PATIENT EDUCATION
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Manual Lymphatic Massage: Lower
Extremity (Leg)
Here are instructions on how to do massage to help drain fluid from the
lower extremity.
General Information about Massage Technique

Use only gentle pressure.

Massage should not be painful.

Avoid rubbing the skin until it is red.

Do massage each day.

Repeat each step 5 times.

The sequence should take about 30 to 45 minutes.
Steps in the Sequence to do the Massage
Please do not do this massage unless instructed by a therapist. These
instructions review how you were taught to massage the areas on your
body where lymph nodes are located.

There are 9 steps.

Repeat each step 5 times. It should take between 30 to 45 minutes to
do the entire massage.
1. Massage the soft spot at neck with 2 fingers. Massage both sides
of the neck.
2. Pump the lymph nodes in the armpit. To pump the nodes, use the
flat surface of your fingers. Gently press into the armpit then
release the pressure.
This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care
team if you have any questions about your care.
© April 15, 2010. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and
Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
3. Pump the lymph nodes in
the groin.
4. Begin at the inner area of
the thigh, close to the groin.
Use the flat part of your
hand and stretch the skin
toward the upper outer
area of the thigh. Gently
massage the entire area of
the thigh moving toward
the inner portion of the
knee.
5. Use your thumbs or 2
fingers and twist the skin
along the kneecap starting
below the kneecap and
working to the top of the
kneecap. Move your
thumbs or fingers further
out from the kneecap and
perform the same motion,
starting at the bottom of the
kneecap to the top.
6. Use the flat surface of your
fingers and gently press and
release the area in the bend
of the knee.
7. Bend your knee and use the
flat surface of your hand to
stretch the skin in the back of
the calf, starting at the ankle
and moving toward the knee.
8. Use your thumbs or 2 fingers
and make upward circles over
each side of the ankle.
9. Again, with thumbs or 2 fingers
start at the base of the toes and
make circles toward the ankle.
Manual Lymphatic Massage: Lower Extremity (Leg)