Lymphedema is a condition in which fluid builds up, and swelling occurs in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, including the arms, breasts, or chest. Lymphatic drainage massage for the arms and chest can help to decrease swelling in these areas and improve quality of life.

👋 Hello, I’m Kelly Sturm, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (PT, DPT) and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. I share helpful resources for those living with lymphedema and lymphatic health concerns.

This is Day 12 of LYMPH RESET 21: your free 3-Week Lymphatic Drainage and Exercise Plan. It focuses on the upper body, which is often neglected.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage is a massage-like technique done in a specific sequence. It uses a unique approach of moving fluid out of a congested area to reduce swelling. This will also help improve someone’s skin texture and help avoid infections. A certified lymphedema therapist or massage therapist can perform this, but it may be something you need to do long-term, and learning how to do it yourself at home can be very beneficial. I will walk through a sequence of lymphatic massage steps for the arm, chest, or breast below.

Beyond lymphedema management, manual lymphatic drainage techniques also offer numerous other benefits.

• It reduces swelling in the arms and chest. Manual lymph drainage can help decrease swelling in the arms and chest by moving fluid away from clogged or congested areas.  
• It enhances immune function. Lymph drainage boosts the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight infections.
• It improves circulation and energy levels: By stimulating lymph flow and blood circulation, lymphatic massage can help minimize heaviness with mobility and decrease fatigue symptoms.
• It promotes relaxation and pain relief. The gentle pressure in manual lymphatic drainage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which can induce feelings of relaxation. This can lead to reduced stress levels and provide relief from pain.
• It supports recovery post-surgery: For those recovering from surgical procedures, including plastic surgery like liposuction, lymphatic drainage massage can help speed up the healing process, allowing for improved outcomes and quicker recovery.

How to Perform Lymphatic Drainage for Arm Swelling

This is a full manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) routine to reduce arm or chest swelling and address fibrosis.

You can add lymphatic massage and health plans like this to your routine to improve drainage and overall lymphatic system health.

If you would like to follow along while I model this routine, you can watch this YouTube Video ↓

Details:

• This routine can be done standing, sitting, or lying down.
• 22 minutes needed for the full routine
• Looking for a printable handout? Shop my guide.
• No Equipment Needed

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Lymphatic Drainage for Arm and Chest Swelling:

1. Stimulate the Abdomen

• Place your hands gently on your abdomen, providing a light inward pressure.
• Take a deep breath, allowing your belly to expand into your hands.
• Exhale while applying gentle pressure, helping to stimulate the deep lymph nodes in your abdomen.
• Repeat four times, shifting your hands slightly each time to cover different lower abdomen parts.

2. Stimulate the Head and Neck

• Place your hand at or above your collarbone.
• Perform gentle circular motions, massaging the nodes here eight to ten times.
• Move your fingers to just below the ears, along the sides of your neck, and repeat the eight to ten gentle circles to stimulate these nodes.
• Complete on both sides of the neck and face.

3. Stimulate the Armpit

• Place your whole hand into your armpit and perform gentle circles eight to ten times.
• Repeat this on each side.

4. Stimulate the Groin Lymph Nodes

• Place your hands at the crease where your hips bend when sitting, just above the groin area.
• Massage eight to ten gentle circular motions.

5. Start with the Chest and Trunk

• Massage from the midline of your chest towards the armpit on the same side (or to the opposite side if you have had lymph nodes removed)
• Repeat on both sides.

6. Drain the Upper Arm

• Start at the shoulder and use gentle upward sweeping motions toward the armpit. Avoid starting at the fingers, as this can cause blockages.
• Continue this motion along all sides of the upper arm, spending extra time on areas with more swelling and doing three to five strokes in each section or area of the shoulder and upper arm.
• Once the upper arm is clear, move on to the elbow, gently massaging around the bony areas and doing eight to ten massage circles at the inner elbow crease.

7. Lower Arm and Hand

• Move to the lower arm and use similar strokes, guiding the lymph fluid from the wrist to the elbow, eight to ten strokes on each arm.
• Spend time on the back of the hand, using your fingertips to work between the tendons and around the knuckles.
• You can either massage all of the fingers together or focus on each finger individually, ensuring you guide the fluid along the sides of the fingers.

8. Reverse the Movements

• Once you’ve made your way down the arm and to the fingers, reverse the movements, starting again at the hand and working toward the shoulder.
• Ensure all fluid is being guided toward the lymph nodes in the armpit.

9.  Repeat on Opposite Arm

10. Finish with the Belly Breathing

• Place your hands on the abdomen, take a deep breath, and press gently as you exhale.
• Repeat this three more times, moving your hands slightly with each breath.

Tips and Tricks

Minor adjustments can make a big difference in how well lymphatic drainage works. When performing lymphatic massage in both arms and chest, follow these tips for maximal benefits.

1. Use Light Pressure

Lymphatic vessels are located just beneath the skin, so there is no need for a lot of pressure. The goal is gently stretching the skin to activate the lymphatic vessels and fluid flow.

2. Elevate Your Arms

If your arms are swollen, let gravity help. Prop your arm on pillows or raise it against a wall while massaging to improve drainage.

3. Stay Consistent with Your Routine

Like most treatments, consistency is key when doing lymphedema treatment. Many individuals benefit from daily sessions, especially if swelling tends to worsen by the end of the day.

Safety and Precautions

Although it is generally very safe, not everyone should be doing lymphatic drainage massage. Keep these precautions in mind:

1. Talk to a professional:

• If you currently or recently had surgery or cancer treatments, particularly in the arms or chest.
• If you experience new or unexplained swelling.
• If you’re managing other chronic conditions like heart disease or chronic venous insufficiency.

2. Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Over Areas with Active Cancer

Lymphatic drainage massage should not be performed over areas affected by active cancer unless your oncologist or doctor clears you to do so.

3. Be Cautious if You Have Certain Health Conditions

Avoid or limit lymphatic drainage massage if you have:

• Unmanaged congestive heart failure
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Infections
• Kidney or liver disease

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of lymphatic fluid in your arms?

The best way to reduce lymphatic fluid in your arms is through a combination of massage, compression, and exercise. If someone has lymphedema, it is recommended that they speak with their healthcare professional or certified lymphedema therapist for more personalized guidance.

If you are looking for lymphedema arm exercises that you can integrate into your daily lymphedema management, you can watch this video: Exercises for Arm Lymphedema.

How do I know if my lymphatic system is clogged?

Symptoms of a clogged lymphatic system can include swelling in the extremities, chronic fatigue, frequent infections, and skin issues. Other signs may involve discomfort or pain in the affected areas.

How quickly does lymphatic drainage work?

Like with most management techniques, results can take time and come with consistency. Signs that lymphatic drainage massage is working are a gradual reduction in swelling, improved mobility, and increased comfort in the affected areas.