Lymphoedema and body scrub treatment

[face]

hi
i have a friend who suffers from lymphoedema in her right arm after having breast cancer. She has asked me if she can have a body scrub treatment before she goes on holiday. i have recently carried out a facial massage on her which did cause her arm to swell. i'm thinking that scrubbing the bottom half of the body shouldn't cause too many problems but would like to hear others views and advice

 

[BrowBeautiful]

hi
i have a friend who suffers from lymphoedema in her right arm after having breast cancer. She has asked me if she can have a body scrub treatment before she goes on holiday. i have recently carried out a facial massage on her which did cause her arm to swell. i'm thinking that scrubbing the bottom half of the body shouldn't cause too many problems but would like to hear others views and advice

Hiya

I would get her to consult with a doctor. If she is swelling after even a massage, I would not risk it! Atleast by recommending she see a doctor or specialist first, it will put both your minds at ease!

Also, I have previously read that massage is not always good for people who suffer from Lymphoedema as I can have a negative effect and put more strain on the lymph system. I would ask her to look into lymph drainage specialists also.

HTH

 

[shedunlop]

Sorry, I personally wouldn't do this at all. I have a good friend who has this and it can flare at any time and cause her real discomfort. She has specialist massages so I wouldn't do anything that might stimulate her lymphatic system at all. :wink2:

 

[face]

thanks, the research i have done does support your advice but just wanted to double check

 

[HaVe Training]

Hi - we have a regular client who comes for treatments for my students who has lymphodema as a result of cancer/lymph node removal - she now uses a special patch (bright pink!) on her hand which helps regulate the lymph fluid movement, it's obviously supplied by her medics, but she now has a really good understanding of how her condition 'is' on a day to day basis and everytime she comes for a treatment (aromatherapy & massage mainly) she tells us if we can incorporate the arm etc. Any body wraps which involve bandages are out but body conditioning wraps are fine. Please report back (and pass on info about pink patches) as its all really useful for all of us...good luck.