LYMPHATICS

Question 1

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Answer 1

The lymphatic system is one directional & has no
pump of its own.
Valves prevent backflow.
Lymphatic flow is aided by local vascular & muscular
contraction & by the action of the diaphragm.

Question 2

HOW DOES LYMPHATICS WORK?

Answer 2

Lymphatic drainage techniques work by assisting
movement through lymphatic vessels by creating
pressure differential or by utilizing muscular
assistance that nature has provided

Question 3

THINGS THAT MOVE LYMPH

Answer 3

Contraction of smooth muscles
Thoracic: abdominal gradient
Exercise
Manual therapy

Question 4

PEDAL PUMP TECHNIQUE

Answer 4

Pt supine with feet slightly off couch
Examiner holds round the bottom of pt feet and slowly pushes back and forward

Question 5

PEDAL PUMP - WHAT DOES IT DO?

Answer 5

Dorsiflexion= lymphatic vessels compressed between gastrocnemius and soleus
–> pushes lymph towards heart
Release= -ve pressure = sucking more lymph upwards

Question 6

KNEE DRAINAGE TECHNIQUE

Answer 6

Pt supine, knee bent and foot flat on couch
Examiner sits on pt foot
Starting with hands crossed and pointing down, bring hands around knee till you get to the popliteal fossa
Once at the popliteal fossa, pull back

Question 7

KNEE DRAINAGE - WHAT DOES IT DO?

Answer 7

Milks local lymphatics, subsequent techniques drain

Question 8

THIGH TWIST TECHNIQUE

Answer 8

Pt supine
With pt leg on examiners shoulder use both hands to twist the thigh back and forward

Question 9

THIGH TWIST - WHAT DOES IT DO?

Answer 9

Wringing effect= suction effect

Question 10

INGUINAL PUMP TECHNIQUE

Answer 10

Pt supine
Find the femoral pulse
Place hand

Question 11

INGUINAL PUMP - WHAT DOES IT DO?

Answer 11

Drains deep + superficial inguinal nodes
–> between inguinal ligament and femoral artery
Circumduction of hip with alternating pressure + release over femoral triangle drains nodes