Lymphatic Flow: Keeping Things Moving to Reduce Swelling

I have been a physical therapist since 1989. As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with a background in orthopedics and sports medicine, I am always searching for innovative therapeutic exercises and natural approaches that help improve lymphatic flow and reduce swelling in my patients.

What Is Lymphatic Flow, and Why Is It Important?

Your lymphatic system is a key part of your immune system. It helps:

• Maintain fluid balance in the body
• Absorb fats from the digestive system
• Identify and remove foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, cancer cells, and other substances that don’t belong in the body

The system is made up of vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that collect excess fluid from body tissues and filter it before returning it to the bloodstream. During this process, lymph nodes trap foreign particles and destroy them with the help of white blood cells whenever possible. The cleaned fluid is then safely returned to circulation.

What Happens When Things Go Wrong?

Over a 24-hour period, about 2–4 liters of fluid are processed through the lymphatic system. This fluid contains large molecules such as proteins and fats. When the venous or lymphatic systems are not functioning properly, these larger molecules can accumulate in the tissues. Over time, this can lead to:

• Persistent swelling
• Skin thickening or hardness
• Tissue fibrosis

The encouraging news is that the lymphatic system can often be stimulated through therapy to help remove excess fluid and proteins, allowing tissues to soften and swelling to decrease.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is considered the gold standard for treating chronic swelling and lymphedema. Chronic swelling is typically defined as swelling lasting longer than six weeks.

CDT includes:

• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) — specialized gentle massage techniques
• Compression therapy — including compression bandaging, garments, or vasopneumatic pumps
• Remedial exercises — designed to improve lymph movement and circulation
• Skin care education — to prevent infection and protect tissues

These components work together to stimulate lymphatic function, move trapped fluid, and restore healthier fluid balance.

The Importance of Diet

Diet plays an important role in overall health and lymphatic function. Everything you consume circulates through your body and can either support or burden your lymphatic system.

Helpful nutrition strategies include:

• Drinking adequate water
• Limiting sodium intake
• Choosing lower-fat foods
• Eating plenty of fresh or frozen vegetables and whole foods

These habits support toxin elimination and immune health, both of which assist lymphatic flow.

Supplemental Herbs and Lymphatic Health

Some herbal traditions also suggest that certain plants may support lymphatic health. Herbalist Hillary Hilliard, founder of Herbalism Roots, has written about herbs traditionally used to promote lymphatic drainage.

Herbs commonly mentioned include:

• Cleavers (Galium aparine)
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
• Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
• Wild Indigo Root (Baptisia tinctoria)

Hilliard’s interest in plant-based healing began with gardening experiences alongside her father and later deepened while studying Thai Yoga Massage in Thailand, where herbal compress therapies are widely used. She became a certified herbalist in 2012 and continues to study traditional plant medicine.

Important note: Always speak with your physician or therapist before starting herbal supplements, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications.

When Swelling Persists

Unfortunately, many physicians and patients are still unaware of how effective Complete Decongestive Therapy can be. Without proper treatment, swelling can worsen over time and become more difficult to manage.

If you experience persistent swelling, ask your physician whether a referral for lymphedema therapy or CDT would be appropriate.

At Therapy Achievements, I am able to combine my training in Complete Decongestive Therapy and Pilates-based exercise to help patients reduce swelling, restore movement, and improve quality of life.  If swelling is limiting your comfort or mobility, know that effective treatment options are available – and improvement is possible.

 

Cathy McNeely joined Therapy Achievements in 2014. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and brings more than 35 years of experience treating a wide range of patients. Her work includes helping individuals with lymphatic and neurological conditions improve movement, function, and overall quality of life.