The information on this page has been checked by the physiotherapist Andreas Mondl. Manual lymphatic drainage is a special physiotherapy technique that aims to stimulate the lymph flow in your body. This fluid plays a crucial role in filtering out toxins and transporting nutrients to cells throughout the body. Accumulations of excess fluid in the tissue, whether caused by injury or disease, can cause swelling and discomfort.
By gently massaging the skin and underlying tissue, manual lymphatic drainage promotes the drainage of this excess fluid, allowing it to circulate better in the body. This treatment method is not only effective for swelling caused by injury or illness, but also for chronic lymphoedema.
Manual lymphatic drainage can also reduce inflammation, support wound healing and contribute to relaxation. This method reduces swelling by helping to drain excess fluid from affected areas, allowing for more efficient circulation in the body.
Manual lymphatic drainage helps to reduce pain by improving blood circulation, which in turn reduces pain and discomfort associated with swelling. It supports the healing process of wounds by stimulating blood circulation and thus supplying injured or surgically treated tissue with important nutrients and oxygen. Manual lymphatic drainage increases the activity of white blood cells by improving blood circulation, which strengthens the immune system against bacterial and viral infections.
Through its gentle touches and rhythmic movements, manual lymphatic drainage contributes to deeper relaxation and lowers stress levels in patients suffering from chronic pain or other health problems associated with their condition. The selection of the appropriate method for manual lymphatic drainage is based on factors such as age, medical history and symptom severity. Here are some common methods:. This technique involves slow, rhythmic strokes along the lymphatic pathways to improve the flow in these pathways and reduce congestion.
