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Manual vs. Mechanical Lymphatic Drainage: Study Finds Comparable Results in Lymphedema Care
- Christy Van Hoogevest
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5
A 2024 clinical study directly compared manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) with intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPCT) — a machine-based method — in patients with lower limb lymphedema. The results revealed no significant difference between the two methods in terms of swelling reduction or patient-reported benefits.
This suggests that well-designed mechanical systems, like those offered by BH Labs, may offer a convenient and effective alternative to hands-on therapy in lymphedema care.
Study Overview
Title: Therapist versus Machine—Immediate Effects of Manual versus Mechanical Lymphatic Drainage in Patients with Secondary Lymphedema
Quick Summary: This prospective clinical study evaluated the immediate effects of manual versus machine-based lymphatic drainage in patients with secondary lymphedema. By applying both methods to the same limb on different days, researchers assessed whether mechanical therapy could match the effectiveness of manual treatment in both measured swelling and patient-reported outcomes.
Key Findings
Volume Reduction: There was no significant difference in limb volume reduction between MLD and IPCT, indicating similar effectiveness for both methods.
Patient Experience: Subjective reports (via custom questionnaires) showed no clear preference or difference in perceived benefit between manual and machine therapy.
Consistency Across Groups: Results remained consistent regardless of BMI, lymphedema stage, or treatment order.
Study Details
Sample Size: 40 patients with lower extremity secondary lymphedema
Study Design: Prospective clinical comparison
Treatment Protocol:
Each patient received both MLD and IPCT on the same limb, with a two-day interval
Volume measured using digital limb volume assessment
Subjective experience captured with two custom-designed questionnaires
Assessment Timing: Immediate and two-day post-treatment effect
Year Published: 2024
Where Published: Journal of Clinical Medicine (Volume 13, Issue 5, Article 1277)
Why It Matters
For clinics offering lymphatic support or managing post-surgical swelling, this study offers a key insight: well-designed mechanical lymphatic drainage systems can deliver results comparable to manual therapy. That means providers can support patient outcomes while improving clinic efficiency — no therapist time required.
BH Labs’ mechanical lymphatic drainage suit is based on the same principle as IPCT, using intermittent pneumatic compression across multiple zones of the limb. This study supports the use of such systems as an effective, evidence-based alternative to hands-on lymphatic work, especially in high-demand or resource-limited environments.