Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage

THE FOUNDATION OF LYMPHOLOGY TREATMENTS FOR LYMPHOEDEMA

In 1936, the Danish physiotherapist Emil Vodder, a prominent scholar of the lymphatic system, codified his technique of manual lymphatic drainage. Over the years, manual lymphatic drainage using the Vodder method has been officially recognized by the most important scientific societies in phlebology and lymphology and has been indicated as the preferred therapy in the physiotherapeutic approach to lymphatic system disorders.

Nearly 90 years after its initial use, Vodder lymphatic drainage remains one of the cornerstones of lymphoedema therapy.

The Dr. Vodder Schule in Walchsee (Austria), founded by the Wittlinger couple—two of Vodder’s closest collaborators—continues to be a global point of reference that trains the best therapists in lymphology (including our coordinator, Germana Marangon).

Today, the latest scientific evidence has shown that combining manual lymphatic drainage with a multidisciplinary therapy approach can significantly enhance the effectiveness of lymphological interventions on lymphoedema.

This is why at the Clinica Linfologica Italiana in Padua (which operated under the name Centro Medico di Linfodrenaggio Manuale until 2021), we practice manual lymphatic drainage strictly according to the Vodder method, in combination with other targeted therapies.

VODDER MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE IN PADUA

Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage is categorized as a massage technique but differs entirely in its specific techniques performed on the patient, which act at the level of the superficial tissues (skin and subcutaneous tissue) rather than on the muscle fascia.

The lymphatic drainage therapist uses one- or two- handed manipulations on various parts of the body, always performed in the proximal-distal areas of the limbs and following the epifascial drainage direction, towards the lymph nodes specific to each lymphatic area.

Unlike other massage techniques, the competence and experience of the therapist are crucial in manual lymphatic drainage. The pressure applied is alternating, never exceeding 40 mmHg, and varies significantly across different body regions treated and/or in the presence of oedema.

Manual lymphatic drainage does not use creams or oils to prevent the lymphatic therapist’s hands from losing traction control on the skin. This is particularly important in very delicate tissues, such as in the post-operative phase, where it can lead to friction resulting in irritation and reactive hyperaemia.

WHEN IS VODDER MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE EFFECTIVE?

Manual lymphatic drainage acts by draining interstitial fluids, thus facilitating the movement of liquids, lymph, immune cells, and the elimination of metabolic waste products (catabolites).

It has a direct effect on lymphatic drainage, improves tissue circulation, alleviates pain, and is hypothesized to enhance the body’s defences.
Manual lymphatic drainage is particularly effective in the treatment of:

Lymphoedema

Lipoedema (when there is water retention)

Phlebo-lympho- lipoedema

Venous insufficiencies

Trauma and post-operative or post-
traumatic oedema

From an aesthetic point of view, manual lymphatic drainage is useful for:

Hematomas

Scars

Cellulite

Stretch marks

It is important to clarify that, due to the high effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage, it is absolutely contraindicated in the presence of some specific conditions: untreated tumours, acute infections or inflammations, deep vein thrombosis, or phlebitis, and heart failure..

THE FOUNDATION OF LYMPHOLOGY TREATMENTS FOR LYMPHOEDEMA

VODDER MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE IN PADUA

WHEN IS VODDER MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE EFFECTIVE?

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