Manual lymphatic drainage leg massage - Innovative Vascular Center

Unfortunately, many of the products that are now presented in store windows are far from perfect. Residents of large cities are especially at risk, as they consume large amounts of preservatives. Lymphatic drainage massage will help remove all unnecessary substances from the body.

The founder of
lymphatic drainage massage is considered to be children's doctor Emil Vodder .
In the early 30s of the 20th century, he and his wife opened a physiotherapy clinic in Cannes, where they treated patients with swelling of the neck and limbs, which are the result of poor lymphatic drainage. A little later, the newly appeared massage technique began to be used not only for cosmetic purposes to improve facial contours, but also in dentistry to reduce pain. This massage received wide recognition after Emil Vodder a book where the technique he discovered was described in detail. There is an opinion that the author of this type of massage was the Frenchman Pascal Cochet , but his merit lies not so much in the creation of a new technique, but in its use in the treatment of diseases associated with lymph stagnation.

Lymphatic drainage massage today is not a fashionable, but rather a useful procedure, as a result of which metabolic processes are accelerated, thereby facilitating the outflow of lymph and cleansing the body of toxins.

Briefly about the treatment method

Manual lymphatic drainage is a special type of massage that is designed to enhance the natural flow of lymph and help remove excess tissue fluid from limb segments affected by lymphedema.
The therapeutic effect of lymphatic drainage massage is realized through the preserved connections between the lymphatic vessels and veins in the limb segment, so it is possible to eliminate lymphatic edema even with the removal of regional lymph nodes. The main point of lymphatic drainage massage is the gradual movement of tissue fluid from segments with poor lymphatic drainage to segments with normal drainage, where it is absorbed and goes into the bloodstream. By combining manual lymphatic drainage with banding, it is possible to eliminate lymphedema in most patients.

Manual lymphatic drainage not only reduces the volume of the limb, but also stimulates the formation of new lymphatic vessels and accelerates lymphatic drainage through existing ones. After the massage course, special compression jersey is used. Massage is also used in stage III lymphedema to prepare for surgical treatment.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

A sedentary lifestyle often leads to stagnation of lymph and the formation of edema. A course of lymphatic drainage massage is recommended in the following cases:

Pronounced cellulite;
Swelling;
Decreased skin elasticity, sagging;
Excess weight;
Reduced immunity;
Poor blood circulation;
Varicose veins in the initial stage.

It is recommended to visit a doctor before taking the course. The procedure has a number of contraindications. For example, it is not recommended to carry out the procedure for infectious diseases, inflammation, dermatitis, eczema, thrombosis. Also, massage is not performed during pregnancy and immediately after operations.

Absolute contraindications for lymphatic drainage massage are cardiopulmonary failure, gangrene, thrombosis, aortic aneurysm, osteomyelitis, mental illness, AIDS.

Any inflammatory processes in the body (acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, pancreatitis) are temporary contraindications. After complete recovery, you can come for a massage.

You cannot massage the part of the body where there was a malignant tumor (after its removal), there is psoriasis, warts, cavities. If a woman is diagnosed with mastopathy, chest massage is contraindicated for her.

Advantages of treatment at the ISC

Our specialists have successfully mastered the technology of lymphatic drainage massage in the treatment of lymphedema, adopted in the German clinic Lympho-Opt and have been using it since 2008. During this time, the clinic treated more than 1000 patients with severe lymphostasis. We use a rational combination of an instrumental approach (pressotherapy) and manual lymphatic drainage to achieve maximum therapeutic effect.

In our clinic it is used in complex treatment including pneumocompression with manual lymphatic drainage massage and bandaging. Pneumocompression stimulates the outflow of tissue fluid and activates the function of lymph nodes and blood vessels. The combined use of all methods of conservative treatment of lymphostasis can reduce the volume of the affected limb by up to 50%. These methods are especially effective in the treatment of stage I-II lymphedema.

What is lymphatic drainage massage: its benefits

You may feel that your lymphatic system is not working well with the following signs:

You have insomnia;
You get tired quickly;
Your legs, arms, face are very swollen;
Acne and age spots appeared.

Massage helps eliminate all these symptoms, improve well-being and normalize the functioning of internal organs. Lymphatic drainage is aimed at removing excess fluid and toxins from the body. It helps speed up lymph flow. The body removes cellular breakdown products faster, receiving nutrients in return.

Lymphatic drainage massage is used for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. It is recommended for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies during the recovery period after injuries and surgery.

How the treatment method works

The technology includes manual and hardware massage of the soft tissues of the affected limb. The skin is slightly moisturized. Manual lymphatic drainage massage is performed using the method of light, smooth pressure and sliding along the lymph flow line.

The technique of manual lymphatic drainage massage has several methods:

superficial (stimulates metabolic processes in the body and in the layers of the skin and unblocks capillaries)
deep (impact on the vessels that ensure the outflow of lymphatic fluid from the internal organs directly)
internal (impact on lymph nodes).

Manual lymphatic drainage consists of gentle, rhythmic massage of the skin, deep massage of the lymph nodes. First, the proximal parts of the limb are released, then the distal parts. Session duration is 40 - 60 minutes. Careful massage movements are carried out, during which the pressure on the tissue should not exceed 40 mmHg. Art. Lymphatic drainage massage promotes the movement of high molecular weight proteins into the lumen of the lymphatic capillaries and at the same time stimulates the contraction of the lymphatic vessels. As a result, the flow of lymph through the subcutaneous plexuses and collaterals of the lymphatic vessels of the affected limb increases. During the procedure, the patient is in a horizontal position. The effect is made directly on the skin. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the folds of the patient’s skin do not fall between the doctor’s fingers. RLD is carried out in the direction of the lymphatic flow. The procedure is performed slowly, with a frequency of 10-12 movements per minute.

Hardware lymphatic drainage massage

Pressotherapy is the effect of compressed air on certain parts of the body. Most often, the technique is used to reduce the volume of the arms, hips and legs. This hardware method requires the use of special equipment. During pressotherapy, the client is dressed in a suit that resembles a giant cuff for measuring blood pressure.

Variable pneumatic compression (APC) is one component of the treatment of lymphedema. Typically, PPC is performed after manual lymphatic drainage. This procedure leads to an increase in pressure in the tissues, promotes the outflow of fluid accumulated in the interstitial space and reduces edema.

Pneumocompression is carried out using a pneumatic device divided into a large number of chambers. Each chamber is filled with air and emptied independently of the other chambers. Thus, the chambers operate in an intermittent mode and are filled sequentially in the direction of lymph flow. The newest PPC devices consist of 10-12 overlapping chambers designed to apply increasing pressure in the direction of lymph flow. When treating lymphedema of the extremities, a pressure of 20-40 mmHg is used. Art., each PPC session lasts from 30 minutes to several hours. Before applying sequential compression, manual lymphatic drainage should be performed to ensure patency of the lymphatic vessels above the compression site. Pneumocompression has long been the standard of care in the treatment of lymphedema. Devices for pneumocompression include inflatable cuffs for the arms and legs and an electric pump. To ensure proper pressure distribution, the pumps operate according to a special program that allows for alternating compression and relaxation of areas of the swollen arm or leg.

Hardware lymphatic drainage massage: what are its advantages?

This method of exposure is similar to manual lymphatic drainage, but during pressotherapy, the lymphatic vessels are stimulated by a device using a special pneumatic suit. Its sections are alternately filled with air, then deflated, leading to compression/compression of certain zones. The created wave moves along the body, carrying out a gradual sequential effect on different parts of the body.

What are the advantages of pressotherapy:

Maximum efficiency (hardware-calculated efforts that do not depend on the strength and skills of a person, you can be sure that the massage will be done with the same efficiency every time).
Contactless. Some people may prefer a non-contact technique over a massage performed manually by a stranger, even if it is a doctor.
Possibility to combine pressotherapy with facial treatments (all this can be done at the same time, as your face remains free.
The effect is achieved by activating the body's natural systems and lasts for several days.
And what is a big plus is that such treatment will be pleasant (like any massage).

The suit can be worn over the entire body or on individual areas (arms, legs, stomach). In addition, the suits can be equipped with an infrared module.

Infrared irradiation in combination with lymphatic drainage massage gives better results. The tissues are additionally heated, the energy penetrates the tissues to a depth of 4 to 7 cm. The effect of this effect is similar to the effect of a sauna or steam bath.

Observation program after treatment method

Manual lymphatic drainage massage should be performed by a specially trained massage therapist. If the skin is exposed to excess, it can lead to increased blood flow and increased swelling, which is not necessary for patients with lymphedema. It is important to properly direct the lymphatic fluid without increasing arterial inflow. Manual lymphatic drainage massage can be used in combination with hardware massage. After the massage session, a special bandage is used to consolidate the result.

The effectiveness of treatment is monitored daily by measuring the circumference of the limb. In stages I-II of lymphedema, it is possible to achieve a reduction in the volume of the limb by 8-15 cm only by using massage and bandaging.

Expected Result

Lymphatic drainage body massage allows you to achieve the following results:

Improving skin turgor, reducing the “orange peel” effect.
Activation of metabolic processes, reduction of local fat deposits, weight loss.
Elimination of swelling, improvement of tissue nutrition.
Improvement of psycho-emotional state.
Stimulation of regeneration processes, which helps reduce the rehabilitation period after surgical interventions.

Indications for the procedure include cellulite, varicose veins, edema, and obesity. As a preventative measure, it is recommended to do massage regularly - this will avoid disruption of lymph and blood flow and associated unpleasant consequences.

Call and make an appointment. Take action. 8 (495) 153-52-14

About the lymphatic system

Lymph is a type of connective tissue in the body.
The substance looks like a clear liquid with a slight yellow tint. The chemical composition is similar to blood plasma, but lymph contains less protein and calcium. The lymphatic system is part of the human vascular system. Its task is to cleanse the body. Through the lymphatic system, the body is cleansed of internal contaminants: waste products, toxins, waste, pathogenic microorganisms. A visible consequence of system dysfunction is lymphostasis (stagnation of lymph). The functioning of the lymphatic system is disrupted by regular stress, poor nutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle.

With slow lymph flow, the body does not have time to cleanse the intercellular fluid. Intoxication with waste waste products instantly affects your well-being and appearance. A clear example is a common aesthetic defect: cellulite. The skin loses its tone, loosens, and swells.

Deviations in the functioning of the lymphatic system are accompanied by signs:

lethargy, apathy, causeless fatigue
insomnia
swelling of the limbs, swelling of the legs after walking in heels
bags under the eyes
skin problems: rashes, acne, age spots

How the session goes and what to expect after

At the first stage, the impact zone is determined. The patient takes a comfortable position on the couch, the doctor applies a special gel to the skin in the treatment area, then treats the tissue with the selected attachment. The impact can be of varying intensity - slow stroking and light pressure. The strength of the laser radiation can also be adjusted to suit the needs and characteristics of a particular patient.

The person does not experience any discomfort during the procedure - only even warmth. Many patients say that despite the intensity of the effect, the procedure has a relaxing effect.

The session usually lasts 20-30 minutes, changes are noticeable almost immediately and increase over the next week and a half - fat deposits and swelling go away. The skin smoothes out and acquires a beautiful, even color, becomes dense and elastic.

To make an appointment for lymphatic drainage massage in Moscow, call us or leave a request on the website - the clinic’s managers will contact you to find a convenient appointment time. The duration of the course (number of sessions) will be determined by the doctor at the first appointment - everything will depend on the nature of the problems that need to be solved and your wishes. Visit us at: st. Marshala Rybalko, 2k6, within walking distance from Oktyabrskoye Pole metro station.

The results of lymphatic drainage massage are detox, weight loss and good mood!

In response to the effect, , as well as blood circulation, improves Lymph carries away excess water, harmful toxins, etc. “garbage”, and removes them through the excretory system. In the long term this leads to:

speeding up metabolism, which helps burn more calories and promotes the breakdown of fat tissue. As a result, excess weight goes away, cellulite disappears;
normalization of oxygen and water balance in the body:
improving skin regeneration due to active blood flow.

Cleansing the body and increased lymph exchange have a positive effect on the condition of the skin. It becomes smoother, more toned, and takes on a healthier appearance. Swelling goes away, which leads to a decrease in body volume, as well as the elimination of heaviness in the legs. In addition, massage promotes relaxation (both physical and emotional).

The rhythmic pressure applied during the massage tones the muscles and also helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve their permeability. Therefore, lymphomassage helps prevent problems of varicose veins.

Because the lymphatic system serves as a central part of the immune system, lymphatic drainage massage can help treat a variety of health problems, including frequent colds and chronic illnesses.

How is the procedure performed?

Lymphatic drainage massage is carried out in two ways: manually or using special devices. The average session duration is 55-60 minutes.

Stages of lymphomassage:

Preparation. Before the start of exposure, the client is asked to drink up to 1 liter of warm water. A cleansing scrubbing procedure may be performed. Before active mechanical stimulation, it is necessary to relax the body. To do this, apply oil or cream to the skin and perform a light warming massage. In the case of using hardware technology, at the preparation stage, the doctor kneads the soft tissues with his hands.

Stimulation of lymph nodes. The lymph flow lines are smoothly and gently massaged. When re-passing previously treated areas, the intensity of pressure increases.

The final stage. Upon completion of the procedure, the remaining cream is removed from the patient with a towel. You need to lie quietly for 10 minutes, then you can get up.

DIY lymphatic drainage massage for weight loss

You can learn the technique of lymphatic drainage massage and perform it yourself.

When performing the procedure yourself, you should not forget about several nuances:

Follow the lines of lymph movement (it’s better to print out a picture for yourself so as not to forget the correct directions - they are different for all parts of the body).
The skin should be steamed first.
Use moisturizers. You can use special creams or oils for massage. The effect will be more noticeable if the products are selected depending on the problem (anti-cellulite cream, anti-wrinkle cream, etc.).

Massage can be performed for different parts of the body - each case has its own characteristics.

Face

For lymphatic drainage facial massage, you first need to steam the skin, apply a moisturizer, and then follow the scheme:

You need to start from the forehead. Movements should be light and stroking. The fingers must be closed and the pads drawn from the center of the forehead to the temples and upward (to the hair).
In the eye area, massage is performed with the middle and index fingers. First you need to move under the lower eyelid from the outer corner of the eye to the inner and in the opposite direction above the upper eyelid. 5-7 such circular movements are enough.
From the cheekbones and chin, massage is carried out with horizontal movements from the wings of the nose along the cheekbone line, from the middle of the upper lip to the ears, from the middle of the lower lip along the face line and from the middle of the bottom of the chin also along the face line.

Legs

Performing a foot massage on your own is quite problematic, but possible.

It is better to massage the lower part of the legs while sitting. At the same time, you need to raise your legs - preferably on a chair. From behind, movements should be made along a straight vertical line from the heel to the knee cavity. From the front, you need to move vertically from the ankles to the knees, rounding the movements towards their inner side.

Massage the thighs should be performed with movements ending in the groin area. This applies to both the front and back of the thighs. On the sides, you need to massage the hips towards the waist.

Hands

Hand massage is performed in the direction from the hands to the shoulders. To do this, you need to grab your wrist and move lightly to the elbow, and then from it to the shoulder. For each hand, you need to repeat the movements 5-6 times.

Stomach

To massage the abdomen, you need to lie on your back. You need to stroke clockwise around the navel, gradually increasing the circumference. Then you need to make movements from the waist line down to the inner thighs.