How do you massage the swollen arm (lymphedema) to reduce its swelling?

My mom recently had a mastectomy, and now she has lymphedema on her left arm. Massage always comes up as one of the ways to decrease the swelling of the arm. However, I haven't found anything on how to massage the arm to prevent it from further swelling, or to reduce its swelling. Would help a lot if there are instructions on how to massage the arm. Thanks!

If she has lymphedema, the first thing she needs to do is seek a qualified physical therapist or massage therapist that has undergone specific training for the treatment of this disorder.

Do NOT try to massage it yourself...the lymphatic system is very delicate and can be easily compressed if you have not been specifically trained in how to treat this. In fact, traditional deep tissue massage can actually make it worse.

Research shows that the most effective treatment is a combination of this special massage (manual lymph drainage) and multilayer bandaging until she can be fitted for a garment that she will wear on a daily basis. Use of a compression pump is also often used. To truely address the problem, she needs to go through the manual lymph drainage first prior to getting a compression garment. Failure to do this could result in infection and/or a poorly fitted garment.

In the meantime, avoid things that can make it worse...do not allow her arm to be punctured, scratched, etc. Avoid excessive use of the arm, but use it for normal daily activities such as grooming. Do not allow anyone to take her blood pressure or put an IV in the arm, and do not let her travel by airplane at this time.

Then, ask for a referral to a QUALIFIED professional...they should have specific certification credentials in the treatment of lymphedema.

You can find a list of providers at:

www.lymphedemamanagement.org

My point is, that you should not trust any source on how to do the massage youself...this could be potentially dangerous. Take her to a professional where self massage may be part of the treatment instructions, but you NEED the hands on experience. Report It

The therapist could istruct you and your mom and give you feedback as to how you are doing. You MUST have the professional feedback. Report It

your best bet would be to find a massage therapist or physical therapist (it would be covered by most insurances with a pt) and have them get rid of the fluid, it is usually done in a few sessions. Call your local physical therapy office or insurance co and ask them for someone trained in lymphatic drainage massage or you can go on www.upledger.com to find a massage therapist in your area