A special compression suit is used in apparative lymphatic drainage. Unlike manual lymhpdrainage, it can be used anywhere, anytime and from home.
In this article we will talk about the effectiveness and applications of lymphatic drainage and to what extent a compression suit can replace manual lymphatic drainage.
What is lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage, also known as decongestive therapy or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a special form of massage. It is usually performed by a physiotherapist.
During this special massage, the lymphatic vessels are stimulated, which in turn is supposed to serve a faster removal of the lymphatic fluid. In a massage, as most people know it, the main aim is to stimulate blood circulation and massage away pain. This is not the goal of lymphatic drainage.
During lymphatic drainage, the skin and muscles are not kneaded. The therapist uses circular movements to stimulate the tissues and can thus promote the removal of lymph. In addition, there are several other standard hand grips.
To further promote the flow of lymph, the body - or rather the affected areas of the body - is wrapped after manual therapy. This additionally prevents further formation of edema.
For which complaints is lymphatic drainage used?
Lymphatic drainage is used for a wide variety of complaints.
One of the main areas of application is the treatment of lymphedema. Lymphedema is a pathological accumulation of lymphatic fluid that occurs mainly in the arms and legs. In order to stimulate the lymphatic system, and thus the drainage of lymph fluid, lymphatic drainage is performed.
This form of therapy can also be supportive after postoperative swelling or chronic venous insufficiency, colloquially known as varicose veins.
In addition to these clinical pictures, lymphatic drainage is also being used more and more frequently to positively influence the external appearance in the case of cellulite. However, it must be mentioned that there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of this treatment method.
Many professional athletes also swear by the effect of manual lymphatic drainage. It is supposed to help with the rapid regeneration of the muscles, so that performance can be increased again quickly.
Overview of various areas of application:
- Cellulite
- Wellness
- Edema
- Lymphatic massage
- Tightening of the skin
- Heavy legs
- Regeneration for athletes
How does a compression suit work?
A special compression suit mimics manual lymphatic drainage. The exact name for this form of therapy is apparative lymphatic drainage. Such a suit consists of a varying number of air chambers. After the suit is put on and connected to the power supply, the therapy can begin.
Most of the suits have different programs that can be selected depending on the need and duration of the application. After selecting and starting the program, air is pumped into the chambers. Thus, pressure is applied in the appropriate areas and the lymphatic system is stimulated.
The compressed air is not pumped into the entire suit at the same time, but is slowly moved upwards from the feet or arms. In this way, the blood is transported in the direction of the heart. The movements of the compressed air take place in waves.
The compression suit for the whole body can be used not only in case of complaints or diseases, but also as a pure wellness treatment.
The application of the apparative lymphatic drainage is perceived by the users as very pleasant and similar to that of a massage. It should never cause pain. If they do occur, it may be because the air pressure is set too high.
Devices with multiple chambers are always preferable, as they stimulate the lymphatic system better and more finely.
Can apparative lymphatic drainage replace manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage cannot necessarily be replaced by a compression suit, but it can be very supportive in the treatment.
The advantage of a compression suit or compression sleeves for arms or legs is clearly that they are accessible to everyone. This is not necessarily the case with manual lymphatic drainage. So for people with ailments who don't have access to a therapist, treatment with a special device can provide relief from their symptoms that is not otherwise possible.
One prejudice against these devices that has persisted for many years is that they cause long-term hardening of the skin.
In a three-year study in which eighteen patients were treated daily with a compression device, this statement could not be confirmed. The patients all had stage two to four lymphedema of the leg. During this therapy, the circumference of the calves and thighs decreased and the elasticity of the tissue increased. There were no complications.
Is it worth buying a compression suit for home use?
Even though many physiotherapists and doctors are still critical of apparative lymphatic drainage, it is nevertheless being used more and more frequently as a supplement to manual lymphatic drainage.
To try out such a device, it is therefore worth visiting a therapist. If you are convinced of the results, you can consider purchasing one for your home.
The purchase seems quite expensive at first. However, as the study described above has shown, it is quite possible to use the device on a daily basis. Especially in case of lymphedema, it is advisable to do lymphatic drainage as often as possible. However, going to physical therapy every day is not possible for most people in terms of time and finances. Considered in this context, the one-time high expense for a compression suit can pay for itself after only a few months.
In addition to complete suits, there are also compression sleeves for arms and legs. A suit is particularly suitable if edema occurs at various points or if apparative lymphatic drainage is to be used primarily as a wellness treatment.
Before you decide to buy a compression device, a doctor or physiotherapist should always be consulted. This is because lymphatic drainage is not suitable for everyone. It can even be dangerous for certain diseases or conditions.
These include:
- acute inflammations
- severe cardiac insufficiency
- deep thrombosis in the leg veins
- very low blood pressure
- malignant tumors
- hyperthyroidism
A compression suit is very suitable for the treatment of lymphedema from home. It can be ideally used as a supplement to manual lymphatic drainage and positively contribute to the permanent relief of symptoms.
Author: Physiotherapist Marvin Seidel
Source and image source: Clubsante
Published on: 16 August 2022