{ What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage? }

Is lymphatic drainage suitable for you?

Many myths and misconceptions surround lymphatic drainage. This article clarifies what conditions this therapy is suitable for to help you to determine if it's the right treatment for you. Our goal is to provide you with detailed and accurate information and advice so you can make an informed decision about your health and investment.

What is lymphatic drainage indicated for?

An indication is a sign that a particular treatment has been shown to be beneficial for a given condition. It means that studies have shown the treatment to be effective and is therefore recommended to address it. Lymphatic drainage is indicated for conditions that have or may have a swelling and/or inflammation component to them. The more swelling and/or inflammation you have, the more lymphatic drainage can assist. If you have little to no swelling or inflammation, lymphatic drainage won’t be highly beneficial, though it will relax the body and activate the parasympathetic nervous system “rest and repair" state.

​Symptoms and conditions that lymphatic drainage may be helpful for and are an indicated treatment for are:​

• Lymphedema

• Lipedema

• Edema

• Excess mucus

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Any injury, condition, illness that has an inflammation component

• Water retention/swelling/puffiness

• Low immune system function

• Pre/post surgery

• Chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, lyme disease, MS, lupus, and more 

• Travellers edema 

​For these conditions, if there is a swelling and/or inflammation component, lymphatic drainage can often help. 

What are the supported conditions for lymphatic drainage?

Supported conditions are ones that may benefit, but for which lymphatic drainage is not a proven treatment recommendation. As such, lymphatic drainage can be worth trying, and some people benefit greatly while others not at all. Supported conditions include: 

• Athletic recovery 

• Chronic Fatigue 

• Chronic Pain 

• Normal healthy pregnancy 

• Allergies 

• Chronic stress 

• Skin/beauty 

• Immune system function 

• Cellulite

Cautions:

​If you have any of the conditions below, you will need a written referral from your doctor to proceed with lymphatic drainage:

• Organ removal and/or transplant 

• Pregnancy complications 

• Current cancer  

• Minor heart, kidney or liver conditions 

• Recent surgery 

• Multi pharmaceutical regime (ie. you are taking many prescribed medications, not supplements).

Contraindications for lymphatic drainage:

​If you have any of these conditions, lymphatic drainage is not a suitable therapy for you.

• Current acute infections can be worsened by lymphatic drainage. Please wait until your symptoms have subsided before rebooking. 

• Major heart conditions, cardiac insufficiency, congestive heart failure and unstable hypertension can be exacerbated by increased fluid movement.​

• With kidney insufficiency and renal failure the body will be stressed by increased fluid movement.

• Blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, superior vena cava obstruction can be dislodged and travel to other parts of the body and lead to serious complications. 

​​How many sessions of lymphatic drainage will I need?

​Lymphatic Drainage is a subtle therapy that takes repeat and frequent applications. 3-10 applications can be required for acute conditions, with chronic conditions usually requiring an ongoing maintenance plan from there.

All clients require a minimum of 3-5 applications initially. From there we individually tailor future applications based on how your body has responded to the initial 3-5 applications.

​Below is a guide as to how many applications may be required.

• If you begin to notice improvements after your 1st application then you'll do a minimum of 3 applications 

• If you begin to notice improvements after your 2nd application then you'll do a minimum of 4 applications 

• If you begin to notice improvements after your 3rd application then you'll do a minimum of 5 applications. 

• Keep in mind that further applications may still be required from your minimum to fully resolve acute conditions with chronic conditions usually requiring an ongoing maintenance plan.

• If after your 3rd application there are no improvements to your presenting symptom(s)/condition(s), this is an indication that lymphatic drainage may not be the right therapy to address your needs and it is up to you if you would like to continue to the minimum of 5.​

How often should I have lymphatic drainage?

The initial 3-5 applications need to be as close together as possible with at least one day between and ideally no more than 7 days between applications. 

• If your time and finances allow for 2-3 applications every week this is the best option. 

• If this is not an option for you, then at least one application a week for 3-5 weeks. 

• If you absolutely have to, then 1 application every 2 weeks for 6-10 weeks however this is least recommended and please be aware your minimum may be more like 5-7 to see results if spacing them this far apart.  

​After the initial 3–5 applications, we begin to space applications further apart based on how your body responds. Our goal is for your symptom(s) and/or condition(s) to be improving after each application and for those improvements to have been maintained by the time of your next appointment.

​What are the next steps?

​If you feel you’re a suitable candidate for Lymphatic Drainage at Brunswick Holistic, please book in online and fill in the secure screening form found in your booking confirmation email.

We're excited to assist you on your lymphatic drainage journey to better health!​