The lymphatic pump is a method of manipulation used by osteopathic physicians to increase the rate of lymph flow in order to help fight infection.(Knott et al 2005)

Techniques

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Techniques to achieve this include the thoracic pump and abdominal pump. These methods increase the flow of lymph through the thoracic duct. It is believed that increased lymph flow is beneficial, as the lymphatic system is part of the immune system. Other techniques include Miller Pump (rhythmic, rapid, compression of the superior-anterior wall of the thorax), pedal pump, and diaphragmatic redoming. A modified version of Miller Pump can be used to treat atelectasis (loss of lung volume) by inducing sudden, rapid inflation of the lung. Indications for thoracic lymphatic pump include productive cough, upper respiratory tract infection, and extended bed confinement. Contraindications include osteopenia/osteoporosis, and injury (including surgical) to the thorax

Clinical significance

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Lymphatic treatments continue to be an important component of osteopathic manipulative medicine. ^* Miller developed the lymphatic pump in 1926, stating that it is "an exaggeration of the movements of respiration." The lymphatic pump technique is used to treat patients with edema and infections because increasing lymphatic flow improves the filtering and removal of fluid, inflammatory mediators, and waste products from interstitial space.
During the influenza pandemic of 1917, ^* Smith reported that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) decreased the mortality rate from 5% to 0.25% among 100,000 patients.(Knott 2005)

Exercise also increases the rate of lymph flow in the body.

= References =

• Miller CE. The lymphatic pump, its application to acute infections. J Am Osteopath Assoc.1926; 25(Pt 1):443 -445.
• Knott, E.M.,Tune J.D., Stoll S.T, et al, Increased Lymphatic Flow in the Thoracic Duct During Manipulative Intervention. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association: Vol. 105, No. 10, October 2005, pp. 447-456.^*
• Smith RK. One hundred thousand cases of influenza with a death rate of one-fortieth of that officially reported under conventional medical treatment. J Am Osteopath Assoc.1920; 19:172 -175.