Lymphatic drainage for lighter arms and legs

Painful swelling affects the daily lives of millions of Germans – thankfully, there is lymphatic drainage. In this article, we will discuss this form of therapy, when it can be used, and what to pay attention to afterward.

What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a medical form of massage used to treat lymphedema. Lymphedema develops when the lymphatic flow is impaired due to an interstitial disorder. Fluid accumulates in the tissue, leading to clearly visible swelling in the limbs and face.

Four basic procedures are used in the treatment of lymphedema:

• Compression therapy using bandages
• Decongestive exercises
• skincare
• Manual lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage works in four ways:

• it relieves congestion
• It relieves the pain
• It relaxes the muscles
• It strengthens the immune system

When is lymphatic drainage advisable?

Lymphedema is either congenital or a consequence of another disease. Therapy is particularly common in the following conditions:

1. chronic lymphedema
2. chronic venous insufficiency
3. postoperative swelling
4. CRPS
5. Swelling after hemiplegia in strokes
6. chronic polyarthritis
7. Headache

Pregnancy can also lead to lymphedema; cellulite is also treated with various techniques.

However, lymphatic drainage is not advisable in certain medical conditions. These include, among others:

1. malignant tumors
2. acute inflammation
3. Cardiac arrhythmias
4. Hyperthyroidism

For those wishing to further their education in the field of preventive lymphatic drainage, we recommend the corresponding instructional video from WellnessInPerfektion. This will teach you, in an easy-to-learn way, how to move tissue fluids and reduce edema.

What should be considered after lymphatic drainage?

After the treatment, you should keep a few things in mind to support the positive effects.

1. Tight, constricting clothing and accessories are a no-go, as they further impede lymph flow.
2. Care for your skin with a pH-neutral cream, as lymphedema increases the risk of infection. Be especially careful when caring for your nails, as even small injuries can allow pathogens to enter. For the same reason, you should wear gloves when doing housework and gardening.
3. Elevate your legs regularly to improve lymphatic drainage.
4. Limit your physical activities to light exercise such as walking, Nordic walking, swimming, etc. Sunbathing, saunas, and tanning beds are not recommended. However, you should not completely abstain from exercise.

By the way:

We advise against using diuretics, as these lead to an increased protein concentration in the tissue.