In honor of World Lymphedema Day(March 6th, 2025) – an annual global event to educate people around the world about lymphatic diseases and to support those living with lymphedema, we’re exploring one of the primary ways to manage lymphedema: clinical massage.
Lymphedema is typically defined as the building of lymph fluid in the body that can cause swelling, tightness, weakness, pain, and difficulty moving. There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. About 1 in 100,000 people in the U.S. have primary lymphedema, making it a rare diagnosis. Inherited or genetic conditions that affect the development of the lymphatic system often contribute to primary lymphedema.
Secondary lymphedema refers to lymphedema caused by damage to the lymphatic system and is a side effect of cancer and cancer-related treatments. Tumors, surgery, and radiation therapy can all contribute to lymphedema by blocking or interfering with the flow of lymph fluid in your body. Although lymphedema can affect any part of the body, it’s most common in the legs or arms. The type of cancer you have can also influence where the swelling and fluid build-ups occur. Keeping a close eye on any swelling, puffiness, or tightness in your body is important so you can address it quickly before your lymphedema worsens.
Fortunately, there are many treatments for lymphedema that help manage and reduce the impacts including special bandagings, exercises, compression wraps, compression pumps, and even surgery. One non-invasive option is clinical massage to help promote fluid drainage. Clinical massage to manage lymphedema is typically manual, though it might include other complementary therapies such as skin care, exercises, and more complex bandaging. In every case, the goal of such interventions is to keep the lymph fluid moving to prevent further buildup in areas where you’re experiencing symptoms.
With lymphatic draining massage, a massage therapist will gently massage areas of your body to help move any excess fluid “clogs” away from your impacted tissue. This is done by moving the fluid towards functioning lymph nodes and vessels to reduce the toxin burden in your body. The massage will likely include both strategic massage locations as well as light pressure to accomplish these goals. You should feel some relief from pressure, swelling, and pain, though it may take many sessions to accomplish these outcomes. Depending on the area affected, your massage therapist may also offer tips so that you can do a lymphatic massage on yourself at home in between sessions.
Clinical massage to manage lymphedema is generally low-risk, though fatigue, nausea, and headaches can occur as fluid moves. Those with blood clots, infections, heart disease, kidney failure, and prior strokes should avoid this massage and consult their medical provider for additional advice.
Your health insurance may cover necessary lymphatic massage, so be sure to consult your insurance company and care team on the specifics of your own coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses that may occur so you can be prepared for visits.
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