The application of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage can stimulate a reduction in pain. Pain refers to an unpleasant sensation due to injury or illness that can range from mild to severe. The feeling of pain is an important function of the nervous system as it can provide the body with a warning of potential or actual injury. Our therapists use the application of MLD massage to reduce pain and improve function in individuals following injury and surgery.
What is decreased pain?
The reduction of pain can be explained through the pain gate theory. The pain gate theory states when inflammation occurs the surrounding C nerve fibres are prompted to send a message to the brain. When Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is applied A beta and A delta nerve fibres are stimulated to send messages to the brain which due to anatomical differences are able to be send quicker than the pain messages. Subsequently messages regarding pain are blocked from reaching the brain. A reduction in pain can be extremely beneficial to someone trying to get back to daily life following injury or surgery.
What are the physiological effects of decreased pain?
Our therapists use the application of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage to decrease pain. A reduction in pain is achieved through a number of physiological effects such as;
The application of MLD massage can produce a number of physiological effects such as decreased release of cortisol, increased release of endorphins and a reduction in swelling.
Our therapists use MLD massage to decrease pain and the release of cortisol. Cortisol is hormone released during times of stress or threat. During the presence of pain the release of cortisol can be high leaving the individual feeling stressed and anxious. The application of MLD massage can inhibit the release of cortisol by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. A decrease in the release of cortisol can be extremely beneficial following injury, surgery or a stressful experience.
The application of MLD massage can decrease pain by increasing the release of endorphins. Endorphins are our "feel good" hormones. The application of MLD massage can increase the release of endorphins by stimulating the autonomic nervous system. An increase in the release of endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine can leave the individual feeling relaxed, happy and content. A increase in the release of endorphins can be extremely beneficial during the presence of pain such as following injury or surgery.
MLD massage can decrease pain by reducing swelling. Swelling is part of the body's natural response to injury and helps to protect the injury site and prepare it for healing. If the presence of swelling is prolonged it can cause pain, restricted range of movement and hinder the healing process. The application of MLD can reduce swelling by stimulating the lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste products. A reduction in swelling can be beneficial to an individual following injury, surgery or during pregnancy.
When can a reduction in pain help?
Our therapists use manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage as a treatment technique during the presence of pain. Pain can range from mild to severe and can restrict daily life and movement if left untreated. A reduction in pain can be beneficial during a number of circumstances such as;
The application of MLD massage can promote a reduction in pain when applied to an individual following injury or surgery.
Our therapists use MLD massage as a treatment technique during the acute stage of injury. During the acute phases of healing following injury the individual may experience pain, swelling and inhibited range of movement. The application of MLD massage following injury can help promote healing, reduce excessive swelling and overall reduce pain.
Following a surgical procedure an individual may experience similar symptoms to that following injury. Due to the invasive nature of surgery, many tissues are damaged during the process. Following an invasive surgical procedure an individual may experience a sudden increase in pain, bruising, swelling and restricted movement. An individual may also experience an increase in psychological symptoms following a surgical procedure such as anxiety and stress. The application of MLD massage can help to reduce both physical and psychological symptoms following surgery such as pain, swelling bruising, anxiety and stress.
Summary
The application of manual lymphatic drainage massage can produce a number of benefits. One of the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage massage includes the reduction of pain. The application of manual lymphatic drainage massage can reduce pain by promoting a number of physiological effects such as decreased release of cortisol and increased release of endorphins. A reduction in pain using manual lymphatic drainage massage can be beneficial to an individual post-injury and post-surgery.
How can I arrange a manual lymphatic drainage massage?
The easiest way to arrange a manual lymphatic drainage massage at Massage.Physio.co.uk is to email us at office@physio.co.uk or call us on 0800 033 7800.
You can also book an appointment online and save £10
