Overview of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures
The lymphatic system, a complex network of tissues and organs, plays a vital role in our body’s immunity. It works like the body’s waste disposal unit, removing toxins, waste, and other unnecessary materials through a fluid called lymph. Even though its role is essential, it is often overlooked in modern medical education. This system ensures proper fluid balance in your body, keeping you healthy. When you have inflammation, the lymphatic system changes to help your body maintain a stable internal environment.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a therapy often used for physical discomfort. It’s designed to improve the natural connection between your nerves and muscles, enhance body movement, ease pain and increase flexibility. It has a close relationship with the lymphatic system. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, who developed osteopathy, highly regarded the lymphatic system. He believed it was vital for clearing out waste that could lead to disease. Today, we know more about how the lymphatic system contributes to some long-term health conditions.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, attempting to heal. During this process, the body releases various signaling chemicals to call in the immune cells. It’s important for these signals to be flushed out of the body via the lymphatic system, as this aids in healing.
Osteopaths, the professionals who practice OMT, utilize knowledge about the lymphatic system to tailor treatments for individual patients. They believe that the removal of fluids, known as lymphatic drainage, plays a key role in the management of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. This disease causes serious inflammation resulting in pain and damage to the joint tissues. Evidence shows that patients with this disease have increased lymph production and drainage.
Osteopaths often use techniques similar to those of chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. Their unique strength lies in their deep understanding of human body functions and structures, which allows them to adjust treatments to each patient’s needs. This broad understanding not only improves spinal alignment but also helps manage several other health conditions.
There are specific osteopathic techniques designed to enhance lymphatic flow. However, even techniques not originally intended for lymphatic treatment can be employed thanks to the comprehensive understanding of human anatomy. During these treatments, it’s also crucial to consider any structures that might affect the lymphatic vessels. OMT provides a variety of techniques that can tackle numerous health issues, including those related to the lymphatic system. An impaired lymphatic system can lead to problems like accumulated lymph, reduced immune responses, fat accumulation, swelling of tissues and build-up of connective tissue.
Anatomy and Physiology of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures
The lymphatic system is a network of tubes called lymphatic vessels spread throughout the body, much like blood vessels. This system starts in the tissues of the body with tiny channels called lymph capillaries. They collect fluid from body tissues which then drains into larger collecting channels. These channels then drain into small lumps called lymph nodes. Lymph from the lower half and left upper half of the body sails to the thoracic duct, while lymph from the remaining parts, including the right upper half, drains into the right lymphatic duct.
The early parts of this system, lymphatic capillaries, are composed of a single layer of cells, known as endothelial cells. These cells don’t stick together very tightly but are anchored to the tissue around them through tiny fibres. These fibres cause the capillaries to change shape according to the movement of surrounding tissues. These capillaries act like one-way valves, only allowing fluid to flow in one direction.
The larger collecting vessels begin with the presence of a valve, which ensures the fluid (lymph) only moves in one direction. Segment between these valves are called lymphangions. They contain layers of muscle around them that helps propel lymph along. Evidence suggests that the contraction of skeletal muscles near these vessels also aids the movement of lymph.
The lymphatic system is not just about vessels and fluids. It consists of important organs like the spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, adenoids, tonsils, and thymus. The lymph nodes (about 700 in an average adult) play a major role in producing and storing cells to fight infections, and they also filter lymph. The tonsils and adenoids are groups of lymphatic cells at the back of the throat and behind the soft palate. The thymus, which sits just behind the sternum, is responsible for the maturation of T cells, an essential component of our immune system. The spleen, the largest organ of the lymphatic system, houses infection-fighting white blood cells while also filtering blood.
Lastly, it’s important to know certain areas where lymphatic vessels might be blocked due to physical disorders. These include areas like the thoracic outlet (where the neck meets the chest), thoracic diaphragm (muscular partition separating the chest and the abdomen), femoral triangle (part of the inner thigh), and the popliteal fossa (area behind your knee). While working on the thoracic diaphragm, the presence of the thoracic duct and the cisterna chyli (a temporary storage site for lymph) in the area should be considered.
Why do People Need Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures
Osteopathic medicine is a type of healthcare that focuses on the whole body and not just treating specific symptoms or diseases. Part of this involves improving circulation in the body, including the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is like the body’s garbage disposal – it helps the body get rid of the “trash” that accumulates from inflammation, injury, and disease.
If the lymphatic system is clogged or congested, it can’t do its job properly, which can make certain health conditions worse. That’s because the system can’t efficiently eliminate substances involved in inflammation and disease. This is especially crucial for chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases.
Lymphatic treatment techniques are used for issues ranging from autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, to inflammatory conditions like throat inflammation (pharyngitis), inflammation of the heart lining (pericarditis), inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), breast inflammation (mastitis), colon inflammation (colitis), and pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis).
These lymphatic treatments can also support the use of antibiotics in fighting infections by helping to transport immune cells to the infection site. In other words, it helps the body’s own infection-fighting cells get to where they need to be.
However, using lymphatic techniques is not enough on its own. Osteopathic practitioners also need to understand the patient’s body structure and function to provide effective treatments.
In addition to helping with inflammation and autoimmune diseases, lymphatic treatment can also be beneficial for treating infectious diseases, like pneumonia. Research has even shown that these treatments can reduce the length of hospital stays. This is because, as with antibiotics, lymphatic treatment can help get the body’s own infection-fighting cells to the source of the infection more efficiently.
When a Person Should Avoid Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures
Sometimes, certain conditions or situations may prevent a patient from receiving lymphatic treatments, which are therapies designed to improve the flow of lymph (a clear fluid that travels through your body’s arteries). For instance, if the patient experiences too much pain or does not give their consent for the treatment, it might not be possible to carry out this therapy. Each situation and technique require unique consideration.
Some restrictions are more serious than others. For example, lymphatic treatments should not be done in areas where there’s a recent injury, such as a broken bone. Patients with blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma may need to avoid these treatments because there’s a chance – even though it’s not proven – that the procedures could spread the disease further.
It was commonly believed that using lymphatic treatments on patients with metastatic cancer, a condition where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, could increase the chances of the cancer spreading even more. But thinking on this is changing. Some experts question whether lymphatic procedures actually do promote the spread of cancer, as even everyday activities like walking also stimulate lymph flow.
Doctors also need to consider infections when planning lymphatic treatments. There’s a chance that the treatments could cause diseases to spread in certain scenarios, for example, when a patient has bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) or an abscess (a pocket of pus) that’s about to burst.
In patients with acute heart failure, where symptoms suddenly become worse, lymphatic treatments can present a risk. This is because the treatments might push more fluid into the circulatory system, increasing the load on the heart. Instead, doctors usually aim to treat anything that might be blocking the flow of lymph, rather than using techniques that actively push lymph around the body. Still, lymphatic treatments can be beneficial in other heart conditions.
Prior to using lymphatic pumping techniques in the lower body, doctors need to be sure a patient doesn’t have deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg. Also, certain lymphatic pumping techniques need to be avoided if there are concerns of injuries to the liver or an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).
Equipment used for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures
The patient will need a cozy spot to sit or lie down during the procedure. This could be an examination table, a table specifically designed for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), or a massage table. We also provide a pillow for added comfort.
Preparing for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures
Before any treatment, including OMT (osteopathic manipulative treatment), you must agree to the procedure. This means that your doctor will explain to you what the treatment involves, the potential risks and benefits, as well as any other options available. This is what we call ‘informed consent’. It simply means that you understand and agree to what is going to happen. You should also know that it is common for the doctor to warm their hands before starting treatment, as it can make the process more comfortable for you.
How is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures performed
Chapman reflexes are specific points in your body that correspond to different organs. When these points become tight or tense, it could indicate issues with the related organs. By treating these points, the doctor can improve muscle movement, lymphatic system function, and bring down ‘sympathetic tone’ (body’s response to stress) which can help the organs function better. These points can also help doctors provide more precise diagnosis and treatment options, especially in patients with chronic liver inflammation.
The Thoracic (Miller) Pump method helps increase the flow of lymph (fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells), and improves rib case agility. If you’re lying on a table, the doctor would place their hands on either side of your chest while asking you to take deep breaths, applying small, rhythmic force during exhalation.
The Pedal (Dalrymple) Pump method moves the lymph fluid and is particularly helpful for children or patients with lymphedema (swelling due to lymph fluid build-up). If you’re lying down, the doctor would then apply a gentle oscillating force on your feet.
The Rib Raising technique is used to aid motion of the ribs, in a way that enhances lymphatic flow. If you’re lying on a table, the doctor would slide their hand under you to gently move the ribs forward.
The Thoracic Inlet Release is a technique to relieve tension from Sibson’s fascia, a connective tissue located near your neck. Releasing the tension here allows better lymph flow back into the bloodstream.
The Splenic/Liver Pump method is to stimulate lymph flow to the liver and spleen. This helps these organs function better by helping them filter out toxins and damaged cells from the lymph.
Facial sinus pressure techniques or Facial Effleurage, help relieve sinus congestion by applying direct strokes on the sinuses and joints on either side of your face.
The Galbreath Technique helps open the eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat, promoting better lymph flow from the ears.
Lastly, Doming the Diaphragm method is designed to increase lymphatic fluid movement from your lower body parts and aid diaphragm motion. A well-functioning diaphragm is essential as the main duct of the lymph system passes through it.
Possible Complications of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT), a type of hands-on treatment to improve health, is generally safe, especially treatments related to the body’s lymph system, which is part of your immune system. However, some people might feel temporary effects like headaches or tiredness. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to prevent these unwanted effects.
There is a slight theoretical risk if the lymphatic treatment is performed too aggressively, as it could temporarily decrease the performance of your heart. Also, if the treatment is targeted towards the spleen or liver and is performed too vigorously during a time where these organs are enlarged (a condition called organomegaly), it could potentially harm these organs. Overall, it’s still seen as a safe procedure when performed correctly.
What Else Should I Know About Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Lymphatic Procedures?
The lymphatic system is closely connected to all parts of the body, and therefore, treatments targeting this system can be very important for overall health. One example of this can be seen in the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak, where patients who received both regular care and a type of treatment called Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) had a significantly lower death rate (10%) compared to those who only got regular care (33%). OMT was found to improve the flow of lymphatic fluids, strengthen the body’s immune response, and boost respiratory function.
In a more recent study in 2010, researchers found that OMT, when applied alongside usual medical care, also had significant benefits for elderly patients with pneumonia. The study included over 400 participants and found that those who received OMT in addition to standard treatment had reduced healthcare costs, spent less time in the hospital, needed less time on intravenous antibiotics, and experienced a lower rate of complications like respiratory failure or death.
In summary, treatments that focus on the lymphatic system can be a powerful supplement to traditional medical care in treating a variety of health issues.
