Current Status of the Management for Lymphedema in Asian Countries

[IS-3] Effects of Manual lymphatic drainage

^〇Ns. Jung Ok Oh (Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea)

Lymphedema is characterized by swelling of the extremity due to lack of drainage of the lymph into the circulation. This condition occurs from damage or obstruction of the lymphatic vessels from surgery, radiation therapy, burn injury and recurrent infection of the extremity.
Manual lymphatic drainage(MLD) is safe and effective tool for lymphedema treatment and which is a type of gentle massage to encourage the natural lymphatic drainage.
We ascertain and report effectiveness of MLD for various lymphedema cases in our rehabilitation center. We applied MLD of OJO method to patients once or twice a week for 6 months and taught to do daily home care to patient or guardian.
Two postoperative cancer patients(breast cancer, cervical cancer), ten burn patients(face:2, arm:4, leg:4), one chronic cellulitis patient were subjective of MLD. We measured thickness of edema, sensory condition, degree of inflammation, fibrosis and stress.
All patients felt satisfaction like lightness and softness of their extremities after first trying MLD, Within 3 months applying MLD to patients, thickness of edema was decreased, sensory condition enhanced, degree of inflammation relieved, fibrosis and stress relieved.
We hope that MLD for lymphedema treatment become widespread and improve quality of life of patients.