on top of everything else, my underarms are really sore.
i asked my doc about lymph massage and he said "well it couldn't hurt."
have you ever had one? could it h lep?
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
I think it helps, but not every massage therapist is certified in lymph massage. It takes more training and is done very lightly.
I do get regular light massages, but they are not lymph massages. However, I do think they help get the lymph moving and loosen up the muscles which helps. They are so relaxing, but I usally do get a mild herx a few hours after--either stirring up the bugs or detoxing--I do not know which.
Finally the relaxation and pleasure from the massage is worth it to me emotionally. Hiker53
Posted by hshbmom (Member # 9478) on :
You can do a search here about lymphedema...there are very few posts about it.
I've read that lymph massage is very gentle and can cause the release of toxins, so you can feel like you're herxing.
My family member has an appointment next week with a lymphedema specialist...will let you know what I learn.
Lymph massage is very different from regular massage. Sometimes compression bandages and exercise are used in addition to lymph massage.
Have you seen the last issue of the Public Health Alert? There are several photos there that look just like my family member...who has also been diagnosed with Bartonella. Search Lymenet Medical for "lymphedema" and you'll find my posts with the link to that article.
Unfortunately there are only about 200 people in the U.S. that are certified to use this machine. The lady I know is close to Toledo if anyone is interested. Dr. Cowden recommeded this in Soctt's article in the PHA.
Posted by njlymemom (Member # 15088) on :
I have never had lymph massage.
I have used positional releases, very simple technique taught by our phys.therapist.
In fact I use this on my neck throughout the day otherwise the pressure in my head increases to the point of not being tolerable.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
I do NOT have lyme, but one day I was coming down with a virus and the lymph glands on the side of my neck were very swollen and hurt.
So I took our hand-held massager and painful though it was (significantly), I massaged those glands for several minutes.
Next day...no sore throat, no swollen glands.
"During an infection the lymph nodes can expand due to intense B-cell proliferation in the germinal centers, this is commonly referred to as swollen glands."
My sister (with lyme) found someone who knew Vodder (very gentle lymph massage) and found it very helpful....needed several repeat treatments...this is ongoing.
Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
If you can't afford that, you can get a mini-trampoline at Walmart for less than $25 and GENTLY bounce.
It doesn't even necessitate you lift your leg, just lift your heels.
My neck glands are ALWAYS painful...I've been taking a supplement that helps, but I'm getting my daughter's trampoline out for myself.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Start slowly on the trampoline! The first several times I used it, my lymph nodes got sore afterward. Just bounce maybe 10-20 times and work up from there.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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For anyone with inner ear issues, if you get a mini-trampoline, get one with a bar on it or position it next to a sturdy high backed couch or something you can hold onto.
This will help your inner ear to feel more stable.
some with inner ear conditions have to find other ways to move lymph other than bouncing. But, if done gently, this may be fine.
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Posted by DolphinLady (Member # 6275) on :
Also for lymph drainage: 1. Bounce on an exercise ball 2. Chi Machine - google for more info 3. Light Beam Generator treatments - google for more 4. Walking
Posted by Brainspud (Member # 16428) on :
Light massage or lymph massage are hugely beneficial for me! I definitely recommend them! Pump that lymph around your body, help it heal yourself!
My vestibular therapist prescribed the massages when I started ABX. Said it would help. I was a little leery, but oh she was right.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
I would just like to add a caution. I am one of the few that actually responded very poorly to lymph massage.
I was already in sad shape, and after the massage, I became extremely ill.
Please go slowly and carefully with a professional on board.
Posted by Mtgirl (Member # 13278) on :
TRAMPOLINES!!!! This works a little too well.
I was bit by a spider on my back and neck this summer and my lymph nodes got huge. While they were still enlarged, I got on a trampoline for a few minutes. For three days afterward, I was bedridden. My lymph nodes went down, but I felt like I was herxing like crazy. Maybe the lyme toxins and the spider toxins came out and overwhelmed my systems.