Manual lymphatic drainage
Scope of application of manual lymphatic drainage
The lymphatic drainage is a special form of gentle massage. It serves
the decongestion of swollen body parts and the removal of the lymph.
She is a very effective, draining, and even pain therapy, which nowadays
is indispensable in the treatment of certain illnesses.
The patient quickly feels a significant relief, so that analgesics can
be reduced. The healing process is faster because the body parts are feeling
better supplied with oxygenated blood.
The lymph drainage is based on a specific, systematic, fine-dosed manual grabbing
technique It is rhythmic, circular, pumping manual sliding techniques,
which are defined in a particular order according to the illness treated.
Lymphatic drainage is rarely used as the only draining action. Most of
the times an additional compression therapy (bandages, support stockings)
and physical therapy as well as skin care measures are applied.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is connected in parallel to the vascular system.
Its most important task is the removal of protein-rich fluid from the
intermediary cell tissue. The lymphatic system is an important immunological
structure.
The Lymph
arises because plasma leaks into tissues through fine capillaries and
then washes the body's cells. After its passage through the tissue this
protein-rich tissue water is accumulating as"lymph" in the lymphatic
system. These redirect the flow of fluid from the arms and legs into the
center of the body and finally lead back into the vascular system.
The lymph passes through many lymphatic nodes which filter bacteria, viruses,
cell debris and other waste materials from the liquid.
For injuries or surgery, the lymph vessels are often interrupted. The
backflow of lymph from the tissues therefore is constrained and lymph
is developed in the form of swelling and edema.
Also during inflammatory processes in the body lymphatic fluid is increasingly
generated.
Indications:
- Lymph edemas
- Postoperative follow-up treatments
- Cancer-treatment follow-up
- Rheumatic diseases
- Orthopedic disorders
- Sports Injuries
- Burns
Contraindications
- Acute febrile, bacterial infections
- cardiac edema (swelling of the legs due to decreasing cardiac output)