What is the Manual Lymphatic Drainage technique? How is it different from a Circulatory Massage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a treatment of gentle, repetitive and rhythmic massages, designed to facilitate the circulation of lymphatic fluid, with the aim of redirecting it to the lymph nodes where it will be subsequently drained.

While the circulatory massage is aimed at promoting blood irrigation in order to promote the dilation of blood vessels and blood circulation. They are complementary techniques that can be applied together in the same treatment.

Who are these therapies recommended for? How to choose the most suitable for my needs?

Manual lymphatic drainage is aimed at people who have fluid retention, or who have undergone recent operations or surgeries, either for mastectomies, liposuctions,
tummy tuck, etc. and that present painful and inflammatory symptoms due to excessive accumulation of lymphatic fluid.

As a general rule, when making more or less significant incisions in the body, these momentary lymphatic dysfunctions occur and their drainage and treatment are necessary and / or recommended. If proper treatment is not performed, there is a potential risk of producing subcutaneous and intramuscular nodules that, apart from being painful and unsightly, can lead to major pathologies such as venous thrombi.

Circulatory massage is performed as a complement to this manual lymphatic drainage technique, once the treatment has advanced, to promote total drainage and to reestablish correct circulation and irrigation of the area that is generally altered by lymphatic edema.

The circulatory massage is aimed at people who suffer from varicose veins, cellulite, postoperative bruises, athletes who require tuning to perform their sports activities, especially after injuries, operations, etc.

Evolution and forecast of treatment

The course of treatment is generally good and quite fast. A decrease in inflammation and edema is observed, as well as the painful sensation, muscle tone is reestablished, and joint mobility is favored, which is often restricted and atrophied by the inability to perform full movements.

In the field of aesthetics, the general morbidity, elasticity, texture and flexibility of the skin are recovered. Scars are also treatable, being able to use complementary techniques for the aesthetics of these and the separation of the superficial layers of the skin in the deep planes.

Indications and Contraindications

• Phlebitis, thrombosis, or thrombophlebitis.
  Kidney pathologies.
  Cancer.
  Cardiac decompensation.
  Presence of tortuous and raised varicose veins.
  Acute infections
  Asthmatic crisis