Are Hand Held body massagers useful for lymph drainage massage?

Jeninak

Are Hand Held body massagers useful for lymph drainage massage?

Jeninak

I have a question about the effectiveness of some of these hand held body massagers to help me with my lymph drainage massage. Has anyone tried them? I am a senior (73) and it is really hard sometimes for me to do my whole routine without my good arm wearing out on me. I had a bilateral mastectomy with only one lymph node removed but I still got Lymphedema. Funny thing was the Lymph node was removed from my left axilla as that was where my small cancer was located. (In my left breast) but it was my right arm that was effected !!!! I didn't have radiation or any chemo so sure don't understand how this came about. If anyone has any info on the effectiveness of body massagers I sure would appreciate any info!!

Binney4

Jeninak, welcome! I love Ketchikan--lucky you!

Sorry for the reason you came here, but glad you found us. My own experience has been that Alaska is not exactly Lymphedema-Land, but hopefully you've found a good lymphedema therapist. Have they checked out the possibility that the swelling in your non-affected arm might have some other cause--like a blood clot, say?

It sounds like you've already learned Manual Lymph Drainage massage, but I sure hear you on how hard that can be on your good arm--ugh! One way to deal with that is to see if your insurance will cover the cost of a Lymphedema pump--preferably a Flexi-touch because it's gentle and efficient. That does all the massaging for you, without having to strain your other hand and arm (which are also at risk for lymphedema, after all!)

None of which actually answered your question, did it? I don't know if a hand-held body massager would work or not, but probably not, since the specific hand movements and the direction of pressure are important to Manual Lymph Drainage. If you have one you could try it once or twice and see if it's effective for you--we're all different!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Jeninak

Hi Binney, Thanks much! I was happy to hear from you! Actually there isn't even a licensed Lymphedema therapist here so I am really on my own. There has been a few licensed Lymphedema therapists in the past but they don't seem to stay long. To me it seems that if Lymphedema isn't acknowledged by the medical profession as being a legitimate condition then that releases them of the responsibility of learning about the lymph system and then treating it. A giant cop out. I have actually been told that I don't have Lymphedema, that only 1% of women with breast cancer surgery get Lymphedema. My oncologist and my surgeon as well as my primary care doctor tell me this. I have been checked for blood clots but they cannot find anything but no one can explain to me why my right arm is so much bigger and more swollen than the left one !! Everyone notices my right arm being bigger but the only ones who can't see it is my Doctors. They just smile at me indulgently and make me think that this is all my imagination.My doctors tell me not to wear compression garments so do you or anyone know how long it takes for Lymphedema in a persons arm and upper torso to progress to the point of disaster? I have been without my compression garments for the past four months and there has been just a small amount of increase in volume. Also I take Arimedex every day and I suffer from a feeling of body heat in my right side that extends clear to my face and eyes and my eyes burn terribly. Has anyone had these symptoms with Arimedex? My body just feels so horribly hot on my right side and my doctor can't explain the cause of this. Any info will surely be appreciated.

Binney4

Jeninak, how about Seattle? Alaska Airlines medical flight, or the Marine Highway?
Binney

Jeninak

Hi Binney, I was in Seattle in March and that is where I was told by the oncologist and surgeon that I didn't have Lymphedema however neither they or my local doctor can tell me why my right arm is noticeably bigger than my left arm or why I feel so HOT !! Especially on my right side.I was treated here at home for over two years for Lymphedema. I wore the Tribute hand to axilla gloves on both arms at night and a custom made full body compression suit every waking moment because I also had swelling on the sides of my body under the axilla area but my Lymphedema therapist left town and I was without anyone to measure me so I had to go back to Seattle to the hospital where I had my bilateral mastectomy. I feel between a rock and a hard place because all the medical people than I have gone to either say they don't know about Lymphedema or that I don't have Lymphedema. I have read at least a dozen books about Lymphedema and Joachim Zuthers book, Lymphedema Management and alsp other textbooks of MLD so I'm really quite educated when it comes to this subject. I am just afraid that I do have Lymphedema but this is really a nasty feeling to know that there is so much ignorance and lack of interest in Lymphedema by the medical establishment!! I wonder why there is such a blackout in the media concerning this very awful disease?

DC197

Jeninak,

I have some mild lymphedema, which was expected because I had all 25 axillary nodes removed during surgery. I also had radiation which made me even more susceptible to LE.  I don't know very much about LE, although I have been to a LE therapist for a few sessions and she showed me how to do the manual massage at home.  I agree with you that it can be very tiring to do to massage (I'm 66), but I was told to wear the compression sleeve daily.

Have you checked out www.stepup-speakout.org ? The website has tons of information that may be of help to you.  Good luck!

Diane

Tishfin

You know what...I think a hand held body massager might make some sense. I was a licensed massage therapist for a number of years. No I never was trained to do MLD but, I did learn a bit about the lymphatic system. I was diagnosed only a short time ago and when I read this post (or the question that was posted anyway) I pulled out one of my text books. It is clearly stated over and over again...deep pressure effects blood, light pressure effects lymph. Even in the chapter on the lymphatic system, directional flow is secondary to pressure. I remember being taught while working on arms ( and I always didn't this when I had my massage practice) to work lightly starting at the top of the arm to clear any build up of fluid then slowly and lightly work the hand, to the wrist and up the arm to move any build up of fluid. Anyway, my point is this, if you are using a massager, understanding directional flow is not really that important but, working lightly and clear that top of the arm first, then work the entire arm, finger tips to shoulder. Pressure is the key ingredient hear ladies!

I think I it is worth a try...it can't hurt anyway

hugz4u

The hand pressure you should put on your lymphatics during MLD (which is right under your skin )would be like petting a cat. Very light. Only enough to stretch the skin slightly. You want to bring that fluid up from your hand up your arm and then to the collarbone nodes. ( unless you have neck LE then I am not sure which node collection site you would dump your fluid to.)

Good for all of you girls learning how to do MLD. I hate it so I do lebeds opening exercises mostly. Now how about the art of wrapping? It is a must , great if you travel and have a flare then you can take care of your own arm instead of hunting for professional help which would be few in this kind of a field.