Lymphatic pump explained

The lymphatic pump is a method of manipulation used by physicians who practice manual medicine (primarily osteopathic physicians).

Manual lymphatic drainage techniques remain a clinical art founded upon hypotheses, theory, and preliminary evidence.^[1]

History

The term lymphatic pump was invented by Earl Miller, D.O. to describe what was formerly known in osteopathic medicine as the thoracic pump technique.^[2]

Technique

The technique is applied to a person lying down by holding their ankle and applying gentle pressure repeatedly using the leg as a "lever" to rock the pelvis.^[3]

Relative contraindications

While no firmly established absolute contraindications exist for lymphatic techniques, the following cases are examples of relative contraindications: bone fractures, bacterial infections with fever, abscesses, and cancer.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Vairo . Giampietro L . Miller . Sayers John . McBrier . Nicole M . Buckley . William E . 2009 . Systematic Review of Efficacy for Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Practice Approach . The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy . 17 . 3 . e80–e89 . 10.1179/jmt.2009.17.3.80E . 1066-9817 . 2755111 . 20046617.
2. Web site: Glossary of Osteopathic Terminology. American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. 28. April 2009. 4 November 2012.
3. Book: Grace S, Deal M . Textbook of Remedial Massage . 2012 . Elsevier Australia . 978-0-7295-3969-2 . 169.
4. Book: Savarese. Robert G.. Capobianco. John D.. Cox. James J.. OMT review. 2009. 126. Robert G. Savarese . 978-0967009018.