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The lymphatic pump is a method of manipulation used by physicians who practice manual medicine (primarily osteopathic physicians).

Manual lymphatic drainage techniques remain a clinical art founded upon hypotheses, theory, and preliminary evidence.

History

The term lymphatic pump was invented by Earl Miller, D.O. to describe what was formerly known in osteopathic medicine as the thoracic pump technique.

Technique

The technique is applied to a person lying down by holding their ankle and applying gentle pressure repeatedly using the leg as a "lever" to rock the pelvis.

Relative contraindications

While no firmly established absolute contraindications exist for lymphatic techniques, the following cases are examples of relative contraindications: bone fractures, bacterial infections with fever, abscesses, and cancer.

References

1. Vairo, Giampietro L; Miller, Sayers John; McBrier, Nicole M; Buckley, William E (2009). "Systematic Review of Efficacy for Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Practice Approach". The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 17 (3): e80–e89. doi:10.1179/jmt.2009.17.3.80E. ISSN 1066-9817. PMC 2755111. PMID 20046617.
2. "Glossary of Osteopathic Terminology" (PDF). American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. April 2009. p. 28. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
3. Grace S, Deal M (2012). Textbook of Remedial Massage. Elsevier Australia. p. 169. ISBN 978-0-7295-3969-2.
4. Savarese, Robert G.; Capobianco, John D.; Cox, James J. (2009). OMT review. Robert G. Savarese. p. 126. ISBN 978-0967009018.

• Alternative medicine
• Osteopathic manipulative medicine
• Osteopathic techniques
• Manual medicine