Retrograde massage
Information for patients from the Hand Therapy Service
This leaflet will explain the following.
What retrograde massage is.
How it will help your injured hand or wrist.
How to carry out the treatment.
When not to follow this treatment.
We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to your therapist.
What is retrograde massage?
We use retrograde massage to reduce swelling in the hand, fingers, or other limbs. It encourages fluid drainage towards the heart.
Retrograde massage applies gentle, upward strokes from the fingertips to the wrist and forearm. You can either massage the skin directly, or use a cream or lotion to help the movement.
Swelling causes excess fluid to gather in an injured area of the body. The excess fluid protects the surrounding area as healing occurs.
If swelling continues, it can cause joints to become stiff and painful. If swelling persists, the fluid becomes thicker and more fibrous. The fluid can then become trapped around the joints. When this happens, the joints and tendons find it harder to glide and move as they should.
How will retrograde massage help with my injury?
Retrograde massage can help your injury by:
reducing swelling after injuries, surgery, or conditions like arthritis; and
improving circulation in the affected area.
This will lead to better movement and help with pain relief.
Retrograde massage to treat a swollen finger, thumb, hand or wrist
Sit in a comfortable chair. Have your affected hand elevated (raised) above heart level on a pillow or cushion.
Use the palm and fingers of your other hand. Gently stroke upwards from your elbow towards your shoulder for 5 to 10 strokes.
Gently stroke from your forearm towards your elbow. Make sure you cover all sides of your forearm for 5 to 10 strokes.
Gently stroke the back of your hand and palm, moving towards the wrist for 5 to 10 strokes.
Use the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Gently massage from the tip of the affected finger(s) towards the knuckle at the base. Make sure you cover the front, back and sides of the affected finger(s) for 5 to 10 strokes.
After your massage, rest with your affected hand elevated comfortably on cushions above heart level. Rest in this position for at least 10 minutes. Resting allows the fluid to drain from the affected area.
We can change the above to include the whole hand, wrist and / or forearm as needed. Follow the advice given to you by your therapist.
Retrograde massage works better if you use light stroking movements. Make the movement enough for the skin to slightly crease, rather than deep pressure.
Be careful of any delicate skin, wounds, or scars. Your therapist will advise you if you need to avoid any of these areas.
You can complete retrograde massage when you are sitting to rest, for example while watching television. Your therapist will advise you how often to complete this, depending on the severity of your swelling.
Important advice
When carrying out this treatment, sit with your hand in an elevated (raised) position. Having your hand elevated will help with swelling.
Remember always to massage towards your elbow, to encourage the swelling out of your hand / wrist and towards the body.
If you have a heart condition or a problem with your lymphatic system, please discuss this treatment with your therapist. You need to make sure the treatment is appropriate for you to use.
What if I have any questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, please call the Hand Therapy Service on 01227 783065.
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