Lymphatic Massage

Riverfire Massage Therapy of Green Bay offers lymphatic massage sessions. The years of experience that Greg Dickert has as a registered nurse and working with lymph node localization has provided him with an in-depth understanding of the body and the lymphatic system. This makes him an extremely qualified and effective massage therapist in this area.

In order to understand lymphatic massage, a brief explanation of the lymphatic system is helpful: The lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory and immune system within the body. The lymphatic vessels carry a clear fluid called lymph from all over the body back to the blood stream and the heart. The lymph will pass through the lymph nodes which act as a filtering system in the body.

Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when there is an accumulation of fluid within the lymphatic vessels. It can be caused when there is damage or removal of tissue or nodes in the body. This can occur after the removal of lymph nodes during surgery (such as mastectomy for breast cancer or other cancers), or after radiation therapy. There can be swelling or pain near the removed node site.

Lymphatic Massage (also called lymphatic drainage) is used to aid and increase the flow of lymph. It employs a technique of gentle strokes, promoting movement of fluid in the natural direction of the lymphatic system. The massage follows particular patterns along the lymph ducts to move the fluid, is not deep but light, assists in the release of toxins and can aid in the reduction of swelling. The sessions can last up to 75 minutes and can be repeated 1 to 2 times a week for 2 to 4 weeks to relieve the symptoms of Lymphedema. It can also be used in between chemotherapy sessions to help the metabolic cleansing of the body.

You will be provided with specific instructions prior to a lymphatic massage session. This includes drinking plenty of water before and after the session, and eating no heavy meals prior to. The session will require exposed skin and the room needs to be warm to make the session productive.

The therapist also needs to be able to identify when this type of massage is not advisable or could be dangerous to perform, such as: cases with excessive swelling or pain, when there is an infection that can be spread through the body, concern with overtaxing the heart by moving too much fluid, and when clots are a concern and can be moving within the system. This is when you will appreciate the experience and knowledge of Greg Dickert at Riverfire Massage.