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Lymphatic Drainage Massage can help with recovery and improve the quality of life for cosmetic patients, said Fernandina Beach Massage Therapist Ron Jarvis LMT, CLT, MLD-C.  

Jarvis is a 20-year military veteran who said he got into lymphatic therapy to help people. 

According to Cleveland Clinic, this form of massage relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. A lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process. Step one is clearing, which releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues, and step two is reabsorption which moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes. 

Massage therapy “has really adapted. We are now considered a healthcare,” said Jarvis. 

Lymphatic Drainage Massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. They can also be used to help with other conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis and Fibromyalgia, It is also used to help cosmetic surgery patients. 

“Unfortunately, a lot of these plastic surgeons do not discuss post-care,” said Jarvis. 

Jarvis describes Lymphatic Drainage Massages as a gentle form of massage used to relieve painful swelling in the body. He said the lymphatic system is very superficial to the body. It is right under the skin and the fat layer. He said that treatment can be started as soon as 24 hours after surgery – helping to reduce stress and increase circulation. 

“Some people think that their body can handle it on their own because our bodies are amazing,” said Jarvis. “But because the surgeon has disrupted the pathways or have pumped so much fluid in there for the liposuction, their body needs help.” 

A Manual Lymphatic Therapist manually moves the excess fluid to the nodes, so the body can process it out. Jarvis said he wants to keep the fluid as little as possible, so the fluid doesn’t mix with protein in the body to form hard patches in the skin. 

Jarvis said that massage therapy is a good way to keep your body working in top order but stresses the importance of being educated on post-care and ensuring the massage therapist doing your Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a licensed LMT.  

If you are interested in setting an appointment for a Lymphatic Drainage Massage or would like to see if it is right for you, Jarvis services Fernandina Beach and surrounding areas with his companies First Coast Neuromuscular Massage and First Coast Lymphatic Drainage. You can call to speak to him or schedule an appointment at (904) 480 – 4288.