LYMPHATIC FLUSH
Ever wonder why chronic pain doesn’t get better despite all of your therapy and medication? Your lymphatic system may be the problem. If the body can’t rid itself of cellular waste during the healing process, the inflammation simply stays in the tissues, causing pain. If it can’t get out of the body, you can’t get better.
At BodyGarage, a lymphatic flush is where one of our Motion Mechanics gently rubs, strokes, taps, or pushes the skin in directions that follow the structure of the lymphatic system so that accumulated lymph fluid can drain through proper channels. Lymph is a clear and colorless fluid; the word "lymph" comes from the Latin word lympha, which means "connected to water," according to the National Lymphadema Network. Plasma leaves the body's cells once it has delivered its nutrients and removed debris. Most of this fluid returns to the venous circulation through tiny blood vessels called venules and continues as venous blood.
A Lymphatic Flush session lasts between 15 to 25 minutes, and the therapy usually is performed once a day, 1-3 times a week, for 2-4 weeks. One study showed that the greatest reduction in swelling from lymphedema occurs in the first week of treatment and stabilizes during the second week.
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. Unlike blood, which flows throughout the body in a continuous loop, lymph flows in only one direction — upward toward the neck. Lymphatic vessels connect to two subclavian veins, which are located on either side of the neck near the collarbone, and the fluid re-enters the circulatory system.
Four cool facts about the lymphatic system:
It’s a close-looped system. Meaning, if there is inflammation in a primary node (there are over 700) it can cause pain and discomfort anywhere else in the body.
Lymph is clear. It’s composed of 90% water, 10% waste, protein, and/or hormones.
Placed end to end, all the lymph vessels in the body would cover a distance in excess of 100,000 miles, which could circle the globe four times!
There are 15 liters of lymphatic fluid in body. That’s three times more than the amount of blood! Your body must recycle three liters of lymphatic fluid a day.
Are there any side effects or conditions where Lymphatic Flush should be avoided?
The National Lymphedema Network lists four circumstances under which lymphatic massage or drainage should be avoided:
When patients who have developed lymphedema after surgery experience a sudden, marked increase in localized swelling. Under these circumstances, patients are advised to stop treatment and to see their physician for evaluation as soon as possible.
Patients with a sudden onset of lymphangitis (an infection) should immediately discontinue treatment until the infection is treated and completely clears up. Patients who are at increased risk for blood clotting should be tested to rule out deep-venous thrombosis before being treated. During treatment, these patients should be followed closely, and testing should be performed on a regular basis.
Patients who have congestive heart failure must be monitored closely to avoid moving too much fluid too quickly, which could put a strain on the heart.
When pain is present, treatment should be discontinued until the underlying cause has been determined and the pain subsides.
Are there other therapies that might work well in conjunction with lymphatic massage?
In addition to Lymphatic Flush, patients may be advised to do High-Vibration Therapy as well as special light exercises designed to encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid out of the affected limb.
READY TO GIVE IT A TRY?
All treatment plans are unique and tailored specifically to the individual. Ready to give your life a makeover? Contact BodyGarage today to restore vitality with expert care from a highly trained health practitioner. Call us at (937) 250-1540.