Manual Lymph Drainage
What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
Manual Lymph Drainage, also referred to as Manual Lymphatic Drainage or Lymphatic Drainage Massage, is a light & gentle medical massage which as it’s name hints at, helps drain excess fluids from the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels, nodes and tissues that help to filter out waste products, bacteria, and other toxins from the body.
The Massage Guy™ – Cape Town specializes in Manual Lymph Drainage for Women & performs this highly specialized medical massage according to the original Vodder Method. This method was developed by Dr. Emil Vodder & his wife, Estrid, in the 1930s for the treatment of chronic colds, sinusitis & other immune disorders, while working on the French Riviera.
The Vodder Method entails the therapist using a series of light massage strokes that are applied to the skin in specific patterns & sequences to stimulate the lymphatic vessels & lymph nodes in order to promote lymphatic flow. The Massage Guy™ – Cape Town adopts a very thorough approach in the way he works through the extensive network of lymph nodes & lymphatic vessels situated throughout the body & takes his time to constantly assess changes & adapts the treatment accordingly when necessary.
The Importance of the Lymphatic System & How It Functions
The lymphatic system is a critical component of the body’s immune system, as it helps to filter out harmful substances and fight off infections. The lymphatic system is also important for maintaining fluid balance in the body, as it helps to remove excess fluid from tissues and return it to the circulatory system.
One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a clear fluid that contains white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells help the body fight off infections and other foreign invaders. As the lymph moves through the lymphatic vessels, it passes through a series of filters called lymph nodes. These nodes are small, bean-shaped structures & contain immune cells that can identify and destroy harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses.
In addition to its role in the immune system, the lymphatic system also helps to maintain fluid balance in the body. It does this by collecting excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the circulatory system. This is important because if too much fluid builds up in the tissues, it can lead to swelling and other health problems.
When the lymphatic system is sluggish or blocked, such as after surgery(e.g. liposuction or breast augmentation or reduction) or an injury, we can have swelling, an increase in the appearance of cellulite, feel tired & lethargic and are more susceptible to infections (e.g. colds & flu). However, when the lymphatic system works well, we feel healthy and have a strong defense against illness.
Unlike the cardiovascular system, which has the heart to pump blood throughout the body, the lymphatic system has to rely on the manual contractions & movement of skeletal muscles to circulate lymphatic fluid throughout the lymphatic system. It is for this reason that sedentary lifestyles(sitting too much or getting very little exercise) lead to poor lymphatic flow & a build up of toxins which directly affect the body in a multitude of negative ways.
Toxins are believed by many to be the local beginnings of cancerous tissue. It is imperative that these toxins be continually removed through the body’s veins and lymphatic vessels. When these toxins are unable to exit the body properly, the possibility of cancer increases. It is for these reasons that Manual Lymph Drainage exists to assist your body when it your immune needs a boost to function better.
(Diagram of the Lymphatic System)
The Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage, Especially Post-Op
Manual Lymph Drainage is highly beneficial for women, especially after surgeries such as liposuction, tummy tucks, breast augmentation, reduction or lift, mommy makeovers. In fact, it is recommended that you search for a qualified Manual Lymph Drainage specialist, during your Pre-Op research & planning phase, to assist with your Post-Op Recovery & factor in these costs to the total cost of your surgery
After these surgeries, it is common for swelling & hardness to occur, which can be painful and uncomfortable. Manual lymphatic drainage can help to reduce this swelling & hardness by gently massaging the lymphatic system and encouraging the flow of lymph fluid. This can help to alleviate pain and discomfort, and can also speed up the healing process. If Manual Lymph Drainage is not done Post-Op, this can lead to a condition called fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the skin) or a seroma (pocket of fluid) can form. In the case of breast augmentation, there is also a risk of capsular contracture.
Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery. It is a condition in which the scar tissue that forms around the breast implant tightens and hardens, squeezing the implant and causing the breast to feel hard. In severe cases, this can cause the breast to feel painful or tender and may even change the shape or appearance of the breast.
In addition to its effects on swelling, manual lymphatic drainage can also help to improve the overall health and function of the immune system. By promoting the natural drainage of lymphatic fluid, this technique can help to remove waste products and toxins from the body, which can support the immune system and help to prevent infection.
Another benefit of lymphatic drainage massage is that it can help to improve the appearance of the skin in the affected area. After surgery, the skin can sometimes become dimpled or uneven, which can be unsightly or embarrassing for some. Manual Lymph Drainage can help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin by promoting blood flow and oxygenation to the area, which can help to improve the overall tone and elasticity of the skin. The added advantage of this is that it improves the aesthetic results of your cosmetic surgery.
And last, but certainly not least, despite this being a medical massage with a somewhat scary name to some, Manual Lymph Drainage can be incredibly relaxing & soothing.
It is important for women to discuss the potential benefits of this technique with their doctors, as well as any possible risks or contraindications.
If you are a woman who has had or is planning to have Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Brazilian Butt Lift, Mommy Makeover or any other cosmetic surgery in Cape Town, South Africa, get in touch with The Massage Guy™ – Cape Town right away by using any of the contact options in the footer below & let’s discuss a suitable Pre & Post-Op treatment plan for you.
If you’re searching for Manual Lymph Drainage Near Me, Manual Lymph Drainage Cape Town, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Cape Town or Lymphatic Drainage Massage then you’ve come to the right place.
The Massage Guy™ – Cape Town is a Male Massage Therapist for Women in Cape Town & is a Manual Lymph Drainage Specialist.
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