What You Need To Know - Lymphatic Massage
What You Need to Know - Lymphatic Massage
The following is a Q&A series written by lymphatic drainage specialist, Joanna Dyck - RMT, LDT
Q: What can a client expect when receiving a lymphatic massage?
A: Lymphatic massage treatments are similar to traditional massage in that the client will undress to their level of comfort and lie on a massage table under the sheets. The therapist will begin by opening the major lymph node groups of the body and then focus on the specific area of concern.
The pressure is much lighter than traditional massage but that is the pressure level that is most effective to stimulate the lymphatic system. Your first treatment will include some education on what the therapist is doing and why, but generally speaking the treatments are calm and quiet promoting deep relaxation. It's not uncommon for clients to fall asleep during their session and feel deeply rested once they are finished. Lymphatic massage does not use any oils or lotions.
Q: What are some of the benefits of a lymphatic massage and what sorts of conditions can it help with?
A: I often wonder if it isn't easier to list what lymphatic massage can't help with because it’s so beneficial in so many ways! Generally, lymphatic massage is good for pre/post surgical - it reduces swelling and its associated pain as well as decreases the risk of post op infection. Lymphatic massage is one of the best ways to manage lymphedema along with the use of daily compression.
Lymphatic massage is used to help treat aches and pains similar to traditional massage and often used for clients who cannot tolerate deep pressure such as the elderly, those with fibromyalgia or injuries that are new, still swollen and tender etc. Lymphatic massage is also useful for detoxing the body, so whether a client is looking to improve their general health or they are looking to get a specific substance out of their body's like contrast solution from medical imaging, lymphatic massage can help.
Q : Lymphatic massage is the hot new trend in manual therapy but it’s not new to you. How long have you been practicing as a lymphatic massage therapist?
A: I have been practicing lymphatic massage since July 2011, in fact I became an RMT specifically to practice lymphatic massage. My mother was an RMT who discovered lymphatic drainage as a part of her Con-Ed requirements and so I became a lymphatic massage client first.
In my early 20's I moved away from home and couldn't find any local lymphatic drainage therapists who could help me manage the symptoms of a strep throat infection. I phoned my Mom and asked if she would take the 6 hour trip to give me a treatment. She laughed and said no - but offered to teach me how to do it myself. I didn't really think it would make a difference but figured it wouldn't hurt to try, so with nothing to lose I put her on speaker phone and started stretching the skin on my neck in the way she told me to. To my (but not my mother's) amazement my sore throat immediately improved. It was a light bulb moment for me and I knew that I wanted to pursue lymphatic massage as a career. Within a week I had applied for massage therapy college. I took my first 4 levels of lymphatic training while I was still a student so that the moment I graduated college I was prepared to begin my career in lymphatic massage.
Q: What should the public look for when researching Lymphatic Massage?
A: Look for a therapist who has taken training that included in-person, hands-on training under the supervision of experienced lymphatic therapists.
The increased popularity of Lymphatic Massage combined with the restrictions to in person gatherings in the past few years, has led to an increase in online only training. While some reputable training is now being offered with a hybrid in-person and digital format, it is important for prospective clients to avoid any therapist whose training was done exclusively online as it is impossible to learn the technique without hands-on guidance from an experienced therapist. I consider an experienced therapist to be someone who has completed all levels of training at their school of choice and been working as a lymphatic therapist for 5+ years. A massage therapist who works with and is mentored by an experienced lymphatic therapist is even better!
Also, most lymphatic training schools offer their courses in multiple levels to make the training more accessible. This is great but the client needs to check and see if the amount of training a therapist has completed enables them to safely and effectively treat the client's condition. In general, a therapist who has completed the first one or two levels of training can safely do lymphatic massage for general wellness, esthetic purposes, stress, and pain relief but should not be treating more complex conditions such as post surgical, active cancer, or anyone with lymphedema or who has had lymph nodes removed.
Some reputable schools that offer training in North America are, in no particular order, Dr. Vodder School International, Chikly Health Institute, Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, and Klose Training.
Q: Are there any last pieces of information that you think are important to share with the public regarding lymphatic massage?
A: I love that lymphatic massage is becoming recognized as the effective health care modality that it is, but as with anything else in our world, once something becomes popular there will be those who try and take advantage of that to make a quick buck. Lymphatic massage is growing in Manitoba in both client demand and in the number of therapists offering it but it is still very much a buyer beware situation. Do your research on who you go see. You don't want to waste your time and money on an ineffective treatment or worse yet a treatment that causes damage.
Lymphatic massage is generally gentle and safe but there are some cases where it is unsafe and an individual who is only interested in profit cannot be trusted to refuse treatment to a patient when it is unsafe. Ask your existing health care team and your friends/families for referrals. Also, look up a therapist online to learn what you can about their education and experience as well as check online reviews for clients who have had effective treatments from the therapist you are considering.
JOANNA DYCK RMT, CLT
In practice since 2011, Joanna is a graduate of Wellington College of Massage Therapy in Winnipeg, and is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) with a focus in Complex Decongestive Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.
Joanna’s work focuses on pre- and post-surgical clients, as well as the treatment of lymphatic system dysfunctions including, but not limited to, unexplained swellings, digestive issues, low immunity, and clients at risk of developing lymphoedema.