Can Massage Therapy Treat and Reduce Lipomas?

What are Lipomas?

Lipomas are benign tumors composed of fat tissue. They form lump-like growths that commonly develop between the skin and muscle layer. Lipomas are typically soft, movable, and painless.

Although lipomas can develop anywhere on the body, they most often appear on the trunk, shoulders, neck, armpits, arms, and back. Lipomas range in size from just a few millimeters to several centimeters across. Some people only develop a single lipoma, while others may develop many lipomas scattered across their body.

What Causes Lipomas?

The exact cause of lipomas is unknown, but they appear to be triggered by localized overgrowth of fat cells. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of lipomas:

• Genetics - Some people are genetically predisposed to developing lipomas. They often run in families.
• Injury - Lipomas sometimes form after blunt trauma or injury damages soft tissue. The injury triggers overgrowth of fat at the site.
• Lifestyle factors - Lipoma development has been associated with being overweight and a lack of exercise.
• Lipomatosis - A rare condition characterized by multiple lipoma growths.

Lipoma Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a lipoma include:

• A soft, doughy lump under the skin
• Able to move the lump around with gentle pressure
• Round, lump-like shape
• Smooth surface
• Slow growing
• Typically painless
• Often does not cause other symptoms

Can Massage Therapy Help Lipomas?

There is some evidence that massage therapy may help reduce the size and symptoms of lipomas in some cases. Here's an overview of how massage could potentially help:

May Improve Blood Circulation

Its theorized that poor circulation contributes to the localized fat deposits that form lipomas. Massage helps stimulate blood flow and improves circulation. The boost in blood flow may help transport excess fat away from the lipoma site.

Could Break Up Fat Deposits

The direct pressure applied during massage may help break up the lump of fat cells. Moving the tissue around increases blood flow to dissolve the fatty tumor.

Releases Toxins

Massage is thought to help release toxins, inflammation, and metabolic waste from tissues. This process could support the bodys natural ability to reabsorb the lipoma.

Reduces Stress

Stress triggers the release of cortisol and other hormones that lead to fat accumulation. Massage therapy promotes relaxation, which reduces stress hormones.

Massage Techniques to Treat Lipomas

It takes patience and consistency to see results, but certain massage techniques may help reduce lipoma size and symptoms over time. The most effective techniques to use include:

Myofascial Release

This technique uses gentle sustained pressure to stretch and decompress tissues. It helps break up fascial restriction and separate fused muscle fibers often associated with lipomas.

Deep Tissue Massage

Firm pressure is applied across the grain of muscles to reach deeper tissues. Deep tissue massage can help break down adhesions and scar tissue to dissolve lipomas.

Lymphatic Drainage

Light, rhythmical massage strokes are used to stimulate lymph flow and drainage. This can eliminate metabolic waste and mobilize fat deposits.

Cupping

Silicone cups are placed on the skin and air pumped out to create suction. This negative pressure may help drain excess fluid and toxins around lipomas.

Self-Massage Techniques for Lipomas

You can also perform self-massage techniques at home to provide ongoing lipoma treatment between professional massage sessions:

• Use your fingers to gently rub, circle, and compress the lipoma lump for 5-10 minutes a day.
• Apply gentle strokes outward from the lipoma to improve drainage.
• Use a tennis ball or massage tools like foam rollers on areas around the lipoma.
• Take anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric to reduce swelling.
• Apply castor oil packs over the lipoma to increase circulation.

Other Lipoma Treatment Options

While massage therapy is a drug-free option to potentially reduce lipomas, other treatment options are also available in severe or stubborn cases. These include:

• Steroid injections - Corticosteroid medication injected directly into the lipoma to shrink the size.
• Liposuction - Surgical removal of the fatty lump through a small incision.
• Surgery - Surgical excision to cut out the entire lipoma through an incision.
• Laser treatment - Laser technology to melt away the fatty deposits.
• Radiofrequency ablation - Heat applied internally to dissolve the tissue.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if your lipoma:

• Becomes painful or tender
• Rapidly increases in size
• Interferes with movement or clothing
• Develops unusual symptoms like numbness
• Does not respond to massage or natural treatments

Although most lipomas are harmless, the doctor will examine it and determine if biopsy testing is needed to confirm it is not cancerous.

Preventing Lipomas

There is no definitive way to prevent lipomas. But lifestyle measures like eating healthy, exercising, managing stress, and avoiding blunt injury may lower risk. Some tips include:

• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Eat a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.
• Control cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
• Practice stress management techniques.
• Avoid repeated blunt trauma to areas.
• Improve circulation with massage and exercise.

Using Massage to Manage Lipomas

Research into using massage therapy for lipomas is limited. But many massage therapists and patients report success in reducing the size of lipomas with consistent massage focused on improving circulation, draining lymph, releasing fascia, and dissolving fatty deposits.

While massage may not make a lipoma disappear entirely, it can often shrink the lump and improve the appearance and symptoms. Massage is very unlikely to make lipomas worse or more visible.

You should still see a doctor to have any new lumps or growths examined. But massage is a safe, non-invasive option to try to manage lipomas naturally before considering other treatments like surgery.

Consistency and patience are needed when using massage for lipomas. But many have found massage helps soften and gradually diminish these benign fatty tumors when applied properly and regularly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.