Interstitium – Implications for Manual Therapy

Almost two years ago, in March of 2018, scientists discovered a new structure in the body, the interstitium. It is a network of fluid filled pockets that can be found all over our bodies. There is debate as to whether this system should be called a new “organ”, but there is no debate as to its existence. It appears this network carries lymph and scientists are wondering if it may be a pathway for cancer cells to travel from place to place. This also made me wonder what implications this network may have for different types of manual therapy.

I stumbled across an article (1) about it which I read with great interest. I will include links to some other articles on the topic below, including one that is written less like a magazine article for laypeople, in case anyone wants to read something more science-y.

While studying Lymph Drainage Therapy, (LDT) a treatment developed by Dr. Bruno Chikly, I learned the importance of clearing congested pathways to allow lymphatic fluid to circulate freely. I have seen first hand the positive results from this work. Clients have recovered quickly from anything from colds to hangovers to swelling from injuries.

I will continue to search in the future to see what scientific studies come out of this discovery. In the meantime, I wonder if there are benefits our manual therapy could bring to the functionality of this system. I would love to know your thoughts.

(1) Meet Your ‘Interstitium,’ A Newfound Organ | Live Science
Is the Interstitium Really a New Organ? – The Scientist Magazine
The Interstitium Is Important, But Don’t Call It An Organ (Yet) – Discover Magazine
Structure and Distribution of an Unrecognized Interstitium in Human Tissues