Lymphatic System Physiology Terry Kemp Certified Lymphatic Therapist

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 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 § info@MLDClinic. ca § 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