Do doctors recommend lymphatic drainage?

Medical practitioners support the use of a lymphatic massage technique, provided it is performed correctly, for specific medical purposes. Certified specialists can target post-op swelling, chronic edema, and a few other conditions safely and effectively. Doctors emphasize that this treatment should not be seen as a replacement but as an addition to medical treatment. Knowing the types of applications gives you the upper hand when making choices for your health.

Post-surgical recovery This is probably the most common medical use. Lymphatic drainage is often recommended by plastic surgeons following procedures such as liposuction and abdominoplasty (also known as tummy tucks). Your certified therapist may use specific fixed sequence drains to facilitate a faster healing process. This is in addition to normal postoperative care.

Cancer-related lymphedema must be coordinated with the oncology team. "Drainage helps make the swelling go down from the lymph nodes that were removed, but not the cancer value," says Carol. Oncologists "want to keep their oncology things going and want us to add drainage to alleviate some [of the] symptoms," she says. "Never give up [on] medical therapy to do something alternative."

Ensure you check credentials before treatment. A true therapist should have certifications such as CLT or LANA. State/medical board registries often have lists of qualified practitioners. I've known patients who have requested treatment from someone claiming to be a medical expert and ended up ill from a course of treatment that they should have never tried. Request proof of credentials related to your specific condition.

Read the full article: Lymphatic Drainage Methods: Complete Guide