LDT: Benefits & Contraindications
In the last lymphatic drainage therapy (LDT) post I covered the basics of the lymph system. This time I plan to give a sense of who can benefit from and who should avoid LDT treatment.
Let’s start with the contraindications or the reasons you should not have LDT treatment. Do you have a fever or are you hemorrhaging? If yes, wait until you’ve recovered before seeking lymph treatment. Likewise for the ACUTE phase of an infectious or inflammatory disease. Chronic, serious contraindications include congestive heart failure, blood clots (thrombosis), an aortic aneurysm, or a venous obstruction. There are precautions a therapist should take for some other conditions.
In general, though, LDT is such a gentle treatment that almost anyone with any condition (including good health) can benefit. Remember, lymph drainage (pronounced like “massage”) helps encourage fluid circulation, including lymph fluid, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and synovial fluid. Activating these systems helps your body eliminate more toxins. It also promotes tissue regeneration and faster healing after illness, injury or surgery.
The immune system can be stimulated as this improved flow of lymph increases the antibody/antigen contact in the lymph nodes. The sympathetic nervous system – the part that keeps us in the “stressed out” mode – can be calmed by LDT, reducing the effects of chronic stress. Pain and muscle spasm are also reduced by lymph drainage therapy.
I’m very excited about the application of LDT in my practice. My favorite referrals are of people who are seeking pain reduction, injury recovery, or surgical support. The pain reduction, tissue rejuvenation and toxin elimination offered by LDT can really benefit these clients.
Clients who come in for maintenance massage can benefit from having lymph drainage incorporated into the session to reduce stress and pain and to boost the immune system.