Lymphoedema Therapist :: Elsebeth Perry

What does the lymphatic system do?
The lymphatic system is an exquisite network of fine vessels and filtering structures, that help maintain fluid balance in the tissue spaces. The lymphatics have a relationship to just about all tissue. All cells in the body need nutrients, and all cells produce waste. This cellular waste has to be picked up, broken down and eliminated from the body.
The lymphatics start in almost every tissue as many tiny vessels which gradually join together into bigger ones. The movement of fluid throughout the lymphatics is largely pumped by muscle movements, and contractions of the walls of the larger lymphatics.
Eventually the vessels empty this filtered/cleansed fluid back into the blood stream.
Without this return of fluid, blood pressure would not remain balanced.
The lymphatic system plays a big part in immunity.

What is lymphoedema?
Oedema is swelling. Lymphoedema is swelling related to a problem or interruption of the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes. In the Western world it is largely caused by treatments relating to cancer.

What is manual lymph drainage and how does it help?
The objectives of manual lymph drainage are three-fold:

to evacuate extracellular fluid from the interstitial spaces into the lymphatics
to move cellular waste into the lymphatics
to increase the movement of lymph through the lymph vessels and nodes

The techniques of this treatment are dictated by the anatomy of the lymphatic system. Pressure is light, because we are working on the superficial lymphatic system that lies just below the skin. It is slow work, because the fluid in the tissues needs encouragement to move from one region to another. The flow of lymph within the vessels is also slow. The technique uses repetitive strokes, with an on-off pressure so that lymph is pumped in the desired direction. Lymph drainage should not cause any pain. Areas of congestion are often accompanied by tenderness and should feel more comfortable following manual drainage.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will depend on the particular case. If swelling has developed over a long period, it is unreasonable to expect it to go in one session.