LYMPHATOUCH
THE LYMPHATOUCH IS A SPECIALIST DEVICE USED TO TREAT SCARS
Through treating women in my practice I have seen the need for support in the rehabilitation of caesarean section scarring. This is true for women with a newly formed scar in the early stages of recovery and for those who have a matured scar after having the caesarean delivery many years ago.
THE NEED FOR SUPPORT EXISTS NO MATTER WHAT STAGE WE ARE AT IN THE HEALING JOURNEY OF THE SCAR.
Physical discomfort in the scar and surrounding tissues can persist along with psychological and emotional effects. The appearance of the scar can have a huge impact on a woman’s body image, confidence and sense of self. As an osteopath, I believe that these impacts are fundamentally important to the health of that woman.
I AM REALLY EXCITED TO BE PROVIDING THIS SPECIALIST SERVICE IN NORTH DEVON.
HOW IT WORKS
The Lymphatouch device works by providing a light suction that gently lifts the skin and produces a negative pressure on the tissue underneath, this gently stretches the scar and drains local fluid and swelling.
The device has a treatment cup that is placed lightly on the skin. Once applied this gently lifts the skin, by varying the degree of lifting pressure, deeper tissues can be released. The treatment does not hurt and feels comfortable and therapeutic.
This treatment is safe to be used from 6 weeks post caesarean section as long as the wound is healed and the scar is formed.
This treatment is also appropriate for chronic scars, many years after a caesarean section.
KEY POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Drainage of excess fluid to reduce swelling and drainage of waste products/toxins
Reduced oedema (swelling)
Improved drainage of lymphatic system
Improves blood flow to the area promoting tissue remodelling
Helps regain sensation in the area
Increases scar pliability (flexibility)
Flattens the scar reducing visibility
Healthier skin and tissue appearance
Improved healing and overall health and well-being
Images courtesy of @millyking_physio
OUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
This system within our body is important for healing and has lymphatic vessels which contain a fluid called lymph.
The lymph fluid removes waste products from the tissue and can be thought of as a waste removal system.
Unlike the blood system, the lymphatics don’t have a natural pump, like the heart, meaning the flow can stall and swelling can develop.
The lymphatouch device works to gently dilate (open up) the lymphatic vessels, this reduces local swelling, removes metabolic waste products and allows the excess fluid to be transported from an impaired body part to be absorbed and processed naturally by the body.
SCAR HEALING
The light suction of the lymphatouch helps to improve healing in the scar by encouraging blood and lymphatic flow. This action has been shown to stimulate cellular activity and remodelling in the scar tissue.
We often see the scar adhering/sticking down, by controlling the negative pressure from the Lymphatouch, we can gently stretch and release the scar tissues. This improves the pliability (flexibility) of the scar.
Often once we see an improvement in blood flow and scar flexibility, the appearance and sensation improves too.
Due to this effect on scars the lymphatouch device is in all major burns units across the UK.