Manual Lymph Drainage for Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Treatment

Some treatments for breast cancer can be damaging to the lymph nodes under the armpit. Whether nodes are removed during surgery or receive radiation, lymph node reduction is a typical result of breast cancer treatment. Some people may develop lymphedema because of this and experience swelling in the arm, hand, or on the chest. It's not clear what will definitely trigger lymphedema, and some people can have many lymph nodes removed without having lymphedema, some can have just a few removed and have problems. Lymphedema can develop shortly after treatment or many years later.

Treatment for lymphedema includes manual lymph drainage (lymph drainage massage or MLD), compression bandaging, skin care and gentle exercise. MLD by a certified therapist can work to reroute the fluid away from the missing or damaged lymph nodes to to the nearest site with healthy nodes.
Traditional massage increases the process of fluid moving out of the blood vessels and into the tissue. For someone whose lymph system is already having a difficult time processing the fluid in the tissue, traditional deep massage of that area may not be appropriate.

The manual lymph drainage sequence to help reduce arm swelling starts with getting the healthy lymph nodes ready to take the extra fluid. Depending on the situation, fluid may be moved from one armpit across the chest and the back to the other armpit, from one armpit down the chest and stomach to the groin on the same side, or from one side of the neck to the other.

When you go to receive lymph drainage massage, you should be prepared to remove your clothing in the treatment room the same as you would for a traditional massage. Most of the work will be on your upper body, but fluid may be directed to your groin as well. It will be helpful, if you are comfortable, for you to remove your shirt and pants before getting onto the massage table unde
eath the top sheet. If you would be comfortable taking off your bra that is also helpful, some people prefer to leave it on which is ok too. Once you are undressed and on the massage table under the top sheet, your therapist will knock on the door to come back into the room.

The session takes about an hour. You will be laying on your back under the top sheet, and for the last 10 or 15 minutes you will likely be laying on the unaffected side. That way fluid can be directed across your back to your unaffected armpit.

If you are experiencing significant swelling, bandaging may be included at the end of your session. Your arm would be wrapped tightly to keep the swelling from increasing after the treatment. Even if you are not receiving bandaging, if you have a compression sleeve you may want to bring it to wear after your session.

People choose to receive manual lymph drainage in a variety of frequencies. For the most effective work to bring down swelling, sessions should happen very close together, several times a week. Someone who is experiencing very mild swelling that is mostly maintained at home, or someone who just wants to include lymph drainage massage as preventative maintenance, a once a month session is not unusual.

Manual lymph drainage can also be performed after traditional massage techniques. A session could be scheduled where 30 minutes are spent with relaxation massage to the head, neck and shoulders, and then an hour of the MLD sequence.

Lymph drainage massage feels very light compared to traditional massage. Many people find it to be relaxing, but it is always surprising to feel the difference in the first session. Make sure to ask your therapist any questions that you think of, and find a way to fit manual lymph drainage into your healthcare routine if you are experiencing any swelling.