What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a specialised massage treatment that stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body to aid the body in eliminating waste products and enhance its immune function. It’s a kind of manual therapy that employs gentle pressure on the superficial layer of the skin to prevent excessive fluid build-up in the body’s tissues, which may potentially lead to the swelling of an arm or leg due to lymphoedema. This is a chronic condition that occurs when the lymphatic system fails to work properly.

Lymphatic drainage in Perth

What are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage eliminates pain, improves blood circulation and prevents fluid retention, which may cause swelling of the arms or lower limbs. It is highly recommended to patients who have undergone surgery or radiotherapy, which had inadvertently damaged their lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes or vessels are damaged, the lymphatic system ceases to function properly. Lymphatic drainage can help address a wide array of conditions linked to swelling, including:

  • Oedema
  • Lymphoedema
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Weight gain or obesity
  • Breast cancer
  • Headache
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Arthritis
  • Menstrual issues
  • Fatigue
  • Sports injuries

How Much Does Lymphatic Drainage in Perth Cost?

Depending on the duration of the treatment and areas to be treated, a lymphatic drainage massage in Perth may range from $60 to $180. The qualification of the practitioner will also affect the price of the service; the more experienced they are, the higher their professional fee. Booking a mobile massage service may incur additional costs too.

How Many Health Professionals Practise Lymphatic Drainage in Perth?

Lymphatic drainage practitioners in Perth and the rest of Western Australia make up about 5% of the 19,000 people who are part of Australia’s massage workforce. Like other massage therapists, they hold a Certificate IV qualification. Also, they have obtained extensive experience and expertise in different massage techniques before receiving additional training to gain a deeper understanding of the lymphatic system and learn advanced massage techniques to improve this area of the body. 

How Many People in Perth Use Lymphatic Drainage?

The prevalence of lymphatic drainage in Perth, especially among people with lymphoedema, is well documented. The reason for its popularity is that patients can opt to perform the modality by themselves or have their care providers do it for them. A 2020 study that was conducted at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) in Perth showed that lymphatic drainage, along with other self-management approaches like exercise, has reduced swelling in patients with head and neck lymphoedema, as well as improving their quality of life.