Lymphatic drainage for mechanical insufficiency
In case of mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic vessel system, the objectives of manual lymphatic drainage are to increase the transport capacity (lymphatic period volume), stimulate lymphangiomotor activity, transport oedema fluid and open or form new transport routes. In addition, it is intended to influence wound healing and tissue consistency and to relieve pain. The gentle pressure of the physiotherapist causes a pull on the anchor filaments of the lymph capillary, which allows the tissue fluid to flow in.
This means that the tissue fluid is absorbed more quickly into the lymph vessel system with the help of manual lymph drainage. In addition, the fluid can be moved further inside the lymph vessels with the help of the handles. At the same time, the muscles of the lymphatic vessels react to this with an increased willingness to contract.
In case of mechanical insufficiency, regular manual lymphatic drainage is essential to prevent the condition from worsening. In addition, compression bandages should be applied after manual lymphatic drainage, or special compression stockings should be fitted. The frequency of treatments depends on the severity of the injury.
Indications for lymph drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage always follows the same concept, which is necessary due to the anatomical conditions. For lymphatic drainage, the patient should be prepared to clear the upper body so that the physiotherapist can pre-treat the vein angle and abdomen. In order not to disturb the lymph drainage in any way, women should not wear a bra (the breast can easily be covered with the upper part or a towel) and underwear should not press into the tissue.
If you have problems with edema, you should generally make sure that the lymphatic drainage is not additionally impaired by clothing that fits too tightly!The environment for lymphatic drainage should be quiet so that the patient can relax completely, because too high a stress level, which causes an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, can also affect the lymphatic system. In return, manual lymphatic drainage also has an influence on the vegetative nervous system. Depending on the location of the swelling, the affected limb is supported slightly upwards by special support material in order to additionally make use of gravity.
