Lymphatic massage is a style of massage that encourages lymph fluid to drain back into the lymphatic vessels. It can be a useful therapy for almost everyone, but some people, in particular, tend to really benefit from lymphatic massage. Who are those people? Take a look.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack the tissues in and around your joint. It can cause redness, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, along with some non-joint-related symptoms like fatigue. Since rheumatoid arthritis makes it tough for patients to move, those patients often end up sitting around a lot, which causes fluid to accumulate in their joints and lower limbs. Lymphatic massage can be really helpful for moving this fluid back into circulation, which then helps the patient feel more flexible and mobile. With the extra fluid back in circulation, rheumatoid arthritis patients often feel more energetic, too.
Fibromyalgia Patients
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that doctors and researchers are still working to better understand. It can cause a wide range of symptoms including stiffness, soreness, chronic fatigue, and depression. Managing fibromyalgia often requires a multi-faceted approach. For the mental symptoms, patients often benefit from taking anti-depressants. For the physical symptoms, however, therapies like massage and acupuncture tend to be helpful.
Lymphatic massage is an example of a massage modality that works well for fibro patients. It helps reduce stiffness and soreness throughout the body as it reduces inflammation in the tissues. You may have an easier time moving around after a lymphatic massage, which may, in turn, improve your mood.
Lipedema Patients
Lipedema is a condition that causes extra fat to build up in the tissues in the lower body. The excessive fat makes it tough for lymph fluid to make its way out of the tissues and back into circulation. As such, people with lipedema tend to have really swollen lower limbs, which makes wearing shoes and walking difficult. Lymphatic massage can help move some of that fluid back into circulation in spite of the fatty tissue. This can keep you more mobile, and once you start walking around more, this can help ease some more fluid back into circulation, too.
If you have any of the conditions listed above, make an appointment with a massage therapist or medical professional in your area. Lymphatic massage may be a treatment option for you.
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