Lymphatic Drainage

Dr. Vodder’s Method and Elastic Compression Bandaging

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a preferred therapy in the physiotherapeutic approach to specific lymphatic system pathologies. It eliminates excess fluids, decongests, relieves swelling and heaviness, and alleviates stress by promoting relaxation. The action of Manual Lymphatic Drainage facilitates the movement of fluids, proteins, and immune cells, allowing for the restoration of normal lymph flow throughout the body and the elimination of various catabolites and waste products for the benefit of tissue circulation. The technique, according to Dr. Vodder, is performed by the physiotherapist with harmonious, slow, and rhythmic movements to respect the physiological parameters of lymphatic drainage.

Indications:

• Lymphedema (primary, post-operative/post-traumatic, resulting from neoplastic pathology).
• Post-plastic or aesthetic surgery interventions.
• Venous insufficiencies (venous ulcers), circulatory disorders affecting the microcirculation, vascular surgery interventions (stripping, saphenectomy).
• Sudeck’s atrophy syndrome.
• Rheumatological pathologies.
• Chronic inflammations of the respiratory tract: sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, recurrent otitis, and tonsillitis (in “lymphatic” children).
• Tinnitus, labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease.
• Connective tissue disorders (scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus) and adipose tissue disorders (lipoedema, localized cellulite).
• Migraine and headache, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy.

Elastic Compression Bandaging: Elastic compression bandaging is a fundamental element in lymphedema decongestion therapy. The pressure increase caused by bandaging promotes a positive gradient towards the interior of the vascular lumen, thereby reducing fluid stagnation in the interstitium. The bandaging material can vary in elasticity (long or short stretch elastic bandages), thus being more or less extendable and adaptable to volumetric changes determined by muscle contraction in the affected segment. The bandages are applied to the skin surface but, through mechanical transmission, produce the desired effect on deeper tissues. The choice of bandaging and its material is made based on fundamental parameters such as the patient’s clinical condition, age, functional capacity, and edema staging.