East Valley Therapeutic Massage
Well, do you mean medical lymphatic drainage or lymphatic massage?
These are two different things.
(MLD) or medical lymphatic drainage is a medical service that can be given by licensed massage therapists. It uses NO oil. It is not a relaxation service, and is solely based for those who have gone through surgery and need medical help with draining their lymph nodes.
The therapist will use their hands to create very small pumping motions on the client’s skin. Muscles are not massaged, as the lymphatic system is located right underneath the skin and these very light pumping motions are needed to access the lymphatic system for better results. This is what I would consider real lymphatic drainage therapy, as it can move 50% more lymphatic drainage compared to lymphatic massage.
Are you still wondering if I offer lymphatic massage? I am getting there!
So you explained MLD, so then what is the other term, lymphatic massage?
I can tell you, 60% of massage therapists do not know what lymphatic drainage is. I have been in the industry for over a decade and unfortunately, lymphatic drainage is a misconception and is not very educated to therapists and/or clients.
When you are booking a “lymphatic drainage massage” with a licensed massage therapist, you are most likely getting a swedish style massage, which uses oils and is considered relaxing and a lighter pressure. There’s really no huge difference between a lymphatic drainage massage and a swedish massage.
And do you know why you are likely getting a regular swedish massage when booking a lymphatic drainage massage? That is because massage in general moves the lymphatic system. When you are massaging the skin, using oils, moving muscles and blood around in a massage, the lymphatic system will also be effected, just not AS effected as MLD. And also probably because the therapist was not educated on medical grade lymphatic drainage and is just doing what the boss wants them to do. Deep tissue massage, ashiatsu massage, hot stone massage, and swedish massage all effect the lymphatic system, and is considered lymphatic drainage.
So do I offer lymphatic drainage massage?
Yes and No.
I am trained in MLD (medical lymphatic drainage). However, once clients learned what it really is, they decided they prefer other styles of massage that uses oils and feels better, because they initially just wanted to relax and did not have medical concerns or requirements like post-surgery swelling. I stopped offering this non-relaxation service as I wanted to focus on other areas of relief.
I do offer lymphatic drainage massage, and it won’t be a stand alone service on my menu because as I have explained earlier, it is no different than a swedish massage, deep tissue massage, ashiatsu massage, or hot stone massage. Massage therapy in general does not just help target muscle pain, it also brings new blood cells and oxygen to your muscles so you can function better, and helps your body function better, and do the things it needs to do to heal itself, like natural lymphatic drainage. Massage in general is lymphatic drainage massage and is more healing in ways that most people don’t realize.
Now, if you have a medical need for medical lymphatic drainage (MLD) like post-surgery swelling, you will need to find a licensed practitioner who offers that service. If you’re looking for a regular lymphatic drainage massage? I can offer that!
Want the natural and relaxing style of lymphatic drainage massage? Book any massage on my service page below!
Located at 931 E Southern Ave Suite 208, Mesa, AZ 85204
(602) 616-3671
East Valley Therapeutic Massage
