Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage is a non-invasive hands-on technique using light, rhythmical movements with precise speed and pressure. It is a gentle approach used to cleanse the body's tissues by removing metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, and foreign substances.

Lymph drainage is an alternative technique that is widely used in Europe. Lymph Drainage Therapy was developed by Bruno Chikly MD, a French physician whose training ranges from Eastern to Western medicines. His manual lymphatic drainage technique was awarded multiple awards in France for being an effective medical treatment.

Lymph drainage gives therapists a precise technique that can be used for a wide range of maladies. This therapy integrates technical knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lymph system. It is hands on and uses a very light touch that patients find relaxing. Even though the treatment touch is very light, the work is very powerful.

The treatment strokes softly drain the excess fluid under the skin, releasing the waste and harmful toxins from the tissue. This can aid with the recuperation of scar tissue, regeneration of tissue in burns and scars, as well as improve overall bodily circulation most useful for people with edema. Lymph drainage helps with overall health by stimulating the immune system, and can provide relief from chronic conditions like allergies or sinusitis. The deep level of relaxation that patients receive from this work aids problems with insomnia and stress. Lymph work is relieves spasm so can improve bowel problems as well.

Cindy likes to use the light pumping techniques of lymph drainage to help the newly-broken up scar tissue move and recuperate after using the Graston Technique. She also finds it particularly beneficial pre and post surgeries to reduce swelling and bruising which contribute to post surgical pain.

Lymphatic Mapping

Lymphatic Mapping is a non-invasive method which enables trained practitioners to use their hands to identify the specific direction of the lymphatic circulation and find alternate pathways in cases of lymph circulation obstruction. As an assessment tool, Manual Lymphatic Mapping can help assess the effects of lymphatic drainage by evaluating the patient before, during, and after treatment.

Effects of Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage affects three major systems of the body: The Nervous System, Circulatory System and Immune System.

• Nervous System - A light, repetitive, steady changing hand pressure stimulates pressure receptors in the skin to inhibit pain receptors thereby decreasing pain. This light rhythmic motion also diminishes the sympathetic response (fight/flight) of the Nervous System, causing a calming, relaxation and anti-spastic effect on the body.
• Circulatory and Immune Systems - Applying a specific, directional, rotary motion stimulates the fluid circulation of the body to increase lymph flow (detoxify the body) and activate venous re-sorption (reduce swelling/edema).

Indications

Training

Each of our therapists at Squirrel Hill Physical Therapy Center is Upledger tained in the Chikly method. We use an integrated approach toward lymphatic drainage, lymphatic mapping, therapeutic exercise and diet.

You can learn more about Lymphatic Drainage by clicking here.