What is Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle form of manual therapy that aids movement of fluid in the lymphatic system to help the body eliminate toxins and improve its immune system. It prevents the build-up of excess fluid in the body's tissues which can lead to the swelling of the arms or legs. This manual therapy involves gentle massage strokes on the superficial areas of the skin to move fluid out of the tissue and back into the lymph nodes that are located in several parts of the body.
What are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphoedema, a chronic condition characterised by fluid retention in the body's tissues or blood vessels due to a damaged lymphatic system, can be managed with lymphatic drainage. This modality can also help with a host of other conditions, including:
- Postoperative swelling
- Poor circulation
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Oedema due to pregnancy
- Digestive issues
- Skin conditions
- Sinusitis
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Headaches and migraines
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
How Much Does Lymphatic Drainage in Melbourne Cost?
The price of a lymphatic drainage massage therapy depends on the severity of the client's condition and length of the treatment session. In Melbourne, an hour-long treatment session typically ranges from $75 to $165. As chronic conditions usually require more than a single treatment session, booking a bundled service will give you more value for your money.
How Many Lymphatic Drainage Practitioners Does Melbourne Have?
Practitioners of lymphatic drainage massage therapy are in the top five most commonly consulted practitioners in Melbourne and other cities in Victoria. The majority of them work in private practice, while the rest are employed in hospitals or community health centres.
How Many People in Melbourne Use Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is an important service in Melbourne and other parts of Victoria, where a large percentage of women aged 50 to 69 are living with breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCNA Research Report, 2016). More than 80% of the 65 patients who were surveyed have received lymphatic drainage massage therapy from a qualified practitioner and found it very useful, not to mention more affordable compared to other lymphoedema treatments.