Norton Practice Test

In manual lymph drainage, the goal is to move lymph fluid toward functioning lymphatic pathways and out of swollen areas. The technique first uses collateral lymphatic vessels as alternative routes to guide fluid toward the central lymphatic trunks. Once these pathways are engaged, the next focus is the edematous regions themselves—the tissues where fluid has pooled. Treating these swollen areas helps push interstitial fluid into the lymphatics, reducing swelling and improving tissue mobility. Bones and nerves aren’t the targets of this drainage process, and while skin care is important for comfort and safety, the primary aim is reducing edema in the affected tissues.