Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness”). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment. But some side effects may continue after treatment is over because it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy. Late side effects can happen months or years after treatment.

Radiation treatment can make your muscles and soft tissues (for example, ligaments and skin) stiff and tight. This condition is called radiation induced fibrosis. When your muscles are not moving properly they can cause pain or limit movement in other parts of your body.

Radiation therapy – The skin may be sensitive to touch after radiation therapy. It may look red and appear sunburnt. If you are having radiation therapy, you should avoid massage to the treated area as you may find even light touch uncomfortable. Massage oils may make already irritated skin feel worse.

Oncology massage is a client-specific, customized massage session designed to meet the unique and changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer treatment. A safe massage plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short- and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Deep massage, or any type of massage that involves strong pressure, should NOT be used if you are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. People undergoing chemotherapy may have a decrease in red and white blood cells, so with deep massage, there is a risk of bruising.

To move waste fluids away from the damaged area, lymphatic massage, which uses a gentle pressure, can help. It’s one technique used to reduce lymphedema. Raakhee Patel, PT, DPT, CLT, is a physical therapist and certified lymphedema specialist who trains people to perform their own lymphatic massage after surgery.

Lymphedema Dietary Changes Greater fluid retention raises blood pressure, and it can make the swelling symptoms of lymphedema worse. For lymphedema, common foods to avoid include most varieties of condiments, packaged foods, and fast food.

7 Ways You Can Naturally Care For Your Lymph

1. Lymphatic drainage massage.
2. Exercise.
3. Deep breathing.
4. Dry brushing.
5. Clean up your diet.
6. Wear loose clothing.
7. Stay hydrated.

Detox Your Lymphatic System

1. Lemon water. The lymph system is composed of about 95% water, which is why it is essential to stay hydrated. You should be drinking half of your body weight in ounces daily.
2. Lymphatic massage. This is a special form of massage targeted towards your lymph system.
3. Dry brushing.

Help your lymphatics and fight inflammation with a glass of warm lemon water at the start of each day. There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. Aids Digestion. Lemon juice flushes out unwanted materials and toxins from the body.

Natural foods like dark green vegetables, ginger, citrus fruits, flaxseed, and garlic are ideal for lymphatic cleansing.

Alcohol and caffeine could also function like diuretics. They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema. Don’t adopt a low-protein diet.

Always ask your lymphoedema specialist for advice and talk to your doctor before you start. Some good types of exercise include swimming, walking, doing stretching exercises and yoga. Swimming is helpful if you have problems with your joints, as it does not put strain on them.

Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. It results from a blockage in your lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling.