Manual Lymphatic Drainage
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Basic description
Manual lymphatic drainage is a therapy used to prevent swelling in the human body (lymphedema), but also for the overall reduction of body swelling or flooding. Lymphedema is a chronic disability that requires care for the rest of the patient's life. A complex therapy, which includes manual lymphatic drainage, is considered the best form of lymphedema treatment today.
This type of massage is aimed at activating the healthy lymphatic vessels of the area and preventing the damage to the valves of these vessels. Manual lymphatic drainage affects the superficial lymphatic system and regional nodes. The purpose is to reduce lymphedema. The procedure is time consuming and requires patience of both the client and the therapist. It can be a massage of the neck, upper limb, chest, back, shaft, buttocks, abdomen, lower limb or facial part of the head.
Indications
primary lymphedema
- lymphedema praecox
- lymphedema tardum
- lymphedema combined with a genetic defect
secondary lymphedema
- after breast surgery and after irradiation
- post-traumatic conditions
- post-surgical conditions
- rheumatic chronic polyarthritis, Bechterev disease, coxarthrosis
- acne
- constipation
- post-thrombotic syndrome
- post-inflammatory swelling
- secondary swelling of the face, chest, abdomen or genitals
- as part of sports rehabilitation
- in professions with excessive load on the lower limbs
- total cosmetic care
Contraindications
- malignant tumor diseases except for palliative therapy
- acute infections
- decompensated heart failure
- purulent wounds
- hypotension
- hyperthyroidism
- acute venous thrombosis and thrombophlebitis
- skin changes of unclear etiology
- carotid sinus syndrome