Let’s get geeky about lymphatic drainage massage!
The massage profession is consistently evolving, and a major part of that evolution is the role new research plays in advancing our understanding of the benefits massage therapy provides.
Staying up-to-date on the latest research helps us massage therapists better care for you. We love keeping you current on the growing benefits techniques like Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) has to offer!
So, here’s what recent medical research has to say about Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
POST OP FOR BREAST CANCER
For years Manual Lymphatic Drainage has been used to help people with conditions like edema and inflammation, so to prove its effects, a 2022 study was conducted of patients after surgery for breast cancer. Manual lymphatic drainage on upper limb lymphedema (whereas edema is mostly water, lymphedema fluids are heavy with proteins and cannot be efficiently moved by the lymphatic system) suggested MLD has a positive effect during the maintenance phase of lymphedema, and patients showed significant improvement in hand and arm symptoms. 1
FATIGUE AND PAIN
Another recent research of 20 studies about the lesser-known effects of MLD found that it helps with symptoms and conditions beyond edema and lymphedema, extending its benefits to increased venous flow, decreased fatigue and increased pain threshold. 2
LONG-COVID AND FATIGUE
Lastly, another 2022 study exploring integrative therapies for managing fatigue associated with long-COVID found that study participants who had MLD treatments realized an approximately 50 percent reduction in fatigue. “Our findings suggest that a specific manual lymphatic drainage intervention may help to reduce fatigue symptoms related to long-COVID,” researchers of this study concluded, “perhaps preventing acute symptoms.” 3
RECOVERING FROM COLD, FLU & OTHER SYMPTOMS
So, if you are having a hard time getting over a cold, consider a lymphatic drainage massage treatment. It will help drain excess fluid and toxins from your body, including the sinus areas where cold symptoms often manifest.
Our experienced therapists at Back 2 Perfect are here for you!
REFERENCES:
1 Chmelova K, Novackova M. “Effect of manual lymphatic drainage on upper limb lymphedema after surgery for breast cancer.” Gynecology Journal. 2022;87(5):317–323.
2 Schingale FJ, Esmer M, Kupeli B, Unal D. “Investigation of the less known effects of manual lymphatic drainage: a narrative review.” Lymphat Res Biol. 2022 Feb;20(1):7–10.
3 Heald A, Perrin R, Walther A, Stedman M, Hann M, Mukherjee A, Riste L. “Reducing fatigue-related symptoms in long covid 19: a preliminary report of a lymphatic drainage intervention.” Cardiovasc Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Apr 12;11(2).
