For the first 2 weeks, it is recommended to get 3 sessions per week, followed by one massage weekly for 6 weeks.
A general recommendation is to have three to five massage treatments, but some patients may experience benefits from as few as one to two treatments. Your cosmetic surgeon can advise you as to whether lymphatic massage will benefit you following your liposuction or other surgical procedure.
How often should you get a lymphatic drainage massage? For the best effects, a professional may recommend lymphatic drainage from once per month to once per week. For home use, they may also advise the person massage one to two body parts per day.
Some patients can begin manual lymphatic drainage within one to three days of their surgical procedure. MLD can treat fluid accumulation for several months following surgery. However, it is most effective when performed as soon after surgery as possible.
The bottom line
Lymphatic massage, or manual lymphatic drainage, has proven benefits for people who have lymphedema or are at risk for developing it. It could possibly help improve overall health in others, but those benefits aren't yet backed by research.
The lymphatic capillaries that collect this fluid are miniscule. In theory, if you apply too much pressure to these miniscule capillaries, they will simply collapse and not collect any fluid, until they reconstitute themselves.
A lymphatic drainage massage uses pressure applied to key areas to unblock the flow. This technique is completely painless, as constant soft pressure is applied and increased slowly.
Doctors will advise their patients that, without massage, there is a risk that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. Lymphatic Massage ensures you'll achieve the best results possible from your procedure!
It's recommended that patients who underwent surgeries like liposuction or tummy tucks start with three to five massage sessions beginning two weeks after the procedure. “The timing is ideal because the bruising will be gone, so it won't be painful,” Dr.
A mild type of lymphedema can occur within a few days after surgery and usually lasts a short time. Lymphedema can also occur about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery or radiation and then go away over time. The most common type of lymphedema is painless and may slowly develop 18 to 24 months or more after surgery.
Medicare coverage for lymphedema therapy is limited. Benefits do include manual lymphatic drainage, which is also known as lymphedema massage. To be covered, it must be performed by a qualified Medicare provider, such as a physical or an occupational therapist.
Secondary lymphoedema
Symptoms may include a feeling of tightness and heaviness in a limb, altered sensation, tenderness, reduced range of movement. The oedema is initially pitting, however, over time it becomes non-pitting. The skin can ooze a clear or yellow fluid, and/or can have a foul-smelling odour.
Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.
The simple answer is: as often as you want! However, a more realistic answer depends on many factors, including your lifestyle, activity level, pain and physical needs, stress and emotional needs, and of course, your budget. Like many things in life, consistency is key when it comes to massage therapy.
It takes a good 48 hours for the system to rebalance after a deep massage, so at least a two day gap between massages is ideal.
A typical lymphatic massage can be done only once a day but for four to five times a week in two to four weeks.
Drink 2-4 glasses of water after your massage to help properly flush out your lymphatic system. Drinking water helps flush your kidneys which are responsible for getting rid of toxins.
Results can last up to 10 days, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.
How often should I get a lymphatic drainage massage? It is recommended that you get the series of lymphatic drainage session every three months.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage technique that facilitates lymph movement around your body. Lymphatic drainage massage is aimed at removing toxins, restoring your immune system's functions, and ultimately preventing a variety of health conditions.
It is estimated that as many as 30–50% of patients who undergo lymph node dissection go on to develop lymphedema2, 3. Lymphedema can even occur after less invasive procedures such as sentinel lymph node dissection thereby putting nearly all cancer survivors at risk for this dreaded complication4.
Showering Post Massage: Water Temperature
A hot shower after a massage may be relaxing, but a too-hot shower can leave you feeling dizzy. This is especially true if you have low blood pressure. Experts recommend limiting your exposure to hot showers, so either keep your post-massage shower brief or turn down the heat.