BENEFITS OF MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
When searching for a qualified specialist, make sure they have the credentials CLT. If they are not a CLT, they are not a certified lymphedema therapist.
After Surgery
After Surgery
- Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck
- Arm, Thigh, and Brazilian Butt Lifts
After surgery it is common to have surgical trauma that includes damage to your lymphatic system.
It takes time for lymphatic vessels to heal and make new connections. As a result you will have more swelling and less capacity to absorb, and process, the excess fluid.
A certified lymphatic therapist, (CLT) has 135 hours of specific training on the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and how to affect lymphatic drainage. This training allows for a therapeutic session aimed at encouraging excess fluid into the lymphatic system where it can be processed and eliminated through both bowel and bladder.
This is called lymphatic uptake and is done with light skin stretching techniques that both direct and propel lymph toward the lymph nodes associated with each area of the body-- known as watersheds.
Knowing the full anatomy of the lymphatic system allows a CLT to also reroute lymph around scars or other barriers that may hinder the transport of lymph toward it's associated lymph nodes. This is done by using the bodies natural "bypass" system or anastomosis.
This rerouting is also used after lymph node removal surgeries, radiation or primary lymphatic diseases and is used world wide for the treatment of lymphedema. This knowledge and understanding is what sets a CLT apart from other providers.
After Cancer
After Cancer
Manual lymphatic drainage is one of the main pillars in complete decongestive therapy. While you might know how to do “self-massage,” having weekly or biweekly sessions with a certified lymphatic therapist lets you better maintain your current size and improves tissue health and personal comfort.
Lipedema-Related Benefits
Lipedema-Related Benefits
Lipedema can cause pain, but adding manual lymphatic drainage to your routine can minimize the pain of swelling and help to decrease the build up of fibrous fatty tissue.
Lipedema can be treated with specialized water-assisted liposuction. Because of this, lymphatic massage will be an integral part of your recovery.