Manual lymphatic drainage
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very pleasant therapy for the patient and aims to support the body in reducing swelling.
When is Manual Lymphatic Drainage used?
As mentioned earlier, Manual Lymphatic Drainage supports the body in reducing swelling. Swelling can occur due to various situations. For example, post-traumatic swelling is often part of the inflammatory response after an injury or overuse. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can help transport the swelling more quickly, aiding the healing process and facilitating faster recovery of body function (e.g., joint movement) for everyday activities.
Another situation is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues due to problems with the vessels or the lymphatic system itself. Examples of this are chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or lymphedema. In these cases, the issue is more complex, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage is used as a part of a more complex system of combined treatment methods (KPE).
What should be considered during therapy with Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
To use Manual Lymphatic Drainage safely and effectively, certain contraindications must be clarified first. For example, Manual Lymphatic Drainage should not be used during a feverish episode in the patient, as the lymphatic system has a close connection with the immune system.
The cause of the swelling is also of central importance. In the case of post-traumatic swelling, it usually occurs due to tissue damage during the accident. Tissue damage leads to bleeding and an inflammatory response, which also causes swelling. Apart from possible injuries to the lymphatic system in the injured region, the lymphatic system is still fully intact in this situation. Therefore, Manual Lymphatic Drainage serves as support for the lymphatic vessel system. However, if the cause of the problem lies in the lymphatic vessel system itself, such as in lymphedema, the swelling occurs due to a decreased transport capacity of the lymphatic system. This means that the lymphatic system cannot transport as much lymphatic load as the body produces in daily situations, resulting in the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues.
What is the purpose of the lymphatic system?
Our body transports nutrients primarily through the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract into our tissues. However, waste products and cell debris generated during our regular metabolic processes are sometimes too large to be transported through the bloodstream. This is where the lymphatic system comes into play. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is not a closed circuit but has an open beginning. It runs parallel to the venous system and is similarly structured. Metabolites are collected into the system through its open beginning, similar to a vacuum cleaner. Subsequently, lymphatic loads are transported through the lymphatic system toward the venous angles. During this transport, waste products are filtered in the lymph nodes, toxins are eliminated, and the remaining fluid ultimately reenters the bloodstream.
What does KPE mean?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is only one component of the so-called Komplexe Physokalische Entstauungstherapy (KPE - complex physical drainage therapy). It is sufficient for post-traumatic swelling. However, if the problem lies within the lymphatic vessel system itself, Manual Lymphatic Drainage needs to be complemented by other treatment approaches to achieve sustainable therapeutic success.
KPE is built on four pillars: skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, compression, and decongestive exercises under compression. We have already discussed manual lymphatic drainage in detail. Compression can be achieved through bandages or compression stockings/pants, which provide additional support to the tissues. However, due to the constant pressure on the skin, proper skin care is essential to prevent dryness and potential small wounds. To maintain your body's performance, physical activity is recommended even in cases of lymphatic issues, but only under compression to support the weakened tissues.
Due to the complexity of lymphatic problems, especially if your lymphatic system is damaged, it is crucial to seek treatment from a thoroughly trained therapist. We are certified by "Lymphologic GmbH."