This article discusses the possibilities of LymphaTouch in the following treatment indications:
- reduction of swelling due to injury or surgery
- increasing the elasticity of soft tissue structures
- increasing the elasticity of scar tissues
Reducing swelling due to injury or surgery
Typically, lymphatic drainage and compression have been most commonly used in the treatment of injury or postoperative edema, as well as RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) as first aid. By LymphaTouch, the negative pressure lifts the skin, which opens the lymphatic capillaries of the lymphatic system, which helps the system to absorb swelling fluid. With LymphaTouch, swelling fluid can also be effectively moved towards the main ducts and away from the swelling area. In the treatment of edema, negative pressure values typically range from 20 to 150 mmHg. The LymphaTouch Pro device has built-in swelling treatment programs.
The use of LymphaTouch to reduce swelling has been studied in patients with lymphedema as well as in the treatment of pre- and postoperative edema. According to studies, LymphaTouch compares to be as effective in treating lymphaedema and postoperative edema as manual lymphatic drainage. In the treatment of postoperative edema, LymphaTouch can be used already on the day of surgery, to promote the natural healing process of the tissues.
Increased elasticity of soft tissue structures
LymphaTouch allows for a third direction of treatment, lifting, allowing the therapist to create a controlled stretch of tight or restricted tissues, lifting, twisting, and sliding the palate. Soft tissue and fascia treatment usually uses higher negative pressure values than swelling treatment in order to treat the tissue effectively.
The treatment performed with the LymphaTouch method is often perceived as pleasant and effective. By utilizing the mechanical vibration feature, tissue relaxation can be promoted even deeper. In ultrasound imaging, mechanical vibration (60 Hz) has been found to reach a depth of up to 5 cm. LymphaTouch treatment can be done as a separate treatment, but also as a pretreatment for other fascia treatments.
Increasing the elasticity of scar tissues
A scar is like an iceberg; We can only see what’s on top of it, but we don’t know what’s beneath the surface and how deep it affects. Scars from trauma or surgery can easily cause functional impairment such as tightness, limitation of movement and numbness.
LymphaTouch primarily affects the functionality of the scar by lifting the scar tissue and moving the cup over the scar tissue. Changes in the appearance of the scar are typically visible only after several treatment periods. Typically, scar treatment is started around the scar with a larger palate to ensure that the entire area that can be affected by scar tissue is treated. When treating directly from the top of the scar, a 10 mm palate is suitable for treating the scar.
Article is written by Clinical Specialist at LymphaTouch, Anna Viitala