THE MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE ON THE LOWER LIMB: A GUIDE FOR A CURRENT APPLICATION

Abstract

 The manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a procedure used very often in the treatment of physical therapy oedema of the lower limbs. The original procedure, described in 1932 by Vodder, is still used by some physical therapists. However, many updates to the technical knowledge are necessary based both on existing data and scientific validation. In this sense, this article should be seen as a revision of the manual procedure raising a debate about the need to massage the lymph nodes at a distance from the oedema, with required specific breathing, massage the area of the cranial prior to draining the swelling and the implementation of manual drainage oedema.