Written by Madison Woods, an undergraduate student at UNCW and a Public Health Intern at Going Beyond the Pink.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Lymphatic drainage and lymphedema management are two very different ways of caring for your lymphatic system. One is treatment for a condition and the other is a type of massage to support the health of your lymphatic system.

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a form of gentle massage that is done to promote healthy flow of lymph and fluids throughout your body. Lymphatic drainage can be done all over the body or just in certain places like your face, arms, chest, legs, etc. Lymphatic drainage can be performed by you on yourself and requires little to no equipment to do so. You can also receive a lymphatic drainage massage from a massage therapist, but it is important to specify the type of massage you’re looking for. Regular massages work with the muscles with a heavier touch and lymphatic drainage massages require very little pressure, so being sure a masseuse is certified in lymphatic massages is very important! Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage is beneficial for most individuals. There are a few medical conditions that if you have you should avoid these massages such as lymphedema, major heart problems, thrombosis, and malignant tumors. Other than those conditions, these drainage massages are great for promoting lymph flow, keeping the tissues of your body healthy, removes toxins from the skin, reduces swelling, promotes anti-aging properties and collagen, and can relieve sinus pressure/congestion. If you want to learn more about techniques on how to do lymphatic drainage, check out our latest blog!

What is Lymphedema Management?

Lymphedema management is a form of treatment for a condition called lymphedema. Lymphedema is the swelling of a body part, typically arm(s) or leg(s), due to a build up of fluid caused by some sort of blockage to the lymphatic system. Lymphedema management can consist of similar types of massages as lymphatic drainage, but it is extremely important to know the difference. Lymphedema management that consists of massage therapy absolutely requires a professional lymphedema specialist. Management for lymphedema is delivered in many different forms, based on the severity, such as customized compression bandages, arm/leg compression machines, physical therapy/exercises, and manual lymph drainage. Lymphedema specialists have the skills to not only treat your lymphedema, but to teach you techniques to practice at home to keep the swelling manageable- so it is very important to consult one if you think you have lymphedema.