Lymphatic massage

Lymphatic massage for swelling relief and relaxation

In lymphatic massage, the lymph node areas are massaged with light pumping strokes, thus directing the fluid in the direction of its circulation along the lymphatic vessels to the nearby lymph node group. These groups are located in the folds of the knees, groin, abdomen, armpits and collarbones. In the lymph nodes, the plasma fluid is returned to the bloodstream and substances foreign to the body (bacteria, dirt, viruses and others) are destroyed.

Effects of lymphatic massage:

  • Reducing swelling
  • Minimizing scar formation
  • Promoting the healing process
  • Removing waste products, i.e. metabolic products and substances foreign to the body, from the tissues
  • Supporting the body’s immune defense system
  • Relaxation and reducing stress
  • Pain relief

You can benefit from lymphatic massage in the following cases:

  • Post-traumatic swelling, i.e. swelling caused by acute inflammation resulting from trauma
  • Post-operative swelling, i.e. swelling after surgery
  • Before surgery to support fluid circulation and prevent major postoperative swelling
  • Venous swelling
  • Rheumatism
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Swelling due to lack of muscle activity

At Balancia, lymphatic massages are divided into four different areas;

  • face
  • upper limbs
  • lower limbs
  • full body

The treatment always starts with the neck area and then progresses towards the area to be treated. Finally, the procedure is reversed back to the neck area, where the treatment is also stopped.

Contraindications to treatment (cases in which treatment is not given):

  • Non-functioning lymph nodes in the vicinity of the treatment area
  • Lymphatic system diseases
  • Malignant tumors
  • Heart failure
  • Fever
  • Acute infection
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pathogenic infections
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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Lymphatic massage is a manual therapy in which a professional works on the lymphatic system to guide lymph fluid toward the lymph nodes.

The treatment is gentle and can be very relaxing; it is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep on the treatment table. After the session, clients often report a significant boost in metabolism—an effect that can last for several days. Many also experience improved sleep and a feeling of lightness.

People often seek lymphatic massage in connection with various surgeries, such as plastic surgery procedures. Post-traumatic conditions—such as ankle sprains—as well as rheumatic diseases, fibromyalgia, and symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, are also common reasons for seeking lymphatic massage.

A professional performing lymphatic massage is trained to treat a healthy lymphatic system. Such a professional cannot treat conditions like swelling caused by the removal of lymph nodes during cancer treatment, or diseases and disorders of the lymphatic system, as the lymphatic system functions differently in these cases.

Contraindications for treatment:
Non-functional lymph nodes near the treatment area
Diseases of the lymphatic system
Malignant tumors
Heart failure
Fever
Acute infection
Deep vein thrombosis
Pathogenic infections

It is recommended to undergo lymphatic massage once or twice before surgery to prevent swelling. If you already have swelling or a tendency towards it, having a couple of sessions prior to the procedure is advisable. This helps minimize post-operative swelling and bruising while accelerating recovery. Ideally, the session should take place no later than one week before surgery, or in accordance with your attending physician’s instructions.

After surgery, lymphatic massage is performed based on the attending physician’s orders; the timing may vary—ranging from one week post-op to two weeks or later. The condition of the scars is always taken into account, and the manual treatment is adjusted accordingly.

Lymphatic massage is most effective when administered as a series of treatments. Depending on the procedure and the extent of swelling, the series may consist of anywhere from 3 to 10 sessions. For instance, a 3-session series might suffice after knee or hip surgery, whereas extensive liposuction and fat grafting could require 8–10 sessions. While minor facial procedures may only require a few visits, recovery sometimes takes longer and involves more significant swelling, necessitating additional sessions.

Consistency is key to a successful outcome; sessions are typically scheduled once or twice a week, depending on the individual’s needs. In addition to professional lymphatic massage, the client’s own self-care plays a vital role and often accelerates the recovery process.

During the appointment, we discuss self-care methods for managing swelling that are appropriate for your specific situation. Not every method suits everyone; for instance, applying cold is not recommended after certain procedures.

General tips for managing swelling include:
Compression (compression stockings, support garments)
Movement
Elevation
Cold therapy
Swimming (hydrostatic pressure)
Good skin care
Hydration
Monitoring salt intake

You can also try dry brushing, gua sha massage, cupping, and vibration plates.
We will discuss these options during the appointment and create a comprehensive plan.