Key Takeaway
Manual lymphatic drainage techniques show modest evidence for reducing muscle damage markers and edema following sports injuries, though evidence is limited.
Summary
This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage techniques (MLDTs) in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Nine studies met inclusion criteria, including 3 RCTs. Evidence suggests MLDTs may help resolve enzyme markers of muscle damage and reduce edema following acute ankle sprains and wrist fractures.
Methods
- Systematic review of literature 1998-2008
- Databases: PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus
- 9 articles met inclusion criteria (3 RCTs)
- Quality assessment of included studies
Key Results
- Evidence for reducing muscle damage enzyme levels
- Evidence for edema reduction post-ankle sprain
- Evidence for swelling reduction post-wrist fracture
- Theoretical support for lymphatic stimulation
Figures
Figure 1
Limitations
- Limited number of high-quality RCTs
- Heterogeneous study designs
- Mechanisms not fully established
- May not directly apply to dry brushing