Lymphedema

March 8

Manual lymph drainage is used to treat lymphoedema. A common but little-known condition, primary lymphedema is swelling, usually of the lower and/or upper limbs. It occurs when the lymphatic vessels are no longer able to drain lymph, which then accumulates in the tissues beneath the skin. Secondary lymphedema is caused by a lack of lymphatic vessels following trauma or surgery. These have been damaged, severed or destroyed, for example by radiotherapy.

A common but little-known condition, primary lymphedema is swelling, usually of the lower and/or upper limbs. It occurs when the lymphatic vessels are no longer able to drain lymph, which then accumulates in the tissues beneath the skin. Secondary lymphedema is caused by a lack of lymphatic vessels following trauma or surgery. These have been damaged, severed or destroyed, for example by radiotherapy.
The main causes of lymphedema are..:
- Lymphatic insufficiency: if edema has always been present to a greater or lesser extent, with an increasing tendency over the years, initial lymphatic insufficiency may be the cause.
- Chronic venous insufficiency: edema often appears in the feet and calves. Particularly at the end of the day and in hot weather, weaker venous return leads to poor lymphatic circulation, resulting in a sensation of heavy or swollen legs.
- Surgery & trauma: after surgery or other physical trauma, microcirculation is damaged.
- Lipoedema: This is a chronic condition in which abnormal fatty tissue deposits under the skin, causing a progressive increase in the volume of the legs and, in some cases, the arms(find out more).
The proposed treatment aims to reduce edema and slow its development over time. It involves a combination of lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging and, once lymphedema has been reduced, the application of elastic compression.
Manual lymph drainage: Manual lymph drainage stimulates microcirculation to reduce lymphedema. Specifically trained and experienced physiotherapists apply slow pressure along the entire length of the lymphatic system.
Compression bandages: duringthe initial phase of treatment, multi-layer compression bandages are applied to complement manual lymphatic drainage.
Elastic restraint: essentialafter treatment, elastic restraint maintains the benefits of manual lymph drainage and compression bandaging. It prevents lymph from accumulating again.
[CHUV, 03.03.2022]
Contraindications: acute infection, tuberculosis, recent thrombosis, cardiac edema, renal failure (uncompensated), organ transplant (to be discussed with your therapist)

Relative contraindications (specific area) : thrombosis (more than 6 weeks), decompensated cardiac failure, hyperthroidism, high blood pressure, asthma, menstruation, pregnancy, organ transplant, various implants, malignant tumors.
Our lymphatic drainages in Lausanne are priced at:
60 minutes | CHF 120.00
90 minutes | CHF 180.00
Make an appointment
Your supplementary insurance (ASCA / APTN) may cover all or part of your lymphatic drainage costs.
Please check with your supplementary insurance company for reimbursement conditions.