lymphatic drainage peptide FAQ

Ask your lymphedema specialist if there are things you can do to help with your lymphatic drainage at home. Your doctor can help you decide whether it's a good idea to try do-it-yourself lymphatic drainage massage, perhaps along with seeing a massage therapist skilled in lymphatic drainage. When in doubt, see a certified lymphedema therapist. You can try other things to help your lymphatic system, too, such as:

When you have lymphedema, it's best to see a doctor who specializes in treating it. See a specialist or therapist who has done at least 135 hours of training for lymphedema. It's best to get your lymphatic drainage massage from a certified lymphedema therapist. Ask your doctor if this is available at your clinic or if they can give you a referral.

Lymphatic drainage massage has become a popular form of massage due to its potential health benefits. It's a gentle form of massage that focuses on the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Your lymph system includes organs, vessels, and tissues that move or drain a water-like fluid called lymph from other parts of your body into your bloodstream. Lymphatic drainage massage is especially helpful if you have lymphedema, which happens when lymph fluid doesn't go back to your blood the way it should and stays in other parts of your body. Lymphedema happens most often in your legs or arms. Many things can cause lymphedema, including:

Talk to your doctor before getting a lymphatic drainage massage, and make sure you're seeing a trained and certified professional. Your massage therapist will follow a particular sequence, using a series of massage techniques, including stretching, compressing, gliding, and cupping motions. They'll start with the main lymph drains. These include lymph nodes in your:

Massage might not help with your lymphedema right away enough to notice. If it's working, you should start to get relief from your symptoms of lymphedema in time. Your swelling should go down. You'll feel less heavy or tight. It will be easier to move, too. You may notice your clothes fit you better. If you've had a few massages and aren't seeing any difference, ask your doctor about other things to try.