Download Lymphatic System Physiology

Lymphatic System Physiology
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist & RMT
MLDClinic.ca
Lymphatic System
 Hybrid system between venous and arterial
systems
 Active system with motor units (lymphangions)
along lymph vessels which pump lymph
throughout the body
 Motorosity increased by transverse and
longitudinal stretching of lymph vessels
 MLD therapy uses hands-on pressure techniques
to stretch lymph and increase pumping action
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Physiology of Lymphatic System
Illustrates the ability to separate
blood vessels (blue) from lymphatics
(yellow) using differently coloured
Microfil preparations (sheep).
Visualization of lymphatic vessels containing Microfil. Reference scales are
provided as a longitudinal bar (1 mm).
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Physiology of Lymphatic System
Lymphatic networks in the
subarachnoid compartment (pig).
These networks ultimately connect
with various lymph nodes.
Visualization of lymphatic vessels containing Microfil. Reference scales are
provided as a longitudinal bar (1 mm).
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Physiology of Lymphatic System
Retropharyngeal node example
(sheep). Pre-nodal vessels converge
on lymph nodes, with lymphatics
congregating into small ducts on the
node capsule.
n = lymph node
L = lymphangion
= valves
Visualization of lymphatic vessels containing Microfil. Reference scales are
provided as a longitudinal bar (1 mm).
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Lymphangions
Lymphangions run along entire length
of lymph vessels. Peristaltic
contractions are 6 – 10/min at rest
and up to 20/min.
Motorosity is increased by transverse
and longitudinal stretching of lymph
vessels with MLD therapy
Visualization of lymphatic vessels containing Microfil. Reference scales are provided
as a longitudinal bar (1 mm). n = lymph node, L = lymphangion,
= valves
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Lymphovenous Disease
Lymphedema
Lipedema
Dynamic Edema/Venous
Insufficiency
Protein rich edema
Adipocyte hypertrophy with
abnormally high interstitial
pressure dynamics
Normal protein edema
Resulting from high osmosis
force in tissue space
Normal lymphatics
Resulting from increased
lymphatic load
Reduced lymphatic capacity
Reduced venous return
Normal lymphatics.
Reduced venous return.
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
 Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) addresses swelling disorders and
acute/chronic pain in:
 Lymphedema (primary and secondary)
 Chronic venous insufficiency
 Lipedema
 Arthritis
 Concussion
 Diabetes
 Pre- and post-surgical care
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Application of MLD Therapy
 Systemic approach; re-directing around damaged
lymphatic pathways
 Application of lymph anatomy to re-direct lymph
to viable watersheds
 Used with combined decongestive therapy for
edema management
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Contact the MLD Clinic
 Treatment considerations and MLD
therapy protocols on our website
 [email protected]
 902 448 0940
 Two Halifax, NS locations:
 6820 Chebucto Road
 237 Purcells Cove Road
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca
Citations
Lymphatic imaging:
Johnston et al. Cerebrospinal Fluid
Research 2004 1:2 doi:10.1186/1743-8454-1-2
Clinical:
Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage: A
Practical Guide
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT
www.MLDClinic.ca