In the human body, dead cells, waste products and similar substances are transported out of the body with the lymphatic fluid. In this process, the lymphatic system represents a widely ramified network, which is not unlike the cardiovascular system. However, if there is a disturbance in this system, it can lead to unpleasant and joking swellings, which, however, can often be remedied by manual lymphatic drainage.
What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is composed of various hand movements in the form of grip and massage techniques. These techniques are intended not only to move the lymph fluid toward the neck, but also to lead to activation of the entire lymphatic system. Manual lymphatic drainage is a special form of therapy from the field of physical applications. The focus of manual lymphatic drainage is on decongesting swollen areas of the body, especially in the extremities. These can be prone to swelling after tumor removal, surgery or injury, leading to tension and pain. Manual lymphatic drainage is composed of various hand movements in the form of grip and massage techniques. These techniques are intended not only to move the lymph fluid toward the neck, but also to lead to activation of the entire lymphatic system. Manual lymphatic drainage may only be applied and billed by trained professionals, mostly physiotherapists or masseurs, who have completed additional training in this area. Therapists use a variety of techniques, including circular movements, pumping, plucking, cupping and twisting grips.
Function, effect, application and goals
Manual lymphatic drainage is used in various areas. In particular, after lymph node removal as a result of tumor disease, it can provide relief to the patient. This is because removed lymph nodes can lead to swelling, known as lymphedema. The first step in manual lymphatic drainage is to stimulate the remaining lymph vessels so that the lymph fluid can be better removed. Subsequently, compression bandages are applied to prevent the lymph from flowing back. This first step of decongestion and softening of the affected areas should be performed daily or at least several times a week. In the second phase of manual lymphatic drainage in tumor patients, the lymphatic fluid is merely prevented from flowing back in order to maintain the achieved goal of decongestion. However, fluid retention in the connective tissue can also occur after operations or injuries. In this case, it consists of blood and water retention. In the case of such injuries, manual lymphatic drainage is intended to shift the fluid from the connective tissue into the lymphatic channels so that it can be removed. Mostly shifting techniques are used, which are carried out in a circular manner. However, manual lymphatic drainage is also used in the wellness sector for relaxation or for specific skin problems, such as acne or cellulite. In acne treatment, manual lymphatic drainage can help to remove toxins and other substances before they lead to inflammation in the form of pimples. The appearance of the skin can be improved enormously. In the case of cellulite, existing congestion should be released and the excess fluid deposits removed from the connective tissue. Although manual lymphatic drainage can support cellulite treatment, it can never effectively combat it on its own. For an effective fight against cellulite, regular exercise, a healthy diet and alternating showers are also important. Other areas of application of manual lymphatic drainage can be nerve pain, some forms of migraine or severe mucus in the context of a respiratory disease.
Risks, side effects and dangers
Normally, professional lymphatic drainage does not carry any risks or side effects. However, there are certain contraindications that limit the possible applications of manual lymphatic drainage. In the case of cardiac insufficiency or water accumulation in the legs due to heart disease, manual lymphatic drainage can worsen the patient’s health condition, as the heart is additionally overloaded. The same applies to organ disorders of the kidneys, liver or circulation.Here, manual lymphatic drainage can lead to further damage to the affected organs. Furthermore, this form of physical therapy must not be used in cases of blood clotting disorders or thrombosis. The use of manual lymphatic drainage can also cause more harm than good in the case of inflammatory processes, increased body temperature or acute allergic reactions and should therefore be carefully considered. However, unprofessionally performed lymphatic drainage may result in additional destruction of lymphatic vessels or further increase in the amount of lymph. However, because of good professional training, such side effects of manual lymphatic drainage are not to be expected from trained therapists.
