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

Manual lymphatic drainage techniques remain a clinical art founded upon hypotheses, theory, and preliminary evidence.[1]

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.[2]

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.[3]

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.[4]

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. ^ [unreliable medical source?]Savarese, Robert G.; Capobianco, John D.; Cox, James J. (2009). OMT review. Robert G. Savarese. p. 126. ISBN 978-0967009018.
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