Rehabilitation effect of manual lymphatic drainage on pain threshold and tolerance, tactile sensation, and strength

Objective: This study evaluates the acute therapeutic effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). Method: Eighty-two individuals (164 upper limbs) participating in the study were divided into two groups: MLD and sham. Before and after treatment, measurements of pressure pain threshold (PPT), pain tolerance, muscle strength (using a hand dynamometer and pinchmeter), and two-point discrimination (2PD) with an esthesiometer were conducted. Results: Age, height, weight, body mass index, gender, and dominant extremity of the participants showed similar characteristics (p > 0.05). There was a difference hypothenar PPT (p = 0.038) and pain tolerance (p = 0.009), thenar PPT (p = 0.021) and pain tolerance (p = 0.001), mid-ulnar PPT (p = 0.028), biceps PPT (p < 0.001), pain tolerance (p < 0.001), and grip strength (p = 0.030) between the groups after the therapy. When comparison was made between the groups at baseline and after the treatment all were found to differ (p < 0.05). Conclusions: MLD reduced PPR, pain tolerance, hand grip, and pinch strength in young adults. However, in this population, the distance felt in 2PD evaluation with MLD decreased.