What Can I Expect From A Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Session?

The phrase “lymphatic drainage therapy” can sound intimidating if you have never had this type of treatment done before. But honestly, there’s nothing to fear.

Like most any bodywork technique – this is a hands on therapy that can benefit most anyone. The difference from this type of therapy versus other types is the amount of pressure applied during the treatment and the stroke patterns used by the therapist.

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

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

Does Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Really Work?

There are very few formal studies on the practice of lymphatic therapy but despite that, we have seen some wonderful results in using this technique on our patients.

Here, at ABove Physical Therapy we have treated many patients with lymphatic drainage therapy with very good results.

“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 Drainage Therapy. 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

It’s testimonials like this that demonstrate to us the efficacy of the LDT techniques.

One note of caution: If you experience any of the following issues – we recommend that you speak to your physician first before receiving this type of bodywork.

  • An infection or inflammation in the swollen area
  • A blood clot
  • Heart problems
  • Cancer in the area

It is generally recommended that if any of these issues listed above are present, that LDT is not a treatment method that should be used.

How Often Should You Get Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?

The answer to this question really depends on what you are looking to treat. There are multiple reasons to seek out LDT.

12 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
  • Headaches
  • Suffering from any type of chronic disease including autoimmune disorders
  • You are interested in cleansing your body and improving your overall body function

So, for example, if you are constantly tired or stressed or have trouble sleeping then this type of bodywork may work well to help you. In this case we would recommend to go in for at least 4 sessions of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.

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If you are dealing with headaches or chronic pain, then the number of LDT sessions may be increased to 6 sessions.

Our trained physical therapists can work with you to come up with the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

How Is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Done?

The physical therapists at ABove Physical Therapy have clocked in many hours of treatment using LDT techniques.

As I  mentioned earlier, manual lymphatic drainage is a type of light-touch bodywork that can help assist the movement (or draining) of excess fluid. Reducing the amount of fluid in the affected area(s) which often helps to improve the range and/or ease of motion, reduces pain and discomfort, and assists with faster healing of the wound or incision.

The physical therapist rubs, strokes and taps the surface of the skin gently working to follow the anatomy of the lymphatic system so that the fluid that has accumulated can begin to drain properly.

This is a very soft and painless form of treatment and very effective.

How Long Does A Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Last?

Our LTD treatment sessions last about 50 minutes.

If you have any questions about our LTD treatments or want to make an appointment – call our office at 770-904-2332.