stage of healing.
The treatment frequency is usually 1-2 times per week for a short period of time (i.e. 4-6 treatments) and the duration depends on the areas affected. Once the tissues become less edematous, the treatment frequency will change.
The techniques themselves may not seem like they are complicated, but the effects are outstanding! Massage therapists use this strategy when performing deeper treatments so that we do not disrupt the flow of the lymphatic system.
There are several circumstances when lymphatic drainage is NOT safe to perform and a referral to another health practitioner will be required to treat you safely (Rattray & Ludwig, 2005, p.224):
If the edema is caused by an infection, draining it back to the circulatory system will cause it to spread to other areas of the body.
A physical blockage must be dealt with first as to not dislodge the material and cause an embolism, which presents more severe conditions.
If the heart has any complications (high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, etc.), the added fluid can increase the demand on the heart, which could cause a heart attack.
Treatment of any areas below the edema can cause some discomfort by adding more fluid instead of draining excess first.
This is why speaking to a health professional about lymphatic drainage and if it will be beneficial is important to determine the best course of action for you so that your body can heal.
Have you ever had a massage that was specifically for the lymphatic system? If so, what was your experience like?
Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy article, and I really hope you now have a better understanding of how vital the lymphatic system is and why we need to keep it healthy!
References:
Rattray, F., & Ludwig, L. (2005). Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing And Treating Over 70 Conditions (11th ed.). Elora, ON: Talus Incorporated.
Picture:
Understanding the lymphatic system. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2016, from https://www.lymphcareusa.com/patient/lymph-a-what/what-is-lymphedema/lymphatic-system.html
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