Heavy, swollen legs, cellulite… So many situations that justify lymphatic drainage of the legs at the physiotherapist or to do it yourself. What happens during a session ? What is the before and after?
What does lymphatic drainage of the legs consist of?
Lymphatic drainage is a massage that aims to stimulate lymph circulation, a colorless liquid involved in the purification of toxins and the proper functioning of the immune system. It can be achieved by a physiotherapist or practitioner depending on the method chosen. “Lymphatic drainage involves performing slow and gentle movements in the direction of lymph flow, going up to the heartassociated with a variation of the pressure“, explains Amélie Sabatier, massage therapist, founder of Amma d’Amélie, trained in Renata Franca lymphatic drainage.
When to perform lymphatic drainage of the legs?
Lymphatic drainage of the legs is mainly indicated in case of:
- Feeling of heavy legs
- Swollen leg sensation
- Edema or lymphedema
- Cellulite
- Varicose veins
- Venous insufficiency.
At stake, better lymphatic and blood circulationdetoxification of the body, reduction of water retention, reduction of cellulite and swelling (edema). The organism is regenerated and fatigue dissipated.
What happens during a session ?
A lymphatic drainage session lasts 1 hour. The patient is in their underwear and the physiotherapist, or massage therapist, performs a series of gentle, slow movements starting from the lower leg and going up, while varying the pressure exerted. “In the Renata Franca method, the movements are very rhythmic and dynamic. This technique stimulates the lymphatic micro-circulation with pumping maneuvers at the level of the ganglionic chains and fairly firm pressures. However, draining only one part of the body would be less effective. The lymph is a circuit so if we drain only part of this circuit, we will have much less results. You have to pump all the lymph nodes in the body for it to be effective and to reboost the lymph throughout its circuit”argues the massage therapist.
After how long do you see the results?
The number of sessions varies according to the indication. For some people, one session will be enough. For others, a cure of 5 to 10 sessions will be needed to relieve the associated symptoms. After the first session, the benefits are already felt : the legs are lighter, the body decongested, the cellulite reduced. Lymphatic drainage continues to act a few days later.
Where to go for lymphatic drainage of the legs?
Lymphatic drainage of the legs can be performed by a physiotherapist or massage therapist.
Are there any contraindications or risks?
Lymphatic drainage is contraindicated if the patient has one of the following pathologies:
- tuberculosis,
- thrombosis,
- phlebitis,
- heart edema,
- hyperthyroidism,
- asthma,
- low blood pressure.
If in doubt, it is best to seek advice from your attending physician.
What is the price of a session?
On average, it takes between 40 and 90 euros per session for conventional lymphatic drainage. The cost of the Renata Franca method is, on the other hand, much higher (150 euros/session in the Paris region and 130 euros in the provinces).
What reimbursement?
If the lymphatic drainage of the legs is prescribed on prescription, it is reimbursed at 60% by health insurance. In the event of ALD (long-term condition), lymphatic drainage is covered at 100%.
Thanks to Amélie Sabatier, massage therapist, founder of Amma d’Amélie, trained in lymphatic drainage Renata Franca