Manual lymph drainage is a form of massage based upon the theory that it will support the natural drainage of the lymph, which takes away waste products from your tissues back to the heart. It is an effective way to alleviate the symptoms associated with lymphedema as lymph fluids constantly drain away from your lymphatic system. Lymphedema is often caused by poor posture, obesity and/or age, along with many other causes. Its symptoms include persistent swelling, puffiness, redness and pain of the arms and legs, fatigue, night sweats, feeling drained, feeling sick with frequent fever, constant bruising, joint and muscle pain, feeling drained, skin that is dry and crack, difficulty breathing and feeling nauseous.
The purpose of manual lymphatic drainage techniques is to increase the efficiency at which your lymphatic system removes waste from your body. These techniques are generally done in conjunction with compression garments such as compression stockings. There are a variety of different massage techniques used in manual lymph drainage and there are some that overlap. For instance, there are those that would perform a Swedish massage while there are other that would use kneading techniques. In addition, there are other methods such as electric stimulation, ultrasound, and infrared lasers. There are many massage therapists who specialize in this field and there are classes offered to teach others how to perform these techniques.
One of the most popular areas of manual lymphatic drainage therapy is called vodder and is usually done in Dubai physiotherapy clinic. This is done by having a therapist put pressure on your lower leg, particularly between the ankle and the knee. Vodder therapy aims to reduce swelling by increasing the amount of lymph fluid that flows through the vein. The fluid then is directed back to the heart instead of accumulating in the lower extremities such as the knees, ankles, and feet. This is one of the most common methods used for reducing swelling and has been known to work well for almost every patient.
The placement of a manual lymph drainage massage can vary. For instance, in Swedish massage, the therapist would stimulate the trigger points located in the groin. The trigger points help to release tension and blocks in the muscle tissues. This helps to relieve pressure in the area and encourages a more natural healing process. In contrast, in the case of Vodder, the therapist applies rhythmic movements that move the fluid through the system to the liver and kidneys in order to reduce swelling.