Why does one person have a different response to wisdom teeth being taken out, a knee replacement, a sprained ankle or broken bone, etc … and has no swelling or edema and the next person is painfully swollen?

This reflects the idea of lymphatic load.   Some of the functions of the lymphatic system are to transport germs, toxins, excessive fluid and to regulate the fluid pressure in our tissues.  Each person has a maximum capacity for transportation of lymph fluid when that level is exceeded there is edema or swelling. 

The lymphatic system has been largely unrecognized.  The transparent nature of the lymph adds to the difficulty of seeing the lymphatic system.  The most common interaction with this system is when you or someone touches a node and identifies that they have “swollen glands”.  The nodes are a purification centers where particles are broken down so that they can be flushed out of the body through an aspect of elimination (lungs, skin, digestion and/or urination).   The common reasons that nodes enlarge are because of infection and inflammation.  Indications that your lymphatic system is struggling are fatigue, pain, headaches, allergies, pre/post- surgery reactions, and itchy skin that is not changing with lotion applications.

There are steps that facilitate a person’s lymphatic function.

• Deep abdominal respirations as in meditation and relaxation

• Movement of the skeleton and limbs during exercise and yoga

• External compression of the body like swimming

• Appropriate intake of water

• Getting regular amounts of sleep and rest

These steps help to keep the system going.  They are basic self-care of the lymphatic system.   Another option is Lymphatic Drainage Treatment (LDT).  It is a light touch technique which stimulates the system to maximize its function.  It also stimulates the immune system, decreases sympathetic response (fight/flight) and increases parasympathetic response (relaxation response).  Read a patient's story on this therapy.

--Cynthia Mattingly, BS, OTR/L, C.E.A.S., RM