Lymphatic self-massage for limb swelling
 

I wanted to share a new idea I just started today. My acupuncturist has been recommending lymphatic massage. The lymph system is very easily overloaded and swelling compromises it even more. Since getting a professional massage everyday is not realistic I looked at lymphedema self-massage on YouTube. There are quite a few educational videos on how to do this for yourself. I just did it to the affected leg. It is very gentle, no deep pressure at all.

Considering how many of us deal with swelling to one degree or another, from surgery, CRPS in general or medications like gabapentin, I thought this might be a help. I have also found kiniseotape applied without tension on the top of my foot and anterior ankle helpful. Perhaps from lifting the skin a little so lymph drainage is better. Who knows? I figure we can use all the help we can get. Both that and the massage can help with desensitizing the skin too so why not?

Hope this helps!
Sending Healing Love,
Littlepaw :grouphug:

Thanks for this info...I have some tape but never used it..I thought it had to be tight....that makes sense to have a gentle tug, maybe...:hug:

Definitely not tight. For me kiniseotape with even a little stretch causes discomfort. I have no idea why. It is common to put stretch on it for many applications. For swelling I have found just laying it down straight seems to help. The wavy pattern of the adhesive is what lifts the skin slightly. I wear it for 3-4 days, then leave it off for a few. When I remove it my skin underneath is briefly normal colored then discolors again quickly. Ah the mysteries of microcirculation.

LP