Manual Lymph Drainage

Manual Lymph Drainage for Patients With Acute Total Knee Replacement

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique utilized to decrease various forms of edema. This technique promotes reuptake of interstitial fluid along the pathways of the lymphatic system. This technique promotes healing, decrease swelling, and decrease pain.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique utilized to decrease various forms of edema. Edema can limit function, range of motion (ROM) and increase pain after surgery. Studies have shown that decreasing edema can increase knee strength and functional performance on various standardized measures. MLD has been shown to be effective in patients with hind foot operations and increases ROM post total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. The aim of this study is to determine whether MLD on a sample of patients with TKR will decrease edema, increase ROM and decrease pain as compared to TKR patients who do not receive MLD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• s/p total knee replacement
• Primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
• Able to read and understand English to consent
• Acceptance of the study protocol procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active infection
• Tumor
• Metastatic or systemic malignancy
• Acute thrombus
• History of pulmonary embolism
• Major cardiac pathology such has angina
• Heart attack or uncompensated congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Body mass index (BMI) > 40
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Renal dysfunction
• Joint revision
• Hospitalization length of stay less than or greater than 3 days
• Previous knee replacement
• Bilateral knee replacement