Establishing Guidelines for Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Establishing Guidelines for Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The purpose of this study is to establish optimal guidelines for Manual Lymphatic Drainage in participants with lower extremity lymphedema.

To determine if there is a difference in L-Dex Score and Segmental Limb Volume in participants with lower extremity lymphedema as measured in liters by the SOZO machine between participants who receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) techniques utilizing light tactile pressure with 5-10 mmHg without skin stretch versus medium tactile pressure of 11-20 mmHg and medium skin stretch with therapist in a stationary position, versus firm tactile pressure (> 21 mmHg) and maximal skin stretch with therapist weight shift.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All adults between the age of 30 - 75 years
• Lower extremity lymphedema

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women
• Participants who are unable to stand independently for up to 2 mins
• Participants who cannot make their own decisions
• Participants undergoing cancer treatment
• Participants with an Infection (active cellulitis)
• Participants with a known Iodine Allergy
• Participants who weigh more than 375 lbs
• Participants with cardiac arrhythmias or implanted electronic equipment
• Participants who have undergone joint replacement in involved extremity
• Participants with cardiac insufficiency