Self massage for lymphedema in face

[analei14]

Hi,

would anyone be able to direct me to a book, video, or other good source where I can learn to do manual lymphatic drainage for the face on my own?

Thank you

[Charlotte]

Dear Anelei14 see my PhisioTherapist next week will ask her and send it here for you.

[Ann]

Charlotte's offer of asking her therapist is a generous one and her therapist may be very helpful. It could be helpful if you let Charlotte know (in a private message if your prefer) why you need this type of massage. It could make a difference in how the massage is performed.

In response to your original question, I'm not aware of any books about self-message of the face for lymphedema. Estheticians do facial massages and that may not be the type of massage you need.

Best wishes in finding the answers you need.

Ann, from Lymph Notes

[renita]

I have a CD that is for MLD for the whole body including the face. It is called Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Just Google it.
It is something I can't do entirely for myself, but I do what I can. The face has several Lymph nodes and even around the eyebrows and lips. It is a very self explanitory CD and one worth the $. It is pricey. I paid around $60.00 for mine. But I did learn a few things, so It was just another investment to my bettering my health.
I have Lymphedema pretty much over my entire body, but have controlled it with massage and swimming and exercise with my resistance tubes (they make a HUGE difference).That is another great investment and they don't cost much at all, around $5.-$15.00
Hope this helps someone.

[pinkbear]

I too have LE in my face. It's mostly around my jawline. I also have lipedema so that makes it a bit more difficult. I've been massaging my face downward into the neck area in hopes I can move the fluid into my upper drainage areas. It is working but I"m at the turkey neck stage now.:eek:

I have been able to manage my ple very well lately and feel this is going to work. Like Renita, I too use water exercise, pumping and mld to manage my PLE. It's finally making a HUGE difference and I'm seeing my body shrink!! It's not weight but true lymph fluid.

HOpe this helps!

Don't give up! I almost did and now I'm glad I hung in there!!!
Pinkbear:)

[Marguerite]

I have found that some of the techniques that helped you have also helped me. Apparently no one is going to hand us a magic cure -- therefore, it really is worth while to keep searching for techniques that will work for each of us.

Best wishes, Marquerite

[Willa]

I have lymphedema on the left side of my face, neck and down my left arm. I use a low intensity light laser along with self massage, compression garment and going to my massage therapist three times a week. I want to start using aqua therapy but I haven't managed to fit it into my schedule yet. I have a pamphlet on facial self massage that I use as well as a couple of exercises that a therapist showed me how to do including massage inside my mouth.
I am not saying I have my lymphedema totally under control but I have reduced the size of my noggin during the last 8 months that I started wearing the compression garment. I am on my fourth garment for my face.
I could email a copy of the facial massage if that would help.

Willa

[LymphPhysio]

This thread is a little old, but there are lots of people viewing it, or so it would appear, so I think that it's worth mentioning that there are a variety of videos posted online these days explaining various facets of manual lymphatic drainage and compression wrapping for the DIY individual. Have a look at youtube. However, there is no substitute for professional advice. In a few visits with a certified therapist you should be able to learn a number techniques specific to your condition. We do have a 5 minute video posted on our website if you're interested. It shows some of the massage strokes for the neck. It is a basic starter-series that any individual with Lymphedema could benefit from, regardless of the precise location of their lymphedema. You can view it at Lymphatic Drainage Massage Video (http://www.torontophysiotherapy.ca/services/toronto_lymphedema_treatment.html#lymphedema_video ). Best of luck!

[Ann]

The therapist in this video, is Lindsay Davey, who has postgraduate training in lymphedema therapy and experience in treating lymphedema. These are both important things to check for when evaluating any online instructional materials.

Ann

[LymphPhysio]

Thanks for adding that Ann! It's definitely "viewer beware" when watching videos or reading any information posted on the internet, so looking for appropriate credentials is a great thought.

Thanks,
Lindsay