How Lymphatic Drainage Can help alleviate Scleroderma Symptoms
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the hardening and tightening (fibrosis) of the skin, connective tissues, even, it can also affect internal organs. In this blog you can find what scleroderma is and how Lymphatic Drainage massage can help you alleviate symptoms.
What is scleroderma?
It is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and fibrosis (tight and hard) in your skin and other areas of the body. This type of autoimmune disease appears when your immune system thinks you are injured (skin, connective tissue, even organs) and responds with inflammation and overproduction of collagen “to reconnect the affected tissue” which leads to scleroderma.
Are there types of scleroderma?
Yes, there are two main types: localized scleroderma (morphea) and systemic sclerosis (systemic scleroderma).
- Localized scleroderma typically affects only the skin.
- systemic scleroderma/sclerosis can affect the skin and various internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, heart, and gastrointestinal tract.
What causes scleroderma?
The exact cause is unknown, however, experts believe it might be the result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
What are scleroderma´s symptoms?
Symptoms vary according to the type of scleroderma you develop, but early common signs often appear at the beginning for both types, some of them are:
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: your fingers and toes are more sensitive to cold temperatures or emotional stress (they might turn pale, then blue, and feel numb or painful).
- Skin Changes ( hardening, tightening, inflammation, patches, skin tone changes, etc.)
- Joint or muscle pain and weakness
- Stiffness
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bloating.
- Reduced sweating in the affected areas.
Who is prone to get scleroderma?
- More common in women than men.
- People in their 30s and 50s.
- Black people may have an earlier onset and more severe skin and lung involvement.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT)?
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that stimulates your lymphatic system, which plays a pivotal role in your body’s immune function. The lymphatic system helps remove toxins, waste, and excess fluids from the body, ensuring the immune system operates efficiently.
LDT involves light, rhythmic strokes applied by a trained therapist, which encourages the flow of lymph fluid, reducing swelling and promoting detoxification. This therapy is often used in various conditions, including lymphedema, post-surgical recovery, and autoimmune diseases.
How can lymphatic drainage help with scleroderma symptoms?
Systemic sclerosis is characterized by lymphatic microangiopathy (morphological, structural and functional changes), including the absence or fragmentation of lymphatic networks and vessel leakiness. This lymphatic dysfunction is one of the main causes of symptoms.
Lymphatic Drainage (LD) plays a pivotal role in the management and treatment of systemic sclerosis, primarily by addressing the associated edema and improving your overall wellbeing. Other benefits are:
- Reduce edema
- Mobility improvement
- Improve general well being
- Reduce pain
What to expect from Manual lymphatic drainage?
- Protocol: MLD is typically administered during 45m, from 1 to 5 times a week for several weeks (depends on your needs), focusing on the affected areas to stimulate lymphatic flow. Your treatment will be tailored by your GP and MLD therapist according to your needs.
- Holistic therapy: While MLD can be beneficial on its own, it may also be used in conjunction with other treatments to manage the broader symptoms of scleroderma.
- Lymphatic drainage should be performed by a trained therapist familiar with Graves’ disease to ensure the technique is applied correctly and safely.
In short
Scleroderma is a chronic condition, but treatments aim to control symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. Treatments may include medications to manage symptoms and physical therapy ( manual lymphatic drainage massage). MLD offers a valuable therapeutic approach for patients with systemic sclerosis, particularly in managing edema and improving functional outcomes.
References:
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scleroderma
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6435962/
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scleroderma
