4 Benefits of Lymphatic Massages
Massage has long been used to provide relaxation and relief from aches and pains. Different types of massage offer different benefits. Lymphatic massages are designed to encourage the drainage of lymph fluid. Lymph circulates through your body, eventually returning to your cardiovascular system. However, sometimes lymph becomes trapped in other parts of your body, which can lead to swelling and pain. A massage therapist trained in lymphatic massages can counteract this effect. Lymphatic massages can offer these benefits:
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
People with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from the progressive deterioration of their joints. This occurs because rheumatoid arthritis causes a person's immune system to attack healthy joint tissue, leading to pain, stiffness, and a loss of healthy connective tissue. Medication is typically used to control the progression of this disease. However, a lymphatic massage can also benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, commonly experience poor lymph drainage. By facilitating lymph drainage, lymphatic massages can reduce many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This type of massage can be a powerful addition to your current disease management regimen.
2. Relaxation
Like other forms of massage, lymphatic massages can promote relaxation. During a lymphatic massage, your massage therapist will use long, gentle strokes that follow the lines of your lymphatic system toward your heart. While lymphatic massage is designed to be practical in nature, it can still be an enjoyable experience. You can feel free to close your eyes and relax while your massage therapist works on your body.
3. Pain Relief
People afflicted with lymphedema often experience discomfort due to their condition. When it comes to pain relief, it's always better to treat the cause rather than the symptoms. The drainage of lymph can offer pain relief without the need for medication. A lymphatic massage utilizes gentle pressure so it will not exacerbate existing discomfort. Patients may not feel immediate relief, but they should feel better over time as their bodies clear and reabsorb formerly stagnant lymphatic fluid.
4. Reduced Swelling
Lymphedema is a type of swelling that occurs when lymph cannot drain properly. It's common for people with this condition to experience inflammation in their arms and legs, and it commonly occurs after surgery and injuries. This type of inflammation typically presents on the side of the body that was affected by surgery. Lymphatic massages can disrupt the cycle of inflammation, allowing the body to heal and reabsorb lymph.
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