Re: dry brushing

Luvmydobies

Hello ladies! I am doing regular MLD for my truncal LE, though not as often as I should. Ugh. Anyway I can't reach my back near my shoulder blade and it's been sore for awhile.Last time I saw my therapist she mentioned that I'm getting some fluid buildup back there. She mentioned dry brushing but I've been too chicken to try it because I'm scared it'll cause some tiny scratches and I would get cellulitis. I have a strong fear of antibiotics due to C Diff history. For those that do dry brushing or have done it, do you worry about cellulitis or have you ever gotten it form brushing? Can you do dry brushing over your clothes to maybe avoid small tears? Is there any other way to do MLD so the back area will drain? I will email my therapist also but know many on here have lots of experience. Thanks for any help you can provide!

ksusan

You can do dry brushing just with your hand. My PT/LET is really dubious about the use of actual brushes, with a different LET suggested in a training I attended.

Binney4

Luv, I've used a (new) soft paint roller from the hardware store. The handles make it easy to reach the areas needed. I agree dry brushing could be a problem, depending on the bristles. But especially in an area like that where it's extra-hard to keep the skin moisturized.

Let us know what your therapist suggests, please!

Hugs,
Binney

Luvmydobies

Thanks ladies! Binney, the paint roller sounds like a good tool! This is why I came here to ask because I figured you all would give good tips and advice! I'll definitely email my therapist Monday and I'll report back!

carol57

I use a brush with nylon bristles. The nylon material means I can clean it as often as I like; that would soften a natural bristle. I use shampoo on it in the shower every few days. Also, you could put a soft cloth over the brush head, securing it with a rubber band, and then just put the cloth in the laundry. I tried the paint roller but find that it's too stiff and does not get skin contact in the areas around my bony shoulder blade. The brush is smaller and seems to conform better for me. Such trial-and-error this darn LE is!

Luvmydobies

Thanks for the tips Carol! May I ask what kind of brush you have, like the brand and where u got it? The wash cloth sounds good too. I probably need something with a long handle on it to reach my back better. Hmmm..

coraleliz

I haven't dry brushed in awhile but i only did it over clothing. I used a soft natural bristle brush. There was someone who used a shoe shine brush.