Manual Lymphatic Drainage

What is manual lymphatic drainage? Who can benefit from it?

Manual lymphatic drainage helps stimulate or promote the movement of lymph to the lymph nodes to ensure optimal filtration of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is made up of different organs (tonsils, spleen, thymus), lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes as well as the lymph itself. It plays an important role in immune system defense.

It allows the transport, collection, purification of lymph and the body's defense against pathogens. The delivery of lymph to the lymph nodes may be more difficult in certain cases such as after surgery, during pregnancy, in cases of venous insufficiency or following breast cancer. In these cases, manual lymphatic drainage may be recommended and could be beneficial.

In France, medical lymphatic drainage (in the context of a pathology or illness) requires a prescription from your doctor, allowing partial coverage by the French Social Security. It can also be covered by your private insurance company (mutuelle). Lymphatic drainage for wellness and aesthetic purposes are unfortunately not covered by the Social Security.

Some examples of cases where manual lymphatic drainage may be performed: 

- lymphedema, breast cancer ; 

- lipedema ; 

- post surgical water retention (abdominoplasty, liposuction) ; 

- venous insufficiency or fluid retention such as during pregnancy ; 

- for comfort or esthetic purposes.

At Physio Paris, manual lymphatic drainage treatments are exclusively carried out by Johanna. You can contact her directly on 07 56 84 89 95.