01/08/2026
Why Chronic Swelling Shouldn't Be Ignored 💙
Swelling isn't just extra fluid—it changes the environment around your cells.
As fluid builds up in the tissues, it increases pressure and makes it harder for oxygen to move from your blood into your cells. This creates a low-oxygen environment known as tissue hypoxia.
🫁 Why does this matter?
Your cells need oxygen to repair and regenerate. When oxygen levels remain low, your body shifts from healing damaged tissue to protecting itself, often leading to:
• Increased collagen production
• Reduced tissue elasticity
• Thickening of the connective tissue
• Fibrosis (hardening of the tissue)
This is one of the reasons chronic swelling can become progressively more difficult to treat if left unmanaged.
✨ How Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can help
MLD does much more than move fluid.
The gentle, specialised stretching of the skin helps to:
✔️ Stimulate the opening of the initial lymphatic vessels
✔️ Encourage the removal of excess interstitial fluid
✔️ Reduce tissue pressure
✔️ Improve oxygen delivery to cells
✔️ Support a healthier environment for tissue repair
By improving lymphatic flow, MLD helps interrupt the cycle of swelling → tissue hypoxia → fibrosis, giving your tissues the best opportunity to heal.
At Recovery Massage Alstonville, we specialise in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy, providing evidence-informed treatment and advanced assessment to help reduce swelling, improve tissue health, and support your body's natural healing process.
📍If you're experiencing persistent swelling after surgery, cancer treatment, injury, or due to lymphoedema or lipoedema, we'd love to help.
Save time and book online www.recoverymassage.com.au or ph 0400 777 802