The Lymphatic System, Lymphadema, Lymphatic Massage & More…

What is the lymphatic system and what does it do? Why is it important to support/take care of this system?

The lymphatic system is a critical organ system made up of various organs (the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and bone marrow) along with delicate lymph vessels and lymph nodes that run throughout the body (most people know these as “glands”).

It has three main functions:

1. To balance the fluid load in the body and transport fluid in conjunction with the cardiovascular system.

2. To filter the fluid and clear the body of harmful substances such as virus, bacteria, cellular waste (including cancer cells), molecular debris, dust, and any other non-viable particles that our body can’t use or support.

3. To stimulate white cell production and assist with immune defense.

While the lymphatic system does know how to do its job quite well, it has a disadvantage in that it doesn’t have a manual pump, like the heart, to support it so it relies primarily on physical movement of the body to assist it.

Can breast cancer or other serious illnesses affect your lymphatic system?

Yes, unfortunately almost everyone who experiences a cancer diagnosis will face some level of impact to their lymphatic system. While the cancer itself has the possibility of disrupting the lymphatic system (typically in more advanced stages) it is usually the diagnostic and treatment processes that cause the most damage.

The most common problems occur from lymph node biopsy and/or removal and radiation therapy. I like to think of the lymphatic system as a machine. If you remove or damage any part of it, it could keep working but it also might now work as well as it once did.

One positive thing though is that the lymphatic system follows very specific pathways so the damage that occurs is typically localized. For example if someone has breast cancer in their left breast and has a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy and radiation on the left side, then the damage to their lymphatic system is usually isolated to that area - what we call the upper right quadrant which includes the breast, chest, shoulder, trunk, arm and hand.

There are other diseases and conditions that can damage the lymphatic system but in the western world and developed countries cancer treatment is the largest culprit.

What is the difference between oncology massage and other massage therapy? Did you go through special training for oncology massage and lymphatic drainage?

Oncology massage is about understanding cancer and cancer treatments and how to modify traditional massage therapy techniques to be safe, effective, and relevant to someone living with cancer or a cancer history. While I WISH it was part of every massage therapist’s professional education, for now it is considered a specialty and does require separate training and continuing education. 

The same is true for manual lymphatic drainage therapy. While there are elements of both that overlap when dealing with someone who has or has had cancer, they are ultimately independent modalities and both require a therapist to see additional learning opportunities and accreditation.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is created by a back up of fluid in the lymphatic system. It is when the thick fluid called lymph is unable to move through the appropriate pathways and begins to become stagnant. The fluid is often filled with proteins that are too large to be absorbed back into the bloodstream and as the fluid pools it results in swelling.

There are different stages of lymphedema and the earlier it is detected the easier it is to treat. Unfortunately there is no cure and for most people lymphedema is not reversible but instead becomes about management for comfort and function.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage? Why is Manual Lymphatic Drainage relevant to a breast cancer experience?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapy is a type of gentle hands on bodywork designed to assist the flow of fluid in the body. It is sometimes referred to as “lymphatic massage” though it is technically NOT a massage modality even though massage therapists may be trained in and offer it. 

MLD is extremely beneficial when someone has or has had a breast cancer experience on a number of levels. It has been shown to be very effective in speeding postoperative recovery by reducing swelling and bruising. 

It can assist in removing anesthetic agents from the body and support immune function

And most importantly it can help reduce the risk of developing secondary conditions such as breast cancer-related lymphedema and/or manage them if necessary.

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Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.

Lymphedema happens when your tissues retain fluid left behind after your cardiovascular system sends blood to your tissues and organs.

The remaining fluid is called lymph. Normally, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When something disrupts your lymphatic system's process, lymph collects in your arms and legs, making them swell.

A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.

What are some conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

• Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.

• Chronic venous insufficiency: This happens when your leg veins aren't working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.

• Lipedema: This happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage