DOI: 10.24019/issn.2532-0831

Online ISSN 2532-0831

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Vascular Research

Journal website: http://www.vasculab.eu/jtavr.xml

JTAVR 2023;08(3):9-12

Electro stimulation of the nerves and muscles of the body, veins and lymphatics

Can we make a difference to oedema/lymphoedemas in immobile and mobile patients, and can we overcome senescence associated with venous and lymphatic drainage function as we age?

N Piller¹

Abstract Veins and lymphatics are a side-by-side dual drainage system responsible for the wellbeing of the body systems, their cells and tissues. There are a range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors which affect their vaso-motoricity and we often deal with the significant health impacts of the failure of this dual drainage system though poor knowledge of how we might better influence them. In this paper we cover the range of strategies we can use to stimulate the nerves and muscles of these systems as well as the skeletal musculature using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to gain improved outcomes for those with lymphoedemas when used alone or in addition to lymphatic drainage massage, compression, skin care, exercise, and general activity. I hope the information in this paper stimulates more evidence gathering and further trials considering these infrequent forms of treatment to stimulate our side by side dual drainage systems the veins and lymphatics for better management of lymph and other oedemas.