Manual lymphatic drainage is a procedure that has been performed by qualified physical therapists for decades. The manual draining of lymph fluid is a technique used to decongest swollen tissue by reactivating the reduced pumping function of the vascular system. It is one of the most essential parts of decongestive therapy and waste removal.
Both the extremities and trunk of the body can be treated using this therapeutic technique. Lymphatic drainage is typically prescribed to address excessive water retention in individual regions of the body (i.e. after surgery or trauma). The treatment consists of gentle grips that are executed in a very specific order to apply pressure to the affected areas. This highly sensitive application of pressure flushes excess fluid and toxins from the soft tissue which relieves pain and swelling. Ultimately, promoting regeneration of tissue and accelerated healing in addition to an overall improved sense of well-being.
Breathing exercises and additional stimulation of the body’s lymphatic system creates a suction effect that results in the removal of excess tissue fluid. After manual lymph drainage, the tissue becomes looser and softer to the touch, which can greatly increase the ease of mobility.
Manual lymph drainage is often a two-phase therapy. The goal of the first phase is complete decongestion which requires regular lymph drainage treatments, skincare, and compression therapy with bandages.
In the second phase, manual lymph drainage incorporates applied pressure with a custom-made compression garment and exercises for further decongestion. Manual lymph drainage is a therapeutic technique that removes fluid buildup in the body. We typically recommend patients wear a compression garment after each session to ward off further fluid retention. We also give our patients guidance on how to continually promote healthy tissue free from fluid build
