Lymphatic massage and therapy

How does swelling occur?

Swelling is most commonly associated with recovery after major surgeries (such as cancer operations) or blunt injuries such as a “dead leg” or an ankle sprain. Typical problems also include swelling in the legs during the day or after prolonged sitting. In some cases, the cause may be a congenital dysfunction of the lymphatic system.

Swelling occurs when there is excess fluid in the tissue. The lymphatic system acts as a kind of safety valve, helping the body prevent visible swelling from developing. When the lymphatic system is not functioning properly, the body is unable to remove the excess fluid from the tissue. In swelling, the fluid load in the tissue increases while the body’s transport capacity is reduced.

Lymphatic massage

Lymphatic massage is a light, gentle, and slow form of massage that targets the body’s lymphatic system. Its purpose is to promote lymphatic circulation and reduce swelling in the body. It can also help reduce pain and stiffness. The treatment is performed using soft pumping movements with the fingers and palms. It may also have a positive effect on blood circulation and the immune system.

Indications for lymphatic massage: Pre- and post-operative care, post-fracture conditions, swelling from sports injuries, rheumatic swelling, fibromyalgia and other types of pain, venous insufficiency, joint degeneration, need for gentle massage, stress relief, pregnancy-related swelling, and postnatal recovery.

Not suitable for: Acute infections and erysipelas, deep vein thrombosis, heart or kidney failure, flu and fever, and malignant tumors undergoing active treatment.

Treatment frequency: The number of sessions is always individual, but for chronic conditions a course of treatment is typically 3–10 sessions at about one-week intervals.

Lymphatic therapy

Lymphatic therapy is a light, rhythmic, and directional pumping massage. Its purpose is to stimulate lymphatic vessel activity in the injured area, relieve muscle spasms often caused by pain, and prevent the hardening of blood bruises into connective tissue. It can also reduce the formation of adhesions that commonly develop in scars. The treatment should never be painful, regardless of the type of injury.

In injury cases, lymphatic therapy helps reduce tissue pressure, which speeds up healing. As swelling decreases, movement therapy to restore joint mobility can be started earlier (depending on the nature of the injury).