Alexander von Winiwarter

Alexander von Winiwarter (1848-1916) was an Austrian surgeon and brother to physician Felix von Winiwarter (1852-1931). Alexander Winiwarter was a disciple of famed surgeon Theodor Billroth, who was a pioneer in the field of modern surgical practices.

In the late 19th century, Winiwarter was first physician to use specialized massage and compression procedures to treat lymphedema, a disease which causes swollen arms and legs due to fluid retention in the lymphatic system. In 1932, Danish physiotherapist Emil Vodder refined and improved Winiwarter's technique to treat lymphedema. Vodder's treatment was to become known as manual lymphatic drainage.

Alexander von Winiwarter