When thinking of getting a cosmetic procedure
be aware that you may experience bruising, scarring and swelling.
We at Margie's Therapeutic massage use a technique called Lypossage™,
that combines lymphatic drainage with deep tissue, Myofascial release
and effleurage to minimize any side effect and help the patient heal
quicker and safely.
What is the Lymphatic
System?
Lymphatic system is a complex network of ducts, nodes and other organs
that are located throughout the body. The main function of the lymphatic
system is to circulate the lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymph fluid
is a clear, watery fluid which contains lymphocytes (lymphatic cells),
which form an integral part of immune defense of the body. Thus,
lymphatic system functions as the first line of defense against all the
possible
infectious diseases.
In the healing phase
following surgery, waste products can build up in the local tissues.
These waste products can increase and prolong inflammation, swelling,
and pain during the healing phase. Lypossage™
improves lymph flow and accelerates the removal of these waste products,
and thus can speed up healing.
Lymphatic System
Functions
Immunity-
Lymphatic system assists the immune system in
various ways. The lymph fluid, that is circulated throughout the body,
consists of antibodies and lymphocytes, which act as barrier for
different types of micro organisms and other foreign bodies. When these
bodies come in contact with the human body, production of lymphocytes is
triggered immediately. Thus, disease causing micro organisms are
destructed then and there itself.
Fluid and Protein
Balance- When the blood circulates throughout the
body, lot of fluid filtered by the capillaries gets trapped in the
tissues of the body. This trapped fluid, also called as interstitial
fluid, comprises about 10% (1-2 liters) of the total fluid. The loss of
this fluid is substantial as it is rich in several vital proteins that
are required by the body. The lymphatic system prevents this loss by
collecting this fluid in the lymphatic vessels and returns it to the
circulatory system.
Digestion-
Lymphatic system also assists the digestive system
in various ways. The lymphatic vessels that are located in the
gastrointestinal lining help in the absorption of fats from the food
that we eat. Lymphatic system is required for proper assimilation of
fats in the body. Failure on the part of lymphatic system may result in
serious malnutrition. Lymphatic system prevents
obesity which results due to
accumulation of 'bad' fat in the body.
Excretion-
Lymphatic system removes dead blood cells, excess
fluid, waste, debris, etc. from the body, thereby assisting in excretion
of waste materials from the body. Lymphatic system also removes
pathogens, toxins and cancer cells from the body cells as well as inter
cellular spaces. Thus, healthy and properly functioning lymphatic system
is a must for the overall well being of the human body.
Transportation of
Nutrients-
Lymphatic system works in collaboration with the circulatory system to
transport various essential nutrients in the body. Lymphatic system
delivers oxygen, hormones and other essential nutrients through the
blood, to the body cells. Had it not been for the lymphatic systems, our
body would have been deprived on these essential nutrients.
The most important of all lymphatic system functions is the fluid
balancing function. Lymphatic capillaries act like drains and collect
the excess fluid from the body. This fluid is filtered and returned back
in the blood. Filtration is required as large molecules like protein
cannot enter the blood directly. Walls of the lymphatic system are more
permeable than blood capillaries. In the absence of lymphatic system,
excessive edema will occur and the body would blow up like a balloon.
This eventually would result in destruction of cells and finally death
of the individual.
Thus, lymphatic system functions as the lifeline of the body and
conducts plethora of vital functions. Hence, it is important to always
keep the lymphatic system functioning properly.
Movement of Lymphatic Fluid. The lymph system is almost as extensive as
that of the blood. The circulation of lymphatic fluid plays a key role
in ridding the body of wastes, toxins, and pathogens. The lymph system
also benefits from massage, particularly in conditions where lymphatic
flow is impaired by injury or surgery (e.g., in post mastectomy women).
What is Lymphatic
Drainage Massage (LDM) Therapy?
Lypossage™ is a
technique used to provide relief from edema, an accumulation of fluids
in the tissues that causes swelling. It is a gently, rhythmic style of
massage that stimulates the immune system and improves the appearance of
the skin. Lypossage™
is used before and after surgery, to help speed up healing and reduce
edema/swelling. It increases blood flow and can reduce scar tissue.
During Lypossage™,
muscles relax, heart and breath rate decrease, and clients move into a
state of relaxation that promotes healing and balance. Symptoms like
fatigue, mild depression, and chronic soft-tissue pain call for the
gentleness of lymph massage. It will stimulate the immune system and has
an energizing effect on the body’s vital energy. Scar tissue becomes
smaller, smoother, more flexible and stronger with Lypossage™.
Benefits of Lymphatic
Drainage Massage (Lypossage™):
• Decreases edema
(swelling)
• Enhances the action of the immune system
• Reduces pain
• Improves skin health
• Promotes deep relaxation
• Speeds healing of injuries
• Decreases scar tissue
• Minimizes scar formation
When to have a
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (Lypossage™):
• Lymph edema
• Post-mastectomy edema
• Pre and Post Surgery
• Inflammatory conditions such as sprains, strains, and muscle tears
When it’s NOT safe to
have Lymphatic Drainage Massage (Lypossage™):
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Serious circulatory problems
• During acute infections and inflamed illnesses
• Untreated, malignant tumors
Best Candidates for
this Massage:
• Patients who want to
experience a speedy and smoother recovery from cosmetic surgery.
• Patients with postoperative swelling find
Lypossage™
to be very soothing and effective in its resolution.
Lymphatic
drainage for pre and post surgery
Many benefits can result
from lymphatic drainage before and after surgery. Lymphatic drainage
seems to promote tissue regeneration therefore reducing the formation
and severity of scars which can be unsightly and sometimes painful.
Treatment can begin as soon as 24 hrs after surgery, with approval of
the doctor and as long as there are no contra-indications. After
surgery the lymphatic pathways will be very different. Studies have
shown that it takes between seven and ten days for the natural and
functional continuity of the lymphatic vessels to be re-established.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of applying lymphatic drainage post
surgically is to prevent or alleviate edema or swelling. Swelling can
cause pain and create a predisposition to infection.
