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Lymphatic Drainage & Lymphatic Pump

Lymphatic drainage is recognized as an important aspect of healing and health restoration in humans. Lymphatic drainage can be encouraged with the application of a number of drainage techniques. These techniques are taught in human osteopathy.

What is less commonly known that with a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the equine, lymphatic drainage can also be achieved. The more commonly known is effleurage. This is a massage technique that is effective in clearing oedematous fluid from an area. The use of a magnetic roller is often employed to potentate effleurage.

It is also possible to employ a lymphatic pump, which will drain a much larger area and in effect help the entire lymphatic system. Whereas this is a somewhat new physical therapy procedure it would be of enormous value to equine physiotherapists and equine veterinarians alike. I have been using lymphatic pump in horses for over two years, and as I believe that it has to be taught properly. There exists the risk to do too much which will prolong the recovery time.

The results are visible usually within a few minutes. There are at least two lymphatic pump techniques which can be of enormous value to the equine veterinarian. It is worth emphasizing that although the procedure seems quite straight forward it is best carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian as there is some skill involved in knowing when to start and stop.

The structural and functional integrity of the thorax is vital to optimal lymphatic drainage. Because the horse does not have a collar bone and the thoracic inlet is largely filled with soft tissue there are a number of important implications with lymphatic return.

The other area that requires optimal function is the respiratory diaphragm.What is happening in the soft tissue behind the last rib through to the tuber coxae can be a vital clue to respiratory function and thus lymphatic drainage. This area can be influenced by the position of the pelvis. The pelvis, if in an anterior superior position, and lacking the ability to move into extension will influence the respiratory diaphragm, in motion and at rest. The consequences of this is that if you are employing a lymphatic pump, and there are further complications you are unaware of, you may inadvertently be causing further problems for your horse. Best ask a veterinarian, a veterinary chiropractor or an osteopath or chiropractor who is qualified in animal chiropractic.

Probably the most significant use of lymphatic drainage is in post surgical cases. The great part about lymphatic pump is that it is totally non invasive natural and it is priming the horses body for natural recovery.