Heavenly Hands Clinic

What is lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage is a specialized massage modality that can be used to relieve swelling and inflammation for pre or post op surgeries. Lymphatic massage can be performed on the entire body or on just the affected area.

How soon after my procedure may I receive lymphatic drainage massage?

Most doctors usually recommend that treatment begin as soon as 24 hours after post-op surgery to obtain the best results. Lymphatic massage may also be performed prior to treatment on the entire body to help drain the lymphatic system prior to the procedure and may help speed recovery time. Failure to receive lymphatic drainage massage may result in area becoming fibrotic, which means the tissue may become hardened and the effects are irreversible.

Does lymphatic drainage hurt?

When performed by a licensed and certified therapist the procedure is painless. Please be advised that your therapist at Heavenly Hands Clinic has 36 hours of hands on training and is certified in pre-op, post-op and lymphedema lymphatic draniage.

How often and how many sessions should I receive?

Most doctors usually recommend that 10 to 15 sessions are preformed over the course of a month to ensure the lymphatic system is draining efficiently to promote healing within the body.

Why should I receive massage after my post-op procedure or if I am experiencing lymphedema?

During a surgical procedure and lymphedema the lymphatic fluids build up and can pool which results in swelling. Receiving lymphatic massage to areas of the body can stimulate the lymph nodes which drains the lymph fluid. Failure to release this fluid can result in the tissue and surrounding area to become fibrotic, which in all cases can cause irreversible damage.

If you have had a surgical procedure within the past 14 days and would like to schedule an appointment for lymphatic drainage please email us directly at info@heavenlyhandsclinic.com with URGENT POST-OP CARE in the subject line for faster scheduling.

How can I prepare for my first lymphatic drainage massage?

If you have had a surgical procedure within the past 14 days and have a doctors order for lymphatic drainage and would like to schedule your next series of post-op sessions please email us directly at info@heavenlyhandsclinic.com - Subject Urgent Post-Op Care

Hydrate

It is important to be sure to drink enough water prior to receiving a lyphatic drainage massage. Experts suggest having at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water each day to avoid dehydration. This too should apply before performing this type of massage with an 8 hour period. It is important to stay hydrated prior to the session as this will allow the detoxification process to flow more smoothly. The sessions will not be as effective if you are dehydrated. Detofixication in the body can cause illness which is also why it is important to hydrate to ensure the body can flush all toxins from the body properly and smoothly.

Don't Eat A Big Meal

While you need lots of water before your lymphatic massage, it's also best to have as little food beforehand as possible. If you're unable to fast before your appointment, then you should try to eat only small snacks or small portions. The reason you shouldn't have a full stomach is that it can make the lymphatic massage uncomfortable. A full stomach will make it more difficult to drain the toxins from your abdomen and the organs around that area. Although it can be difficult not to eat before an appointment, the health benefits you'll receive from your lymphatic massage will make the fasting worth it.

Certain drugs will be metabolized

In lymphatic massage side effects, it's important to know that specific drugs will be metabolized, which will cause them to drain out of your body at a faster rate. If you don't take any medications, then you don't have to worry about that at all. However, if you're taking certain post-surgical drugs or pain medications, then you might have to adjust your dosage to compensate for the drainage. Before scheduling an appointment, it's best to consult with your doctor first.

Be ready to move your body after your session

To make sure the detoxification process goes smoothly, you should be prepared to get the body moving a little afterward. We recommend about 10 to 15 minutes of increased breathing and. Keep in mind that it doesn't have to be an intense workout. You could go for a little walk outside of the place where you got your massage before going to your car. Other options include going to the gym, going home to give your dog a nice walk, or even practicing some low-key yoga. Whichever way you get your heart going, you should not skip this important step.

Be ready to rest and relax after your session

After you've done about 15 minutes of gentle movement, then you should plan on relaxing and resting for the remainder of the day. It's common to feel worn out after your lymphatic massage because getting the toxins out of your body can take a bit of a toll at first. The following day you should feel good as new, though. With this in mind, you can pick out a movie or two to watch while you cuddle up on the couch or choose one of your favorite books to reread while you're snuggled in bed. It's rest that you need and have earned.

Call if you're sick

Getting sick happens to the best of us. If you're feeling under the weather as your appointment is coming up, then you should call. You can shorten the length of your lymphatic massage appointment or you might have to cancel altogether. The first couple of days of illness are definitely not the time to have lymphatic drainage therapy. That you're sick could be a sign that your lymphatic system is not working properly, so be sure to reschedule your appointment after you're feeling better.