Ways And Techniques For Self Massage In Lymphedema
There are several techniques that therapists advice to be used when administering self massage
. The following are some of those techniques that are most effective.
Rhythmic Pumping Motion:
The massage motions and sequences that are a part of the rhythmic pumping self massage motion are used to stimulate areas like terminus and major lymph nodes. Performing this massage includes very gently pressing the area with fingers, moving the skin with the fingers in a circle type motion of the size of a coin and releasing the pressure.
Stretch-Twist-Release Motion:
The massage motions and sequences that are a part of the stretch twist and release motion are done so that the flow of lymph in the tissues of the skin is stimulated.
This motion technique uses three fingers of a hand only. These fingers are used to stretch the skin gently for two and a half centimeters or an inch without sliding them and then twisting the fingers to the right or left. One stroke of this motion is completed by lifting your fingers
Sweeping Motion:
Also known as effleurage the sweeping motion is basically used at the end of the massage i.e. when the massage is about to conclude or to conclude the massage. This motion is basically used as a final stimulus for the lymph to flow through the skin.
This motion resembles the motion you make when gently sweeping bread crumbs from a table. The same sweep of the hand is gently done over the skin of the affected area.
Here I believe we should give you an advice regarding self massage so that in addition to remembering what sequences and strokes were instructed to you by the doctor you can do it more effectively. This can also help your caregiver to efficiently carry out the massage for you or assist you in it.
Flowing lymph rhythm:
The purpose of knowing this is so that when self massaging each self massage motion needs to be repeated five to seven times in the same position to match these pulsation also called the rhythm.
The rhythm is basically a subtle pumping motion of the lymphatic vessels. This pumping motion pushes lymph upwards towards the terminus in a sequence of five to seven pulsations per minute.
If you follow this natural rhythm or pattern of pumping by the lymph vessels, the effectiveness of the massage that you are carrying out can be increased.