12th May 2020 | Article

Self Massage for Lymphoedema

Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist Julia Oji says: “If you suffer with lymphoedema and are finding your swelling has been worse without access to MLD treatment, try some self-help lymph massage techniques to get the fluid moving (see links below). Deep breathing exercises before and after the massage can help lymph drainage too. Use the following simple exercise:  

• Sit upright in a comfortable chair, or lie on your bed with your knees slightly bent.
• Rest your hands on your ribs.
• Take slow, deep breaths to relax.
• As you breathe in, move the air down to your tummy (abdomen). You will feel your tummy rising under your hands.
• Breathe out slowly by sighing the air out. While breathing out, let your abdomen relax inwards again.
• Do the deep breathing exercise five times.
• Have a short rest before getting up, to avoid feeling dizzy.

Self-massage steps for leg lymphoedema:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU_os8ApUH0 

Self-massage steps for arm lymphoedema:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmebH1lc4qU 

Any queries or concerns please contact Julia directly at  juliaoji@hotmail.com