Lymphatic drainage

Lymph drainage is used to reduce oedema. An operation often causes severe swelling, which is painful but also inhibits movement. With the help of lymph drainage, which activates the lymph flow through certain grips, the drainage of the swelling can be supported.

The first step is to “clear” the “term” on the neck, the area where the lymphatic system finds an end or a beginning. This terminus is located in the area of the collarbone where the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein come together. Circular movements from the acromion to the neck above the clavicle and circular movements along the trapezius also towards the neck as well as circular movements along the neck down to the hollow, which is located at the junction of the neck end and the clavicle, activate the lymph flow.

Furthermore, the main lymph nodes of the affected area are activated.In the area of the arm it is the armpit, where many large, important lymph nodes are located. The activation is again done by standing circular movements. Then, by means of certain pumping and scooping movements, the arm is moved downwards to the hand in the direction of the armpit and then upwards again in the direction of the armpit. Depending on where most of the swelling is manifested, more attention can be paid to this area. Lymphatic drainage usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Physical therapy options

Cold and heat are available as physical therapy options. Cold therapy: For the cold therapy either an ice lolly or a cooling pad can be used, these means are available in every normal physiotherapy practice. The ice lolly can be used directly on the shoulder and wounds.

Only the melting water has to be taken care that it does not get into the wounds. This application always takes place only briefly, a few seconds are enough to calm the inflamed, heated area. The application with the cooling pad works in the same way.

For a few minutes it can be wrapped in a cloth and placed on the entire shoulder. The patient can also carry out the cooling at home. Heat therapy: For the heat therapy a fango, heat cushion or hot air radiator can be used.

The heat application should not take place in the area of the fresh wound in any case, since the inflammation is intensified by the warmth. However, the heat in the area of the back has a sympathetic dampening effect and promotes blood circulation in the muscles away from the shoulder, but can thus release tensions that would hinder movement in the further course. Heat therapy: For heat therapy, a fango, heat cushion or hot air radiator can be used. The application of heat should in no case take place within the range of the fresh wound, since the inflammation is strengthened by the warmth. However, the heat in the area of the back has a sympathetic dampening effect and promotes blood circulation in the muscles away from the shoulder, but can thus release tensions that would hinder movement in the further course.