Friend with pain long after lymph nodes removed. Is lymphatic drainage massage legitimate?

[Dennis S]

She had the underarm lymph nodes removed a few years ago and was cancer-free. She has had severe pain in the area since and has had no relief from several doctors. There is a nearby large hospital that advertises "lymphatic drainage massage." Is that worth trying?

[wave rider]

Yes. She might also find relief with a compression sleeve which can come in cool colors these days. Saw one that had tattoo graphics, I was impressed!

No cancer diagnosis is great! Lymph node removal will have side effects too. Maybe her oncologist can point her in a helpful direction.

[Dennis S]

I know nothing about the lymphatic system. Does the lymph quit moving, clog up, and put pressure on nerves, causing pain?

[wave rider]

I’m no expert on the lymphatic system but it acts as a circulatory system for the lymph. My understanding is that the limb swells with nowhere for the lymph to go and the swelling caused the pain.

[Mike Johnson]

Yes, it is a very real thing, provides relief to people after they’ve had lymph nodes removed.

Works for other things too, like Mossy Foot.

[rjmacs]

Some forms of therapeutic massage are specifically designed to help with lymphatic circulation. Lymph removes waste and toxins from tissues, and is an important part of your immune system - we have lots of lymph nodes, so having some removed for treatment isn't a problem, except that circulation can be affected.

[Sarcany]

Yes.

Pain and swelling and uncomfortable collection of lymph at the extremities are all very common after lymph nodes have been removed and both massage and compression gear can help.

...Tho nothing will really fix it.

[mattkime]

I'm curious how it responds to exercise. I've only experienced lymph disruption from a contusion but exercise helped - gets the lymph moving.

[testcase]

Has she tried working with a good acupuncturist?

[Dennis S]

testcase wrote:
Has she tried working with a good acupuncturist?

I don't know for sure, but I would bet she hasn't. She looks to me for advice and I think the drainage massage has to be done, for sure. Then maybe acupuncture. Or maybe both in the same time period.