All About Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Benefits and How it Works

Reduction of edema and accumulated fluids

Manual lymphatic drainage helps eliminate excess fluids and toxins, accelerating recovery after surgeries or injuries

Improvement of lymphatic and blood circulation

This technique promotes proper lymph flow, improving overall body circulation and promoting a greater sense of well-being.

Strengthening the immune system

By improving toxin elimination, lymphatic drainage contributes to a stronger immune system, helping the body prevent infections and diseases.

What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic technique aimed at improving the functioning of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for transporting lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, and cellular waste, throughout the body. This technique helps evacuate fluids and edema that accumulate in tissues due to different causes, such as surgical interventions, injuries, or circulatory disorders.

Lymphatic drainage improves lymph circulation, helping to eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and increase the body’s ability to fight infections. In summary, lymphatic drainage serves to decongest the lymphatic system, reduce swelling, and promote tissue regeneration, making it a valuable tool for post-surgical recovery and general well-being.

What does manual lymphatic drainage involve?

It is characterized by the application of gentle and rhythmic massages on different parts of the body, following the natural direction of lymphatic vessels. At Santuario Medical Center, we follow a method that combines several tools to enhance results: mechanical lymphatic drainage, cervical stimulation, manual therapy, and compression-containment. This combination allows for faster and more effective improvement of lymphatic circulation compared to other traditional techniques. With this method, patients experience notable improvement in their lymphatic health in both the short and long term, being especially useful for treating conditions such as lymphedema or post-surgical edema.

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Short-term benefits: One of the immediate benefits of manual lymphatic drainage is the reduction of edema and swelling in affected areas, especially after surgical procedures or injuries. By improving lymph circulation, the body can eliminate excess fluids and toxins more quickly, promoting faster and more efficient recovery. Additionally, lymphatic drainage helps relieve heaviness and muscle tension, providing an immediate sensation of relief and relaxation.

Long-term benefits: In the long term, the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage include improvement in overall immune system health, as proper lymph drainage contributes to the continuous elimination of waste and toxins from the body. This strengthens the body’s natural defenses, helping to prevent recurring diseases and infections. Likewise, this technique is fundamental for managing chronic conditions such as lymphedema, where fluid retention can seriously affect the patient’s quality of life.

Reduction of edema and swelling: Decreases fluid accumulation in affected areas, especially after surgeries or injuries
Acceleration of post-operative recovery: Improves elimination of fluids and toxins, facilitating faster recovery
Relief of heaviness and muscle tension: Provides immediate relaxation and reduces muscle discomfort
Strengthening of the immune system: Helps eliminate waste and toxins, improving body defenses in the long term
Improvement of circulation and skin appearance: Promotes better lymph circulation, reducing cellulite and improving skin health
Prevention and management of lymphedema: Crucial for treating this chronic condition, reducing fluid retention
Elimination of toxins: Stimulates the lymphatic system, helping the body eliminate waste and maintain a healthy balance

Conditions We Treat with Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Post-surgical edema: After surgery, fluid commonly accumulates in tissues, causing inflammation and discomfort. Manual lymphatic drainage accelerates the elimination of this excess fluid, reducing swelling and facilitating a faster and more comfortable recovery.
Lymphedema: This chronic condition occurs when there is a blockage in the lymphatic vessels that prevents proper lymph drainage, causing swelling in the extremities. Manual lymphatic drainage is key to managing lymphedema, significantly reducing fluid retention and improving the patient’s quality of life.
Fluid retention: The accumulation of fluids in the body can be a consequence of various causes, such as kidney, hormonal, or circulatory problems. Manual lymphatic drainage helps mobilize these fluids, promoting their elimination and relieving swelling.
Poor circulation: A blocked lymphatic system can contribute to blood circulation problems, causing heaviness in the legs and general fatigue. Manual lymphatic drainage improves both lymphatic and blood circulation, relieving these symptoms and promoting better body function.

Contraindications for Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Although manual lymphatic drainage is a safe and beneficial technique for many people, it is not recommended in certain specific cases. It is essential that the treatment is performed by a trained professional to avoid complications and ensure optimal results:

Acute infections: If the patient is suffering from an active infection, lymphatic drainage can spread the infection to other parts of the body. In these cases, treatment should be postponed until the infection is controlled.
Deep vein thrombosis: People with blood clots or deep vein thrombosis should not undergo lymphatic drainage, as manipulation of lymphatic vessels could increase the risk of a clot moving and causing serious complications such as pulmonary embolism.
Congestive heart failure: Manual lymphatic drainage can increase the fluid load in the circulatory system, which poses a risk for those suffering from heart failure. In these cases, it is preferable to avoid the technique to not aggravate the condition.
Untreated cancer: In people with untreated cancer or in the diagnostic process, manual lymphatic drainage is not recommended, as it could mobilize malignant cells to other parts of the body. It is necessary to consult with an oncologist before performing any type of lymphatic therapy in cancer patients.
Severe hypotension: Due to lymphatic drainage’s ability to lower blood pressure, it is not recommended for people who already suffer from severe hypotension, as it could cause dizziness or fainting.
Severe kidney problems: Those with kidney failure or serious kidney problems should avoid manual lymphatic drainage, as the treatment mobilizes large amounts of fluids and toxins that the kidneys may not be able to process properly.

Dr. Carlos Alberto Ríos

Plastic Surgeon

Specialist in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, speaker and lecturer for brands like Allergan and Motiva, studies in collaboration with the Colombian Government regarding biopolymers and their consequences on carriers, he is one of the pioneers in safe and effective techniques for Biopolymer Removal who offers all his experience to provide the best treatment to his clients.