An Essential Piece to Recovery following Surgery: Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is integral to your health. After any surgical procedure, it is vital in reducing swelling, promoting healing, and assisting in your recovery.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system carries lymph fluid within a network of lymphatic vessels and nodes. Although it has many functions. its primary job is to help regulate fluid volume and pressure within tissues. It does this by transporting excess fluid (proteins, toxins, electrolytes, cellular debris, fats) from within the tissues to its proper lymph nodes. It supports the immune system by carrying white blood cells to the infection site. It also helps move hormones and fatty acids into the blood stream. Lymphatic fluid is carried through microtubules (the size of fiber optics;think about the mood lights with the fine filaments). Deep pressure collapses these tubules, so that fluid can not flow through them. Due to this, Lymphatic Drainage Technique, LDT, (a gentle skin stretch technique) excels at addressing the majority of edema, which is superficial.

How Lymphatic Drainage Works Post-Surgery

Swelling occurs when the lymphatic fluid flows in the wrong direction and doesn't reach the proper lymph nodes. LDT corrects improper direction of lymphatic fluid to decrease edema. The excess fluid is excreted through urination. Following a session, patients often feel pleasantly relaxed while their limbs feel energized and more comfortable. A 2015 study published in Lymphatic Research and Biology concluded that lymphatic drainage significantly decreased post-surgical edema and helped reduce pain in patients who had knee and hip surgeries.

Lymphatic Drainage and Knee/ Hip Replacement Recovery

Knee and hip replacements are major surgical procedures. Recovery can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Physical and occupational therapy are often the primary focus following surgery. While exercise, deep breathing, laughter and heavy manual therapy address deep edema, LDT excels at decreasing the majority of the edema (superficial). Below are bullet points that highlight the strengths of LDT for your quick reference:

1. Reduces Swelling (Edema): Swelling, which occurs as part of the body’s natural healing response, commonly occurs after surgical procedures. Our bodies don't have a mechanical system to correct superficial edema. We rely on a skin stretch technique, applied with very light pressure (LDT). This therapy is exceptional at moving the excess fluid in the proper direction to decrease edema.

2. Decreases Pain: Edema can put pressure on nerves and tissues, leading to pain. Re-directing lymphatic flow to move to their appropriate nodes, lessens pressure, resulting in reduced discomfort.

3. Promotes Healing: Efficient lymphatic drainage helps remove metabolic waste, toxins, and dead cells from the site of surgery, ensuring that healthy cells can regenerate more effectively. This can lead to a faster and more complete recovery.

4. Supports Immune Function: The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and helps the body to ward off infections. After surgery, the body is more susceptible to infection. Enhancing lymphatic flow can help boost your body’s ability to fight off any potential threats.

5. Prevents Long-Term Complications: Improper lymphatic system function, can lead to chronic swelling and pain. When there is long-standing edema, the body lays down fibrotic tissue, which can permanently trap excess fluid within the tissues. The limb becomes spongy and water logged. When pushed, the skin doesn't spring back but holds indentations for a period of time (pitting edema). LDT reminds the body how to flush out waste more efficiently, promoting faster recovery. It gives your body a little extra support while it recovers.

   
   

Incorporating Lymphatic Drainage into Your Recovery

Incorporating lymphatic drainage techniques into your rehabilitation plan, can significantly expedite your healing process. Manual lymphatic drainage therapy performed by a trained therapist, is a safe and effective way to quickly promote proper lymph flow. Additionally, (with your doctor’s approval) staying active by walking and elevating the affected limb above your heart, can also help encourage edema reduction Compression garments, such as stockings or sleeves, can also support you by applying controlled pressure to the affected area. Longer compression garments are best. Edema accumulates above or below the garment, when it doesn't cover the limb up to the major lymph node congregations (groin area, arm pit area). Staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and getting enough sleep are all essential to keeping your lymphatic system working at its best.

Lymphatic drainage may not always be a common recommendation following surgery. It is an integral part of the healing process. Our body does not have an automatic system to correct superficial edema. LDT restores proper lymphatic drainage with a gentle, skin stretch technique. By reducing swelling and inflammation, supporting immune function, the lymphatic system has a critical role in supporting your recovery and quality of life.

I have helped patients significantly increase their comfort and speed up their recovery for over 20 years with Lymphatic Drainage Technique. Acupuncture is also great for pain relief and to expedite recovery. Please feel free to call me at 858-304-0247 for a free 15 minute consultation. I'd love to help you.