Manual lymphatic drainage massage has long been the standard for relieving symptoms of lymphedema. Recently, this massage therapy technique has grown in popularity for the additional health benefits it offers. Aspiring massage therapists are introduced to manual lymphatic drainage massage while enrolled in the Advanced Therapeutic and Clinical Massage program offered at The Praxis Institute. Here, we explain what manual lymphatic drainage massage is and highlight how our diploma program trains students to perform this massage technique in their future careers.

What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

It’s not often people think about their lymphatic system. Still, this network of vessels and organs beneath the skin is essential to the immune system. The lymphatic system is a crucial component of the body’s ability to remove waste, as well as maintain body fluid levels.

Normally, the lymphatic system collects fluid and returns it to the heart. When this process becomes disrupted, fluid accumulates in the arms and legs, causing these areas to swell. A certified massage therapist uses manual lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move this fluid from the body’s tissues to the lymph nodes, which reduces swelling.

Unlike traditional massage techniques, a manual lymphatic drainage massage uses light pressure to engage the lymphatic system. Using a series of massage techniques, such as stretching, compressing, gliding, and cupping, the massage therapist follows a specific sequence, beginning with the main lymph drains in the neck, armpits, and groin.

Who Benefits From Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage massage helps to move trapped fluid, making it an ideal service for clients with lymphedema. This condition commonly occurs during recovery from breast cancer surgery. A manual lymphatic drainage massage can help to lessen the symptoms of patients with breast cancer after a mastectomy.

Manual lymphatic drainage massage may ease the symptoms of other health conditions as well. Clients with the following conditions may benefit from this massage technique:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Clients with progressed rheumatoid arthritis can experience poor lymph flow that causes swelling. This swelling can be alleviated with lymph drainage massage.
• Fibromyalgia: Lymphatic drainage massage may help people with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes inflammation of the skin and nerves and tissue to swell.
• Lipedema: This condition occurs when excess fat blocks fluid from draining through the lymphatic pathway, causing lymphedema.
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): Chronic venous insufficiency happens when veins in the legs aren’t working efficiently, making it difficult for blood to flow to the heart. Lymphatic drainage massage helps to increase the speed of blood flow.

The benefits of manual lymphatic drainage massage may not be felt right away, However, over time, clients will get relief from their symptoms and experience reduced swelling and increased range of motion.

Discovering Advanced Massage Practices at The Praxis Institute

If you want to learn how to perform manual lymphatic drainage massage and other advanced massage techniques, enroll at The Praxis Institute. Our Advanced Therapeutic and Clinical Massage program focuses on theory, practice, and clinical training to prepare students to become licensed massage therapists and find success in the field.

Aspiring professionals throughout Miami and Hialeah, Florida, will learn from an experienced teaching staff with a passion for imparting their knowledge to the next wave of massage therapists. With competitive pricing, flexible scheduling, and new enrollment times every week, The Praxis Institute makes furthering your education accessible.

For more information regarding our programs or how to enroll, contact us today.