1. Lymphatic System Physiology
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist & RMT
MLDClinic.ca

2. Lymphatic System
Hybrid system between venous and arterial systems
Active system with motor units (lymphangions) along lymph vessels which pump lymph throughout the body
Motorosity increased by transverse and longitudinal stretching of lymph vessels
MLD therapy uses hands-on pressure techniques to stretch lymph and increase pumping action
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

3. Physiology of Lymphatic System
Illustrates the ability to separate blood vessels (blue) from lymphatics (yellow) using differently coloured Microfil preparations (sheep).
Visualization of lymphatic vessels containing Microfil. Reference scales are provided as a longitudinal bar (1 mm).
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

4. Physiology of Lymphatic System
Lymphatic networks in the subarachnoid compartment (pig).
These networks ultimately connect with various lymph nodes.
Visualization of lymphatic vessels containing Microfil. Reference scales are provided as a longitudinal bar (1 mm).
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

5. Physiology of Lymphatic System
Retropharyngeal node example (sheep). Pre-nodal vessels converge on lymph nodes, with lymphatics congregating into small ducts on the node capsule.
n = lymph node
L = lymphangion
= valves
Visualization of lymphatic vessels containing Microfil. Reference scales are provided as a longitudinal bar (1 mm).
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

6. Lymphangions
Lymphangions run along entire length of lymph vessels. Peristaltic contractions are 6 – 10/min at rest and up to 20/min. Motorosity is increased by transverse and longitudinal stretching of lymph vessels with MLD therapy
Visualization of lymphatic vessels containing Microfil. Reference scales are provided
as a longitudinal bar (1 mm). n = lymph node, L = lymphangion, = valves
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

7. Lymphovenous Disease
Lymphedema
Lipedema
Dynamic Edema/Venous Insufficiency
Protein rich edema
Adipocyte hypertrophy with abnormally high interstitial pressure dynamics
Normal protein edema
Resulting from high osmosis force in tissue space
Normal lymphatics
Resulting from increased lymphatic load
Reduced lymphatic capacity
Reduced venous return
Normal lymphatics. Reduced venous return.
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

8. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) addresses swelling disorders and
acute/chronic pain in:
Lymphedema (primary and secondary)
Chronic venous insufficiency
Lipedema
Arthritis
Concussion
Diabetes
Pre- and post-surgical care
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

9. Application of MLD Therapy
Systemic approach; re-directing around damaged
lymphatic pathways
Application of lymph anatomy to re-direct lymph
to viable watersheds
Used with combined decongestive therapy for
edema management
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

10. Contact the MLD Clinic
Treatment considerations and MLD
therapy protocols on our website
Two Halifax, NS locations:
6820 Chebucto Road
237 Purcells Cove Road
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT

11. Citations
Lymphatic imaging:
Johnston et al. Cerebrospinal Fluid Research 2004 1:2   doi: /
Clinical:
Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage: A Practical Guide
Terry Kemp, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and RMT