Understanding Lymphatic Drainage

Categories: Physical Therapy2.3 min read

by Stephen Luther, M.D.

Awards for best housekeeper, bodyguard, and CEO of inflammation are earned by our lymphatic system daily for its vital role in our immune system. Picture a microscopic foreign invader that discovers a break in your skin and silently sneaks in; your lymphatic system quickly detects it and sounds an intruder alert.

Your immune response rushes to action, and before it gets too far, it is picked up by lymph, a clear fluid that securely transports it through the lymphatic vessels to captivity in your lymph nodes.

Within this bean-shaped node, lymphocytes, which are specialized white blood cell warriors, skillfully destroy it. Proper lymphatic drainage avoids overcrowding (swelling) in lymph nodes and balances fluid by clearing out toxins and metabolic waste. Your overall health is boosted when good housekeeping reduces and eliminates inflammation.

Symbios Physical Therapy can assist with manual lymphatic drainage, also known as a lymphatic massage, which stimulates the flow of lymph fluid to maintain tissue health and improve healing after a surgical procedure or illness. Symbios encourages you to achieve outstanding health with our insider tips about your lymphatic system.

The Role of Lymph Nodes

More than 600 lymph nodes are in clusters throughout the body, especially in the neck, groin, armpits, abdomen, and chest. Lymph nodes contribute to our health by:

Filtration: Lymph nodes filter out harmful pathogens and waste products from the lymphatic fluid.
Immune Response: They house lymphocytes that detect and respond to infections, initiating an immune response to fight off invaders.
Fluid Balance: By regulating the body’s fluid amount, lymph nodes help maintain tissue health and prevent swelling.

How Lymphatic Drainage Reduces Inflammation

Your body’s lymphatic system is designed to help reduce inflammation through:

Enhanced Fluid Removal: Lymphatic drainage reduces swelling and pressure by facilitating the removal of excess fluid and waste products from tissues.
Immune Support: Efficient lymphatic drainage enhances the activity of lymphocytes, which helps fight off infections and reduce inflammation.
Toxin Removal: Lymphatic drainage improves the immune system’s effectiveness by clearing toxins and metabolic waste.

Inflammation is a natural response to injury, surgery, or infection. However, prolonged or chronic inflammation may extend healing time or lead to various health concerns. Because your lymphatic system plays a vital role in the healing process, manual lymphatic drainage from a lymphatic massage may be recommended by your doctor.

Lymphatic Massage: A Manual Boost to Post-Procedure Healing

A lymphatic massage is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, and waste products. It is particularly beneficial after medical procedures, including BeautiFill laser lipo, an autologous fat transfer procedure offered at Symbios Medical Spa. Discover if you can benefit from a lymphatic massage by talking to a Symbios medical expert today.

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I had the signature facial at Symbios Medical Spa – it was absolutely wonderful. The aesthetician was outstanding – she has a way of making you feel so relaxed and pampered, while taking great care of your skin. The facilities are clean and everything you’d expect in a medical spa. Knowing that Symbios was launched by Dr. Stephen Luther, I felt certain that there would be a focus on doing the best possible for the patient/patient. I was so impressed that I’ve signed up for additional treatments.

Dr. Luther, you are a man with a long-term vision! This sort of vision is rare. In my 69 years, I have only seen it in my mother, Pastor Owens, and you. It was quite a feat to leave your corporate medical office to form a new practice, incorporating your vision, time, planning, effort, money, and fortitude. You created a great primary care team and added many more services to focus on the whole person, such as the lab, women’s care, physical therapy, spa, and gym. Your steady and faith-filled leadership meets the needs of the entire person, both inside and out. You have the best bedside manner, bar none.

I recently had a yearly wellness visit at this new facility. It is clean and very welcoming inside. The staff folks were great from start to finish. The appointment was right on time as scheduled. Dr. Luther was very nice and attentive to all I had to say. Following up with an appropriate referral as needed. It is really really nice to have the labs done right there. They do a follow-up telehealth visit to review your labs with you which is really reassuring to the patient. The portal also works very smoothly and is easy to use . Can’t say enough good about my visit.

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Working with Stephanie in pelvic floor physical therapy has been an amazing experience as I had bladder prolapse which improved significantly with therapy. Also other symptoms related to urgency and inability to completely void have also gotten much better. Stephanie is a true professional and has been able to make what could have been an uncomfortable or embarrassing experience feel completely relaxed and normal. She is also able to follow my lead in using humor when it is helpful. She encourages me to do my exercises on my own without preaching. I would recommend Stephanie and this PT for anyone dealing with female related issues. We will also be working on increasing opportunities for more comfortable intimacy with my husband. So everyone is happy.

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