The Lymphatic System: An Osteopathic Review

Raymond J Hruby, Eric S Martinez, Raymond J Hruby, Eric S Martinez

Abstract

Osteopathic principles and philosophy suggest the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to restore, augment, or facilitate lymphatic fluid flow to maintain body fluid balance, and/or to stimulate immune system responses to aid in the recovery from illness and maintain normal body defense mechanisms. This review provides an osteopathic view of the role of the lymphatic system in health and disease, with an emphasis on the use of OMT to alleviate somatic dysfunctions (SD) that inhibit the optimum function of the lymphatic system. The current evidence base is reviewed for the use of OMT to assist in restoring or augmenting lymphatic system function to help patients recover from illness and maintain health and wellness. An overview is provided on how osteopathic principles and philosophy relative to the immune system are applied in practice. A literature search was conducted using databases such as Medline, PubMed, Ostmed-DR, and Scopus, focusing on osteopathic approaches to the lymphatic system. Keywords used included osteopathic manipulative medicine, OMT, and lymphatic manual treatment or therapy. Current osteopathic textbook information was also surveyed. There is support for the application of osteopathic principles and OMT for certain conditions that involve the lymphatic system. More prospective research is needed.

Keywords: lymphatic drainage techniques; lymphatics; manual medicine; osteopathic manipulative medicine (omm); osteopathic manipulative treatment (omt).

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Copyright © 2021, Hruby et al.

Figures

Figure 1. Diagram of a Lymphatic Capillary
Figure 1. Diagram of a Lymphatic Capillary
The lymphatic capillaries run in between the blood vessels of the cardiovascular circulatory system. Adapted from OpenStax College [14].
Figure 2. Lymphatic Collector and Lymphangion
Figure 2. Lymphatic Collector and Lymphangion
Adapted from Margaris et al. [18].
Figure 3. Major Lymphatic Ducts and Trunks
Figure 3. Major Lymphatic Ducts and Trunks
Adapted from Menefee et al. [22]. “Lymphatic Vessels, Trunks, and Ducts" by Julie Jenks is a derivative of the original work by Daniel Donnelly and is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Figure 4. Body Regions Drained by the…
Figure 4. Body Regions Drained by the Thoracic and Right Lymphatic Ducts
Adapted from OpenStax College [14].
Figure 5. The Glymphatic Pathway
Figure 5. The Glymphatic Pathway
Adapted from Iliff [28].
Figure 6. The Lymphoid Organs
Figure 6. The Lymphoid Organs
Adapted from Blausen.com staff [32].
Figure 7. Typical Lymph Node
Figure 7. Typical Lymph Node
Adapted from Lymph Transport [34].
Figure 8. Terminal Lymphatic Drainage Sites
Figure 8. Terminal Lymphatic Drainage Sites

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Source: PubMed

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