lymphatics quote

You may be asking yourself, “What is lymphatic drainage therapy?”

Lymphatic drainage therapy or LDT involves gentle manual techniques that aid in proper flow of lymph and allow for more effective waste and toxin removal.

We have helped many of our patients through their recovery process from pain, a disease or an injury using LDT.

LDT can assist in fluid activation which stimulates the immune system thereby assisting the body in healing itself.

What Is The Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is the bodies drainage system it series of tiny vessels, nodes and organs. The lymphatic system plays an important role in the bodies defense against infection. Bacteria and other microbes are picked up in the lymphatic fluid and trapped inside lymph nodes, where they can be attacked and destroyed by specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes.

“I severely fractured my wrist in a fall. The surgery was almost 6 hours long as I had broken all 8 of my carpal bones. Plates and pins are now a permanent part of my anatomy. My surgeon advised me that I would probably gain 50% to 80% of the function back in my wrist. I was so very fortunate to have ABove PT work on me because of their expertise in Lymphatic Massage. I now have 100% of my function and strength back and I am grateful, every day to the amazing therapists at ABove PT! Thank you!!”
E. Kane

But, What is Lymph Drainage Massage?

Well first you need to know a little about the lymph system and how it works to understand how lymphatic drainage helps.

The lymph system, plays a vital role in the bodies defense by taking in and filtering any bacteria and microbe particles found between cells.

lymphatic system, physical therapy

The lymphocytes, white blood cells, in the Lymph nodes act like the bodies little soldiers eliminating and erasing any harmful particles in the fluid.

But the lymphatic system doesn’t just help get rid of the bad stuff, it also produces some of the good stuff called, Antibodies.

Antibodies act as the “spies”, assisting the lymphocytes by attaching to any harmful substances. They then, signal B Cells, the “special forces” of lymphocytes to attack.

After the fluid has been cleaned it then moves towards the heart, back into the blood circulation of your body. This allows the lymph nodes to increase the flow and may lead to the many benefits of lymph drainage.

13 Reasons Why You Might Seek LDT

  • You have swelling
  • You have surgery scheduled or are recovering from surgery
  • You have chronic fatigue
  • You have chronic pain
  • You have a comprised immune system
  • You have trouble sleeping
  • You are a cancer survivor
  • Chronic or seasonal sinus problems
  • You have scar tissue from old surgeries or injuries
  • You have any chronic condition which puts a constant challenge on your immune system
  • Headaches
  • Suffering from any type of chronic disease including autoimmune disorders
  • Your interested in cleansing your body and improving your overall body function

How Exactly Does One Benefit From Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?

The best thing about Lymph drainage is that its really beneficial for everyone!

Whether you are healthy and just looking to strengthen the bodies defense mechanism, stimulate your metabolism or to relax, lymph drainage will benefit you.

Or maybe you are pre-/post-surgical and want to help speed up the healing of a scar and decrease inflammation or swelling around the surgical site.

LDT stimulates tissue regeneration and promote the completion of the Lymph systems’ job.

Lymph Drainage Therapy is a deceptively light touch manual therapy technique that focuses specifically on assisting the lymph system in its drainage of the bodies excess fluids.

This customized form of treatment promotes the lymph’s drainage, by using a light, circular motion that allows the therapist to stimulate the lymph nodes just beneath the surface of your skin.

Note, the light touch.

Pressure and rhythm are key to this type of bodywork technique. Depending on what you are seeking Lymph Drainage Therapy it can be focused directly to the issue at hand but will indirectly benefit your lymph system and a variety of other issues.

The Top 10 Benefits Of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

  1. Reduces swelling
  2. Improves immune function
  3. Facilitates healing
  4. Increases rate of recovery from surgery
  5. Detoxes the body thereby improving overall organ and body function.
  6. Improves breastfeeding
  7. Promotes relaxation
  8. Reduces cellulite, scars and stretch marks
  9. Promotes weight loss
  10. Treats acne

Read More About Lymph Nodes

Information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine

The Basics About The Lymph System

If you have any questions about Lymphatic Drainage Therapy or any of our other physical therapy services, call us today at 770-904-2332, or email us.