May 24, 2002 – Until now, changes in manual lymphatic drainage in lymphedema (swelling of the lymphatic system) could only be measured by visual observation and palpation. To obtain objective and reproducible measurements, massage therapist Robert Harris1 has therefore brought together three recently accessible technologies: tonometry, bio-impedance and perometry (perometry).
Two people with severe lymphedema in one leg had these tests. In one case, it was a primary lymphedema (from birth), in the other, a secondary lymphedema (appeared following surgery). These two people treated themselves in a conventional way: low support, laser treatments, lymphatic massages and certain exercises.
Mr. Harris performed a 45-minute manual lymphatic drainage using Dr. Vodder’s method2 on each patient. The measurements were taken before and after the treatment: the tonometer measured the tension in the tissues; the bio-impedance apparatus circulated an electric current to locate the liquid masses in these tissues; and that of perometry, a to scan infrared, evaluated the change in volume. These devices therefore revealed that, following the operation, lymphatic fluid had moved markedly through the body, even though some lymphatic glands were probably no longer functioning and some vessels atrophied.
The treated limbs had reduced in volume, but more specifically, there was a reduction in fluid in the treated leg (170 ml and 120 ml, respectively) in each case, as well as a (less) reduction in the other leg. . It was also observed that the displaced fluid was distributed mainly in the torso, but also in the arms. To prevent this fluid from returning to the treated limbs – since elimination does not normally occur there – they must be constrained with compression bandages (combined decongestive therapy). During the compression period, lymphatic fluid can be eliminated normally from the torso and arms.
Besides the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage, this experiment would have revealed, according to Mr. Harris, that it is possible to restore the functionality of the lymphatic system without necessarily working on the edema. On the other hand, an imbalance in one part of the lymphatic system can lead to others elsewhere.
Lymphedema3 is a lifelong condition and maintenance treatments should be scheduled. Lymphedema sometimes occurs after radiation therapy that causes fibrosis of the lymphatic ducts.
Lucie Dumoulin – PasseportSanté.net
Based on a presentation by Robert Harris, “Objective Measurement of the Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Given at the 1st International Congress on the Science of Touch”, Montreal, May 18, 2002.
1. Trained in biology, Robert Harris worked in the laboratory before turning to massage therapy. He is now director of the North American branch of the Dr. Vodder School, in Vancouver.
2. To learn more about the Vodder technique: http: //www.vodderschool.com
3. To find out more about lymphedema, visit the website of the Association québécoise du lymphoedème: http: //www.infolympho.icomm.ca/fr/index_fr.html
