Massage therapists who are trained in medical massage techniques like manual lymphatic drainage can expand their repertoire and skill set. The Praxis Institute, based in Miami, Florida, offers prospective massage students an Advanced Therapeutic Sports and Clinical Massage program that teaches in-demand techniques like deep tissue massage, electrostimulation, and manual lymphatic drainage. Learn more about manual lymphatic drainage and how it can benefit clients.
What Is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system that helps keep body fluids balanced and protect the body from infections. It consists of the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and lymphatic fluid that work together to remove fluid waste from cells, filter it, and return it to the blood.
If the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, lymph fluid can build up in parts of the body and cause swelling known as lymphedema. Other medical conditions like lipedema, fibromyalgia, and breast cancer can also lead to lymph fluid build-up. This swelling can be uncomfortable and painful and can lead to emotional distress or depression. Luckily, there are a few methods that can help control swelling caused by lymph fluid.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
One way to decrease swelling caused by lymph fluid is manual lymphatic drainage. Manual lymphatic drainage, or lymphatic drainage massage, is a gentle form of medical massage used to stimulate the lymphatic system and reduce swelling. The process involves a trained massage therapist gently manipulating the swollen areas to help the fluid move to a non-swollen area with working lymph vessels. The lymphatic drainage massage starts in the non-swollen parts of your body to open the working lymph collectors and cause the lymph fluid to flow faster. Then, the therapist will move to the swollen body parts to direct the fluid to the open lymph collectors using gentle, rhythmic motions. The massage process helps decongest the swollen areas and can lead to lymphedema relief. However, manual lymphatic drainage doesn’t work instantly, and it can require multiple or continuous treatments to see the full benefits.
Manual lymphatic drainage is often used as part of complex decongestive therapy (CDT), a treatment plan for lymphedema that includes compression therapy, exercise, and skin care.
Manual lymphatic drainage massage must be done by a therapist certified in the technique. They are trained in the correct methods and can determine whether the treatment is suitable for a specific condition. Most people with lymph fluid swelling can benefit from manual lymphatic drainage, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Clients with certain heart conditions, blood clots, infections, or kidney failure should avoid manual lymphatic drainage.
The Advanced Massage Program at The Praxis Institute
The advanced massage diploma program at The Praxis Institute is a great way for students to gain the clinical and practical skills needed to expand their skills and career opportunities as massage therapists. Students will cover massage therapy certification in:
- Deep tissue massage
- Electrostimulation
- Laser therapy
- Spa therapies
- Ultrasound
- Neuromuscular therapy (granted by the International Academy of Neuromuscular Therapies)
- Holistic manual lymphatic drainage (granted by Manual Lymph Drainage Institute International)
This coursework helps students prepare to complete either the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) licensing exam (MBLEx). In addition to theory coursework, students must complete 115 services or more as part of the applied clinical training aspect of the program.
By learning core techniques and completing hands-on services, students will graduate ready to enter the industry. The advanced massage program also teaches students about more complicated techniques like manual lymphatic drainage, so they can enhance their skill sets and have more career opportunities available to them.
Why Choose The Praxis Institute?
The Praxis Institute has been providing outstanding healthcare training programs in the Miami area since 1988, including diploma programs, associate degree programs, and even continuing education programs. We’re dedicated to offering education to all, offering flexible schedules, competitive pricing, and classes in English and Spanish.
Our programs are short-term but provide thorough learning and hands-on training from experienced teaching staff. Most of our programs have start dates for enrollment every week, so you don’t have to keep waiting around to start the journey toward your dream job.
Request More Information Today
If your dream job is a massage therapist, don’t wait to start training for it. The Praxis Institute offers both an advanced massage program and a therapeutic massage program at our campuses in Miami and Hialeah, FL, that can prepare you for a career in the industry. Call (786) 577-6909 today to request more information about our massage programs.
