Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Before we talk about the benefits of this modality as well as how it feels, let’s first understand what comprises the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system which helps the body fight disease and infection. Within the system lays an intricate and complex network of thin tubes that branch, like blood vessels, into tissues throughout the body which are called lymphatic vessels. These vessels carry lymph, a colorless, watery fluid that contains infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. Along this network of vessels are small organs called lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. Other parts of the lymphatic system are the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and bone marrow. Lymphatic tissue is also found in other parts of the body, including the stomach, intestines, and skin. In all, there are between 400-700 nodes spread throughout the body. Typically two to three liters of lymph are filtered through the lymphatic system daily. Individual muscular units called lymphangions, segments of lymphatic vessels between two valves, pump cyclically to propel lymph. If the lymphatic system is overworked or impaired because of surgical intervention, illness, stress or even a poor diet, it can become slow and stagnant making recovery a slow process and good health becomes a challenge.

Lymphatic Drainage is not new to the medical scene. As early as 1898, Doctor Fège, Professor in medicine at the Necker hospital of Paris, published a piece on a new method of medical massage entitled "The Post-Traumatic Early Massage." Fège recommends the massage to reduce trauma, to evacuate hematomas, notes that scarring is often reduced and that fibrotic tissue is avoided. He also shows, by comparative clinical studies, that the time of functional recovery of patients is significantly decreased. The technique he describes brings into account several systems of the body; the circulatory system, i.e. the veins, the capillary vessels; the lymphatic and tissue systems; and becomes aware of their functional interdependence. In 1922 F.P Millard and Emil Vodder began creating specific procedures for lymphatic care which they called Manual Lymph Drainage. Then in the 1990’s Dr. Bruno Chikly created his original method called Lymphatic Drainage Therapy. It incorporates his years of practice in general medicine and osteopathy, the basic knowledge of Millard and Vodder as well as the more recent scientific discoveries and improvements that have been incorporated into more current bodywork and osteopathic techniques. Today, doctors specializing in everything from cancer to plastic surgery are utilizing LDT as an adjunct to recovery and wellness. Mehmet Oz, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Author of "Healing from the Heart" wrote…"Lymphatics are the next frontier of discovery in human disease. Long ignored because of their subtlety and complexity, the mysteries of our cellular 'waste disposal' system have been comprehensively deciphered by Bruno Chikly."

Lymphatic Drainage is a wonderful modality that can be used regularly for many specific applications and for general health and well being. In addition, it is a tremendous assist in pre and post surgical care. Check out my pre and post Surgical Care Tips page for more information pertaining to surgery. • Enhances Recovery from illness and disease • Oxygenates all tissues • Relieves migraines, tinnitus, insomnia and trigeminal neuralgia • Stimulates and boosts immune system function • Improves metabolism • Painful or swollen breasts • Detoxification of the body • Reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of various origins: sprains, bruises, surgery • Relief of numerous chronic and subacute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis. Relief of chronic pain • Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds, stretch marks and wrinkles; improves skin’s appearance • Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. • Antispastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation or irritable bowel syndrome • Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory • Anti-aging effects

The gentle and relaxing manual technique improves the activity of the lymph vessels by mild mechanical stretches on the wall of the lymph collectors. LDT can also re-route lymph materials around areas that are blocked as a result of surgery. LDT therapists are trained to understand how to identify different qualities of lymph flow, lymphatic drainage patterns, mapping of superficial and deep lymphatic pathways and how to facilitate them safely. For the techniques to be effective, therapists must have a keen understanding of lymphatic drainage patterns and techniques for the drainage of fascia, muscles, organs, periosteum, bones, etc. LDT therapists are also trained to work with other fluids, including the interstitial fluid, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood (veins and arteries). Essentially every part of the body can be assessed and assisted by Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.

When considering this question, please note that most conditions arise gradually over time. It will take time for therapy to work. Give yourself the time you need in order to heal 100%. Initially sessions may be once or twice per week, however all bodies are different. Some people may get complete relief on their first session. Others may require additional treatment --up to three or more per week over the course of several weeks. It really depends on the client and the actual problem that the client is having. Clients with chronic or debilitating situations often require long-term therapy and the frequency of sessions usually reduces over time. I always like to educate my clients on how they can manage self treatment which will help reduce the number of sessions needed and maintain the work we’ve accomplished together.

In the broadest sense, most everyone feels a deep sense of relaxation. It is impossible; however, to predict what you may feel. Each person's perception and sensitivity varies. The highly perceptive client may feel a variety of sensations as the therapist works. A client who is less attuned may find some of the techniques unnoticeable. There are even some who don't feel any sensation at the beginning of a session but then gradually do feel sensation as the session goes on. Some people, who are particularly burdened with pain, may feel slight discomfort for short periods until nodes are fully open and vessels have cleared waste. Some people feel fatigued or achy after their first few sessions but with self treatment and drinking a lot of water, most symptoms can be alleviated very quickly.

There are some relative contraindications and precautions for LDT and your therapist should be aware of them. LDT should only be performed when a patient’s symptoms are in recession. It should not be performed when the patient is experiencing an acute problem. Edema and lymphedema are both good indications and contraindications for lymph drainage therapy. If the origins of the edemas and their specific complications are known, a highly trained therapist can address the issues. Some patients require bandaging and should be seen by therapists who have that training and available equipment. Patients with following conditions need to be treated carefully: untreated thyroid, carotid stenosis or thrombosis, bronchial asthma and allergies, burns, fresh scars, skin hypersensitivity (RSDS), bruises, eczema, abdominal surgery, radiation, tumor, undetermined bleeding or pain, removed spleen, major kidney problems, menstruation, gynecological infections, fibromas, cysts, pregnancy, chronic infection/inflammation, medication, chemotherapy, anesthesia, orthostatic hypotension.

LDT sessions generally last between 45 minutes and one hour. Initial sessions usually last longer so that a proper evaluation and client history can be taken. Typical fees range from $40 to $200 per session.

Some clients are uncomfortable removing their clothing so I suggest wearing shorts and a sports bra. For those recovering from surgery, it may be necessary to be disrobed but fully draped by a sheet. Your therapist will be well versed in draping and be sure to make you comfortable throughout the session.

Interview your potential therapist as you would any practitioner of health. Talk with him/her to find out what his/her attitude and approach is. If you feel that his/her approach is suitable for your needs, give him/her a try. The more training and experience a therapist has, the better the potential outcome. You can look at International Association of Healthcare Practitioners to locate practitioners in your area.

Yes, LDT techniques are noninvasive and can be easily utilized. LDT should not be used for children (or adults for that matter) when there is fever or acute infection, bleeding or phlebitis.

Yes, athletes of any age can benefit from lymphatic drainage but all bleeding must have stopped and any broken or dislocated bones must be set. For the athlete in a competition, LDT is particularly helpful for muscle spasms, cramps and pain. It can even be helpful to drain the body of waste and lactic acid between events.