Burnaby Massage Therapy
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy
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Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy in Burnaby| Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) - EastWest Physiotherapy
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle, specialized drainage massage technique that helps your body reduce swelling, clear waste, support immunity, and promote whole-body wellness. At EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby, our Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) provides hands-on manual lymphatic treatments to reduce fluid retention, improve blood circulation, calm the nervous system, and help your body recover more efficiently, from surgery, injury, or everyday stress.
If you struggle with swelling, heaviness, fatigue, poor healing, or fluid retention, your lymphatic system may need some assistance and our RMT can help!
How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Supports Healing Beyond Swelling
While lymphatic drainage massage is best known for reducing visible swelling, its benefits extend far beyond fluid reduction alone. The lymphatic system plays a key role in inflammation control, immune response, and tissue repair. When lymph flow is sluggish, inflammatory by-products can linger in the tissues, slowing healing and contributing to discomfort, stiffness, and fatigue.
Gentle lymphatic drainage helps move this excess fluid and cellular waste out of the tissues and toward lymph nodes for filtration. This process supports faster recovery after injury or surgery and may reduce the risk of long-term stiffness or fibrosis developing in healing tissues. Many patients report that areas feel lighter, less tight, and more comfortable after treatment—even when swelling was not the main concern.
Lymphatic drainage massage can also be especially helpful for people who feel “puffy” or inflamed without a clear injury. Long periods of sitting or standing, travel, hormonal changes, stress, or poor sleep can all impact lymph flow. Supporting drainage can help restore balance and reduce that heavy or congested feeling in the body.
The Nervous System Connection
One often overlooked benefit of lymphatic drainage massage is its calming effect on the nervous system. The slow, rhythmic nature of the treatment activates the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response, helping the body shift out of a stress-driven state.
When the nervous system is constantly in fight-or-flight mode, inflammation tends to increase and healing slows down. By promoting deep relaxation, lymphatic drainage massage may:
- Lower stress hormone levels
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce muscle guarding
- Support digestion and immune function
Many patients describe feeling deeply relaxed during treatment, and it is common to feel mentally clearer and more grounded afterward.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage as Part of Ongoing Care
Lymphatic drainage massage does not have to be limited to post-surgical or medical conditions. It can be used as part of a proactive wellness and recovery routine. Some patients choose regular sessions to help manage:
- Chronic inflammation
- Recurrent swelling or fluid retention
- Fatigue related to stress or illness
- Recovery during intensive training or physically demanding work
For others, lymphatic drainage is used periodically during flare-ups or times of increased stress. Your Registered Massage Therapist will help guide frequency based on your symptoms, health history, and goals.
Combining Lymphatic Massage With Other Therapies
At EastWest Physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage can be combined with other treatments when appropriate. Depending on your needs, it may complement physiotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, or exercise-based rehabilitation. This integrated approach helps address swelling, movement, and nervous system regulation together, supporting more complete and lasting recovery.
Who Can Benefit From Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Almost anyone can, but certain conditions experience especially effective benefits.
Post-surgery swelling
Reduces fluid build-up after cosmetic, orthopedic, cancer or abdominal surgery
Immune system support
Helps the body eliminate waste and reduce illness frequency
Lymphedema management
Promotes drainage, reduces heaviness, improves limb comfort
Chronic swelling in arms/legs
Supports circulation, reduces stiffness and
Pregnancy swelling
Safe option to relieve ankle & leg edema
Detox & wellness support
Enhances natural cleansing and reduces fluid retention
What Is the Lymphatic System?
Imagine a hidden highway under your skin, a network of vessels, nodes, and pathways that collect waste, toxins, and excess fluid from your tissues. That is your lymphatic system. This is like another circulatory system in the body specifically for body fluids.
Where blood delivers nutrients, the lymphatic system removes the garbage, clears inflammation, and plays a major role in immune function.
In your circulatory system, blood moves around the body using the heart as the pump. In the lymphatic system, it relies on movement, breath, muscle contraction, and if needed, manual lymph drainage treatment. This helps to keep lymph fluid flowing.
When lymphatic fluid flow slows down, fluid retention can build up, leading to:
- swelling / edema
- fatigue or heaviness
- slow healing
- recurring infections
- reduced immunity
This is where lymphatic drainage massage can make a difference.
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy?
Lymphatic drainage massage therapy, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, or manual lymph drainage, is a light, rhythmic technique that gently guides lymph fluid toward lymph nodes where it can be filtered, processed, and eliminated. Unlike deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage uses calming, structured pressure patterns to:
- Stimulate lymph circulation and improve lymph flow
- Reduce swelling and congestion
- Improve immune response
- Relax the nervous system
At EastWest Physiotherapy Burnaby, our Registered Massage Therapist uses the medical knowledge of lymph pathways to provide guided lymphatic drainage massage techniques to support healing, recovery, and long-term drainage function.
Is Lymphatic Massage Safe?
Yes. When administered by a trained Massage Therapist. However, treatment should be avoided if you have:
- Active infection
- Fever or acute illness
- Congestive heart failure
- Untreated cancer
- Blood clots / DVT
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Reduces Swelling & Fluid Retention
Especially useful after sprains, surgery, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting/standing.
Supports Immune System and Boosts Immune Function
Helps filter pathogens and metabolic waste through lymph nodes.
Improves Skin Health
May reduce puffiness, acne-related inflammation, and facial swelling.
Relieves Fatigue & Brain Fog
When your system drains properly, you simply feel better.
Deep Nervous System Relaxation
Reduces cortisol, anxiety, and sympathetic nervous system overload.
Speeds Post-Surgical Recovery
Supports healing after procedures such as: ACL reconstructions, Liposuction & cosmetic surgery, Mastectomy & lymph node removal, Orthopedic operations (hip/knee/ankle), and Abdominal or pelvic surgery Improves recovery from post surgical swelling
Why Choose EastWest Physiotherapy Burnaby for Massage Therapy
- Registered Massage Therapist with lymphatic drainage training
- Private treatment rooms - no shared spaces and no curtained rooms for maximum privacy.
- One-to-one focused care
- Option to combine with physiotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, or exercise rehab with our other therapists
- Convenient location near Brentwood, North Burnaby & Highway 1
We don’t rush our treatments. Your session is about recovery, relief, and restoring balance to your body.
Frequently Asked Questions – Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Is lymphatic drainage massage painful?
No. Lymphatic drainage massage is one of the gentlest massage techniques. The pressure is light and rhythmic, designed to help fluid move through the lymphatic system. Most people find it soothing and relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment. It should never feel deep, intense, or painful.
How soon will I see results?
It depends on the reason for treatment.
- Post-surgery swelling often improves within 1–3 sessions.
- General bloating, fluid retention, or fatigue can improve even after one treatment.
- Lymphedema usually requires ongoing care for best long-term results.
Your therapist will recommend a schedule based on your goals.
Is lymphatic drainage safe after surgery?
Yes! In fact, it is commonly recommended by surgeons to help reduce swelling and improve tissue healing. However, timing matters. You should always check your surgeon’s guidelines and ensure incisions are healed or cleared for treatment. Our RMTs always screen each client to make sure lymphatic work is appropriate and safe.
Are there any conditions where lymphatic drainage shouldn’t be done?
Lymphatic drainage massage is not advised if you currently have:
- An active infection
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Blood clots (DVT)
- Active cancer unless approved by your oncology team
If you are unsure, our Registered Massage Therapist will help determine whether this treatment is right for you.
Book Your Lymphatic Massage Session Today
If you’re experiencing swelling, tension, post-surgical recovery delays, or just want to feel lighter & healthier, lymphatic drainage massage can help.