Phew… what a heaviness! Sometimes the heat makes us feel the full weight of the year just passed. But sometimes, it’s not just the heat: the feeling of bloating, fatigue, and heaviness in the limbs are clear signs of lymphatic system distress.
Whether it presents as an acute event or a less severe condition, this situation can be caused not only by high summer temperatures, but also by sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy or post-operative state, or it may represent a chronic condition, sustained by an ongoing pathology.
One of the best methods to treat it is manual lymphatic drainage, more commonly known as lymphatic drainage: a manual technique that promotes the flow of stagnant fluids, channeling waste substances toward elimination through the appropriate organs.
Ideal for…
Manual lymphatic drainage is indicated not only for the situations mentioned above, but also for a variety of other conditions, both pathological and non-pathological, including:
- Primary lymphedema caused by congenital abnormalities of the system;
- Secondary lymphedema, an acquired dysfunction secondary to other pathologies;
- Post-traumatic edema following hematomas, sprains, muscle strains, joint dislocations, tendon injuries, ligament injuries;
- After cancer therapies;
- Post-surgery;
- Sudek’s Syndrome (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome);
- Surgical scars;
- Venous edema;
- Venous, arterial, and diabetic ulcers;
- Post-thrombotic syndrome;
- Pregnancy;
- Idiopathic cyclic edema.
Better not if…
Although it's a minimally invasive treatment, lymphatic drainage does have contraindications and is counterproductive in cases of:
- Malignant tumors;
- Acute inflammation;
- Cardiovascular issues such as cardiac edema, heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis;
- Respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis;
- Renal or hepatic malfunction.
How does it work?
Manual lymphatic drainage is the treatment of choice in the physiotherapeutic approach to primary and secondary lymphedema, but it's equally important in the therapy of other conditions, either associated with or complementary to other physiotherapy and/or pharmacological treatments – with the aim of promoting a faster resolution of the pathology or reducing related symptoms.
The technique involves a specific manual procedure applied to the patient's body. Using a combination of circular movements of small or large amplitude, both deep and superficial, this massage technique exerts very light pressure on the skin, shifting the skin transversely and longitudinally and altering tissue pressure, thus ensuring better lymphatic fluid circulation.
To be effective, the technique must be performed correctly, respecting both the direction of lymph flow toward lymph node stations and the pressure of the various maneuvers, adapted to the patient and tissue characteristics. It is important that this type of treatment be performed by competent professionals who can meet the patient's needs to achieve the expected result.
Recognized by basic health insurance funds with a physiotherapy prescription, lymphatic drainage can also be performed privately at the patient’s request. To properly stimulate lymphatic circulation and achieve results, a treatment must last at least 45 minutes: three-quarters of an hour of non-invasive massage that is, in its own way, also relaxing…
Treat yourself to a moment of wellness and health with us! We’re waiting for you at the Kinetic Center to try lymphatic drainage with our specialized therapists.
