Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a massage technique whose objective is to stimulate the lymphatic system to work faster. This process contributes to the general detoxification of the organism through the elimination of liquids and accumulated toxins that cause cellulite, liquid retention and localized fat. Lymphatic Drainage is also effective in treating varicose veins, edema, poor circulation, tiredness and menstrual pain. It is an essential technique in the postoperative process to treat edema and fluid retention that usually appear in the area that was operated on.
This massage technique was developed by the Danish physician Emil Vodder, in 1932, and consists of movements applied in light, smooth, rhythmic and precise pressures, in a circular and spiral shape always towards the lymph nodes. The technique does not use any type of cream and does not cause any pain. Therefore, it is important to differentiate manual lymphatic drainage from aesthetic massage, the latter performed with oils or creams and with very strong pressure, with its main effect being circulatory and not lymphatic.
The first step will always be an evaluation consultation with one of the doctors at Clínica Baptista Fernandes. In this consultation, the doctor identifies the reason that motivates the search for manual lymphatic drainage and will develop a treatment plan. In post-surgical cases, however, lymphatic drainage is mandatory and is already included in the surgical plan, therefore, 2 to 3 days after surgery, drainage sessions begin.
The drainages are carried out by therapists who have a wide knowledge of the technique and adjust it to each patient taking into account the surgery performed. Treatment can last between 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on case to case.
Lymphatic Drainage is a non-invasive treatment performed without any cream, oil or anesthetic by a specialized therapist. At least ten sessions of lymphatic drainage should be performed, with the possibility of reaching thirty sessions, always on alternate days with an average duration of between 30 minutes and one hour.
Lymphatic drainage may be indicated to treat:
- Edema, varicose veins, poor circulation, feeling of heavy legs;
- Pregnancy swelling;
- Lymphedema of the arm (post-mastectomy);
- Relief of premenstrual disorders;
- Cellulite and localized fat;
- Sinusitis, rhinitis, migraines;
- Postoperative situations and recovery from aesthetic and oncological surgery (with medical indication in both situations);
- Skin problems;
- Tiredness and stress;
The benefits of lymphatic drainage after surgery are:
- Dissolve residual fat nodules, aiding in surgical remodeling;
- Restore the adhesion of the skin to the deep layers;
- Favor tissue oxygenation, stimulating collagen production and thus accelerating stitch healing;
- Relax the patient, alleviating the pain at this stage, since, often, in the postoperative period it is necessary to rest in a single position and this leads to painful muscle contractures. In addition, studies show that drainage helps in the treatment of stress and anxiety;