Edema Massage

As defined by Medline Plus, in a publication of the National Institutes of Health, edema is a type of swelling caused by trapped fluid within the body's tissues. 

It is essential to identify the underlying cause of edema to develop a proper treatment plan. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors may recommend taking diuretics and using home remedies to remove excess fluid within body tissues and effectively treat edema. 

Temporary conditions of edema may occur to most people at some point in their lifetime, and may be easily treated by massage therapy. 

What Are The Causes Of Edema: 

Normally, the body removes excessive fluid before it builds up, but there are several factors that may lead to edema. Some are temporary such as edema caused by pregnancy. More serious forms of edema are serious health problems, such as heart, liver or kidney damage or disease. 

Temporary conditions of edema may occur to most people at some point in their lifetime, and may be easily treated by massage therapy. 

However, if the edema is caused by a more serious condition, then your first priority should be to see a physician for a complete diagnosis of the cause. 

How Does Massage Therapy Work: 

Massage therapy works by directing pressure at the skin and muscle areas affected by edema. The lymphatic system is activated during the process and the fluid drains away naturally. 

The activation of the lymph nodes is the key to getting the body to naturally drain away the excessive fluid accumulation that causes edema.

Lymph Edema Massage 

The lymph edema massage, also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT), is a gentle form of massage that helps the body's lymphatic system start moving again while reinforcing the immune function. 

You may probably have to schedule more than one session and discuss your symptoms clearly with the massage therapist. Your massage therapist can also show you some self-massage techniques that you can use between appointments. 

Anyone wanting to address issues of musculature, as well as lymph, must try 20-30 minutes of deep tissue massage, followed by 20-30 minutes of lymph massage. 

Massage During Pregnancy

Prenatal massage has been used for centuries to reduce stress, improve overall health, and relieve muscle tension. Pregnant women have often received ambivalent responses from the health community, regarding the purpose and safety of massage during pregnancy.

Studies have proved that prenatal massage therapy can be a very instrumental tool in women’s prenatal care and should be given careful consideration. It is always best find a therapist who is certified in prenatal massage.

Benefits of Massage Therapy: 

There are many benefits of massage therapy, such as increasing blood circulation, reducing swelling, relaxing muscles, and relieving muscle spasms.

Massage therapy focuses on the specific parts of the body where the swelling occurs, such as feet, ankles, or legs. It helps you experience a healthier lifestyle free from discomfort and pain associated with swelling.

Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy may lessen anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, ease muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

Other Treatment Methods: 

After the root cause of edema is treated, you may still have to deal with the swelling. There are various ways to address edema directly: 

Compression therapy involves wearing tight socks or garments that actually squeeze the excess fluids out of the edema affected areas of the body. 

Changes in diet, and taking prescription drugs or diuretics, can also help remove excess fluid. You should also avoid some foods such as white flour foods, processed foods, sugary foods and drinks, coffee, black tea, and alcohol. 

Massage therapy is a natural and effective way to reduce the symptoms of edema without any side effects. You may also consider taking a fluid retention remedy such as Capisette, which is an effective alternative to prescription diuretics.