What is manual lymphatic drainage and how does it work?
Manual lymphatic drainage is the application of light, flowing strokes of massage in specific patterns with the goal of alleviating lymph edema after lymph node resection or radiation therapy. Michael Földi MD, Roman Strößenreuther MD, in Foundations of Manual Lymph Drainage (Third Edition), 2005
Why manual lymph drainage is not recommended?
This is often the case with manual lymph drainage because, unfortunately, medical studies give little attention to lymphology. Furthermore, over a fairly long treatment, new problems might arise that the physician could not have diagnosed at the time of the prescription.
When is manual lymph drainage indicated in the treatment of lipedema?
Manual lymph drainage and complete decongestive therapy can be successfully applied, particularly with the following diagnoses: Lipedema (and combined forms such as lipo-lymphedema) and benign symmetrical lipomatosis (Madelung’s syndrome)
What is the Order of lymphatic drainage?
The lymphatic drainage starts centrally and proximally with treatments usually starting around the neck. Functional and healthy lymph nodes are treated first, followed by proximal and contralateral areas and then ipsilateral and lymphoedematus areas.
What are the contraindications for manual lymph drainage in heart failure?
With decompensated cardiac insufficiency, manual lymph drainage is absolutely contraindicated. This means that cardiac edema (see section 4.3 ), or congestive heart failure, must not be treated with manual lymph drainage! Acute inflammation caused by pathogenic germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses) is also an absolute contraindication.
What is venous flow during manual lymphatic drainage?
Venous flow during manual lymphatic drainage applied to different regions of the lower extremity in people with and without chronic venous insufficiency: a cross-sectional study.Physiotherapy. 2016 Feb 1. pii: S0031-9406 (16)00023-7. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lymphoedema Framework.
What conditions can benefit from lymphatic drainage massages?
Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages are: Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.