Lymphatic massage by myself

[sad_watermelon]

I have a leg lymphedema and I've been doing manual lymphatic massages. I do them once a month to keep my leg in a good shape, because my therapist recommended this. I would like to do it more often, but my therapist doesn't have the possibility to do it more often.

I am also moving abroad for university in a few weeks. I found some therapists there, but they are kind of expensive and I fear sometimes I will have troubles with it.

My question is: can I do lymphatic massages on myself? But ones that really help.

I am talking about massages and not exercises, because the exercises are difficult for me, because I have surgically removed muscle on my leg.

If you know any tips or routines that I can do by myself to keep my leg in a good shape it would be amazing.

Thank you!

[HazieC]

Hi, I’ve not tried them myself but I think you can buy a massage machine, might be worth a look?

Good luck with your move to university

[Mushy1]

I use an oscillation machine which you can use to simulate MLD. Alternatively and a much cheaper option is to use a boar hair brush which can help with lymphatic drainage.

I personally invested in the oscillation machine as it’s excellent and you can bespoke your treatment using different settings and durations.

In my opinion once a month is not sufficient to keep lymphoedema under control and for me a daily 20 minute oscillation session is what I need to help slow progression of the condition.

[CCT67]

Yes, you can - it’s called Simple/Self Lymph Drainage (SLD). You kind find tutorials on Lymphoedema Support Network webpage

[sarahalice]

Hi.Check out the Pulsio leg compression

It's the best £299 I've ever spent. Do it 20mins a day. Also the vibration broad are meant to help.

pulsio.co.uk/products/pulsi...

All the best

[Morgan0103 in reply to sarahalice]

Hi Sarahalice,

Really interested in this machine. Could you elaborate on your experience of using it and what improvements/benefits you have experienced?

I have primary lymphedema in both legs but the left is worse due to the after effects of cellulitis, over 20 years ago.

Look forward to hearing back.

[Perido]

The LSN has helpful videos which demonstrate how to do self lymphatic drainage (SLD) massage: lymphoedema.org/information...

In my experience self lymphatic drainage massage is best done on a daily basis. One of my main influences has been FG-MLD technique as explained in the following link: lymphoedema.org/information...

I use a Physiopod deep oscillation therapy (DOT) device once a day to facilitate and enhance my self lymphatic drainage (SLD) routine: physiopod.co.uk/