{"title":"Lymphatic Drainage","content":"**Lymphatic drainage is aimed at limbs that swell due to lack of proper lymph drainage, primarily lymphoedema of the arm or leg. At the Pôle Equilibre & Santé practice in Dudelange, there is no standardised technique: the technique adjusts to your assessment, with the aim of reducing the volume, then preserving this gain in the long term.**\n\n## How is lymphoedema treated?\n\nThe reference strategy is based on three levers that the physiotherapist modulates based on the firmness of the swelling:\n\n- **a manual lymphatic massage**, slow and without friction, started upstream of the swollen area to redirect the fluid towards a healthy area and encourage its drainage;\n- **multilayer compression bandages** which, worn continuously, reduce the oedema with each muscular movement; today they constitute the most effective way to reduce swelling, before a sleeve or stocking takes over;\n- **[pneumatic compression therapy](/dudelange/equipement/pressotherapie)**, a mechanical compression in successive waves which prolongs and enhances the effect of manual treatment.\n\nTreatment begins with an intensive phase, which achieves most of the reduction, before moving on to lighter maintenance. Where appropriate, the physiotherapist shows you how to manage your compression garment yourself: this autonomy makes all the difference over time.\n\n## What exactly is lymphoedema?\n\nIt is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues, due to lack of sufficient lymphatic drainage. Two forms exist:\n\n- a so-called **primary** form, when the lymphatic network is poorly formed from the start;\n- a so-called **secondary** form, triggered by a specific event — removal of lymph nodes, radiation, burn or trauma.\n\nThe limb enlarges as the fluid settles and, if the swelling persists, the tissue hardens and becomes fibrotic. This is a chronic condition: it does not resolve permanently, but can usually be managed effectively.\n\n## Is drainage used for other situations?\n\nYes. It also soothes the feeling of heavy legs, can aid recovery after some operations and supports [hand rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-de-la-main) when swelling slows down recovery.\n\n## What does the evidence show?\n\nThe recommendations agree on one point: it is the **combination** of the three approaches, never just one of them, which gives the best results. The studies also specify that the work applied directly to the swollen region is what really reduces fluid accumulation; where the tissue has already hardened, deeper manoeuvres are preferred.\n\n## In Luxembourg: reimbursement and official framework\n\nAt the Pôle Equilibre & Santé practice, this care falls under physiotherapy on medical prescription. The [National Health Fund (CNS)](https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales/kinesitherapeutes.html) sets the coverage rules (generally 70%, rising to 100% in some cases). Masseur-physiotherapist is a regulated health profession in the Grand Duchy ([Ministry of Health](https://sante.public.lu/en.html)). Practical steps are explained on [The Consultation](/dudelange/kinesitherapie/consultation-kine).\n\n## Your specialists at the practice\n\nAt the Dudelange practice, lymphatic drainage is notably provided by and , both trained in the Leduc method. It is to them that you will be directed for this type of care.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n### Do you feel pain during drainage?\n\nNo. The massage is adapted to the oedema and tissue condition. Firmer areas may require deeper techniques, and always within the limits of your comfort.\n\n### How long does it take for oedema to decrease?\n\nMost of the reduction in swelling forms part of the intensive phase, with frequent sessions. Less frequent maintenance sessions then take over to maintain the result.\n\n### Can compression garments be avoided?\n\nRarely. Without compression, oedema builds up again between two appointments: massage alone is not enough to maintain the improvement.\n\n### How do I make an appointment in Dudelange?\n\nBy telephone at [+352 26 65 15 33](tel:+35226651533). The practice is located at Bloc A, 48 Rue de la Libération, L-3511 Dudelange — see [Contact & access](/dudelange/contact).\n\n## Find out more\n\n- — lymphatic drainage (Leduc method)\n- — lymphatic drainage (Leduc method)\n- [Pressotherapy](/dudelange/equipement/pressotherapie) — sequential pneumatic compression\n- [Hand rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-de-la-main) — management of oedema after surgery\n- [The Consultation](/dudelange/kinesitherapie/consultation-kine) — prescription, reimbursement, progress\n- [CNS — Physiotherapists](https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales/kinesitherapeutes.html) — official reimbursement conditions\n- [Ministry of Health](https://sante.public.lu/en.html) — health professions in Luxembourg\n- [kine-drainage.lu](https://kine-drainage.lu/) — Our website dedicated to lymphatic drainage"}