Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage (also decongestive therapy) is an effective and safe medical procedure for treating lymphedema.

Typical areas of application:

after surgeryLipoedemaLymphoedemaSurgery for breast cancerSwollen legs

Our stations for Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Together with you, we select the most suitable methods from the various areas of physiotherapy. You can choose which physiotherapist you would like to be treated by at our locations in and around Zurich.

Physio Station Affoltern

Physio Station Albisrieden

Physio Station Dietikon

Physio Station Schlieren

What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphedema occurs in the human body when the lymph drainage is disturbed. This causes fluid to build up in the tissue, resulting in visible swelling. Lymphedema can be congenital or caused by certain diseases, such as cancer or a venous disease, or by injury to the lymph vessels.

Manual lymphatic drainage is an integral part of physiotherapy and is specifically designed to support the lymphatic system. It is used as a gentle massage technique to promote the transport of lymph and its waste products out of the body.

How does lymphatic drainage work?

During manual lymphatic drainage, our therapists use gentle superficial circular movements on your body to stimulate your lymph vessels and promote the removal of lymph fluid. The four basic techniques of standing circle, pump grip, scoop grip and twist grip are typically used during a lymphatic drainage session to provide the best possible relief from your symptoms.

When is lymphatic drainage useful and when is it not?

There are various diseases and health conditions for which manual lymphatic drainage can be helpful. The following conditions are typical cases where lymphatic drainage can help:

chronic lymphedema
chronic venous insufficiency
postoperative or post-traumatic swelling
pregnancy-related edema
cellulite

There are also some cases in which manual lymphatic drainage is objectively less helpful, but where our physiotherapists in Zurich can still offer the patient a feeling of improvement after your appointment through special massage techniques that stimulate the lymphatic system. This is the case, for example, with chronic polyarthritis and CRPS.

However, lymphatic drainage should not be used, or only after consultation with the treating physician, for certain medical conditions. These include:

Malignant tumors
Acute inflammation such as fever
Severe heart failure (decompensated heart failure grade III-IV)
Cardiac arrhythmia
Very low blood pressure (hypotension, below 100/60 mmHg)
Acute deep thrombosis of the leg or arm veins
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or carotid sinus syndrome
Unclear skin changes or inflammation of the skin (erysipelas)

Benefits of lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage is particularly well tolerated by most patients and is perceived as helpful because it has a number of benefits. The main advantages are as follows:

Reducing swelling: manual lymphatic drainage promotes the removal of excess tissue fluid, thereby reducing swelling. This is particularly relevant for lymphoedema, but the method can also be used as compression therapy to reduce swelling after injuries or operations.
Pain relief: By relieving the lymphatic system and promoting the drainage of lymph, pain caused by swelling and tension in the tissue can be alleviated.
Muscle relaxation: The gentle, rhythmic massage provided by a lymphatic drainage physiotherapy session can help relax a patient’s muscles. This is particularly useful for muscle tension or stiffness, which is often associated with pain.
Strengthening the immune system: By stimulating the immune system and improving the flow of lymph, manual lymphatic drainage massage can help to strengthen the immune system. An efficient lymphatic system, and especially lymph nodes, helps the body to eliminate toxins and waste products, which in turn promotes the overall health of patients.

Questions and answers

Do you have any questions? Here are some of the most common ones:

Is lymphatic drainage painful?

No, lymphatic drainage should not be painful. It feels more like a gentle massage. During the treatment, your physiotherapist will use light, circular movements and special hand techniques to promote lymph flow without applying pressure. This gentle approach makes the treatment well tolerated by most people, which is why it is often It is important that you provide feedback to your physiotherapist during the treatment to ensure your individual well-being.

How often should I have lymphatic drainage?

In the initial phase of lymphedema treatment, it is recommended that treatment be carried out two to three times a week. The aim of regular physiotherapy sessions is to effectively reduce swelling and restore normal lymph flow. Your individual treatment plan will be drawn up together with our physiotherapists and may vary depending on the severity of the lymphedema and your state of health. As you continue

What do I have to bear in mind after a lymphatic drainage treatment?

No special precautions are necessary after a lymphatic drainage treatment. However, we recommend wearing loose clothing to avoid affecting the normal lymph flow. Take care to look after your skin, use mild products and avoid minor injuries to minimize the risk of infection. If you are unsure, you can always consult our physiotherapists.

How much does a lymphatic drainage treatment cost?

On average, a lymphatic drainage massage costs between 90 and 140 CHF per session. However, the costs can vary depending on the individual application. Many health insurance companies (basic insurance) cover the costs of lymphatic drainage if it is medically necessary for you and if it is carried out on medical advice (physiotherapy prescription).

Self-directed training

Prevent chronic complaints by exercising regularly.

With a training subscription at the Physio Station, you not only relieve acute pain, but also prevent recurring symptoms in the long term. At the same time, you improve your mobility and strengthen your muscles. In this way, you can improve your quality of life in the long term and lead an active, pain-free life.