title: Self-drainage lymphatic technique.
abstract: About 100 million people around the world have lymphedema; however, a large number do not have access to any kind of treatment. The current study reports on a technique of lymphatic self-drainage. The method consists of utilizing rods, bars, or any cylindrical object that rolls smoothly over the skin area to be drained. During this gliding motion a pressure of around 30 to 40 mm Hg should be exerted by the patient. The classical concepts of lymphatic drainage should be followed. This new method was subjected to a lymphoscintigraphic, anthropometric, and clinical evaluation demonstrating its usefulness in treating lymphedema.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology and Vascular Surgery, São José do Rio Preto University School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brasil. godoyjmp@riopreto.com.br
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: de Godoy
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Godoy
mesh_terms: D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome