Inflammation and swelling, which are common issues that affect roughly one in three Americans, can arise from a variety of causes, such as injury, overuse, or chronic conditions. While these responses are natural ways for the body to heal, they can often cause discomfort and hinder recovery. Massage therapy offers a powerful and holistic approach to managing inflammation and swelling, helping to promote circulation, reduce pain, and accelerate healing. Whether you’re an athlete dealing with a recent injury, looking to manage symptoms of a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your body’s natural recovery process, these techniques can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine. In this blog, we will explore various professional and at-home massage techniques specifically designed to combat inflammation and swelling.

What Massage Techniques Help Reduce Inflammation and Swelling?

Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of massage that focuses on the lymphatic system which is a network of organs, vessels, and tissues that work together to move fluid back into your circulatory system. This system is a vital part of your immune system as it protects you from infection and destroys old or abnormal cells your body doesn’t need. Lymphatic massage focuses on gently massaging specific areas of the body, starting with the main drains of the lymphatic system to allow fluid to better flow through the system, reducing build-up in inflamed/swelling areas. Lymphatic drainage massage can be used to combat inflammation caused by conditions that specifically affect the lymph nodes, as well as generalized swelling.

Lymphatic Drainage at Home

Professional lymphatic massage is a great tool for reducing inflammation and swelling, but there are also ways to supplement these treatments with at-home routines. Even just a few minutes a day of an at-home lymphatic routine can help promote circulation and healing. You can find a variety of tutorials online that can guide you through a step-by-step lymphatic drainage routine. The basic principles your at-home routine should include are rubbing, tapping, and massaging the main six drain points of the body. Rubbing, tapping, and massaging the following points five to ten times, once a day, can help promote circulation, reduce inflammation, improve your immune system, and reduce stress/anxiety. Activate the drain points in the following order to ensure the lymph fluid is able to properly circulate through the body:

Collarbones – both above and below
Side of the neck right below the ear – on both sides
Chest/Pecs
Abdomen/Stomach
Groin crease
Behind the knees

Swedish Massage

Another helpful technique for combating inflammation and swelling is Swedish massage. Swedish massage is one of the most common forms of massage which utilizes kneading, long strokes, deep circular movements, passive joint movements, and gentle pressure to release muscle tension. This form of massage can be highly effective in treating inflammation and swelling due to its ability to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. The gentle, rhythmic strokes used in Swedish massage help to increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to affected areas, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing. Additionally, the massage techniques encourage the removal of toxins and excess fluids from the tissues, which can help to alleviate swelling.

Where Can I Find A Massage Therapist Near Me?

Are you suffering from inflammation and swelling? Are you looking to promote circulation, reduce pain, and accelerate healing? Our massage therapy services can help! At Advanced Kinetics Physical Therapy we offer massage therapy services at both of our locations in Falls Church and McLean, Virginia. If you’re interested in learning more about how massage therapy can help you reduce inflammation and swelling, get in touch with us!