What is Manual lymph drainage ?
Manual Lymph drainage, designed by Dr’s Emil and Estrid Vodder in Europe, is a gentle rhythmic massage treatment, which focuses directly on improving the function of the Lymphatic System, by stimulating lymph nodes and vessels.
The treatment follows the pathways of the many lymphatic vessels located on the body underneath the skin. The rhythmic strokes gently stretch the skin and connective tissue creating a gentle pumping action that facilitates the movement of lymphatic fluid from the body’s tissues into the lymphatic vessels.
Everyone can benefit from an MLD treatment, to promote general relaxation, fluid circulation and cell regeneration, calm the nervous system, reduce swelling and support the immune system. Mld also aids in the recovery of pre and post-surgical patients. But MLD is often sought by those with lymphedema or those at risk of developing lymphedema
The role of the lymphatic system in maintaining good health.
The Lymphatic System consists of vessels, ducts, lymph nodes and organs. And is closely connected to the cardiovascular system. The lymph system is essential for good health as it acts as a cleanser mechanism for your body. It collects water and cellular debris and via a complex transportation process this fluid is cleaned by removing microorganisms and other foreign substances, concentrated and filtered in the lymph nodes. The importance of the lymph system is also accentuated by its storage of white blood cells. White blood cells in the blood and lymph system protect against illness and disease and other foreign invaders.
A healthy lymphatic system will kick in, to reduce swelling from an infection, caused by surgery, fall, virus etc.… by managing the water and debris uptake of this swelling.
When this important system does not function well, excessive fluids can build up and stagnate, this can create congestion and fibrotic tissue, causing an array of symptoms like pain, loss of energy, tiredness, reoccurring colds, infections and disease.
Conditions that could benefit from Manual Lymph Drainage
- Fluid Retention,
- Assistance with weight loss,
- Edema resulting from sprains/muscle injury/sports injuries,
- Arthritis, MS,
- Sinusitis,
- Fatigue,
- Cellulite,
- Aches and pains,
- Headaches, Tension and Stress,
- Digestive problems
Lymphedema
MLD for Lymphedema and CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy)
Manual lymph drainage is an essential component of CDT when diagnosed with Lymphedema. A congested lymphatic system, is the inability of metabolic waste materials to be removed, it creates an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid usually causing chronic inflammation and a progressive hardening, fibrosis of the affected tissue.
Lymphedema is often caused by compromised or removed lymph nodes, surgery and or radiation therapy for cancer. Lymphedema can also occur after an injury, scarring, trauma or infection of the lymphatic system. The overall goal of an MLD treatment for lymphedema is to re-route the flow of stagnated lymphatic fluid around blocked areas into healthy lymphatic vessels.
After initial consultation and follow up with your CDT therapist, I can step in and fulfill the MLD part of your Lymphedema treatment.
MLD for Pre and Post-Op Patients
MLD is an ideal form of therapy for most pre- and post-operative recoveries (with physician approval). It promotes detoxification, reduces fluid retention and edemas, accelerates healing and minimizes pain, bruising and scarring. Further, the light pressure and rhythmic flow of the session is very calming, thus helping with anxiety.
Pre-Op
MLD treatments – one to two –prior to surgery; ideally the week before surgery are very helpful with recovery. The increase in lymphatic flow facilitates the reabsorbing of excess protein, cellular debris and waste that may have accumulated in the interstitial spaces of your skin. Receiving Mld treatments prior to a surgery lets your body cope better with the impact of the surgery. As it increases blood flow, facilitates healing and supports the immune system.
Post-Op
Two-to-three treatments are recommended post-op, which can start 24-hours after surgery (with physician approval). Trauma (surgery) can lessen the function of the lymphatic system. After a surgery MLD is used to temporary rerout the lymph to functional vessels and nodes to reduce swelling and promote the healing of the incision area. It also reduces pain, bruising and edema.
Contra indications
Contra-indications are conditions where a treatment is not advised.
Due to the accelerated lymph flow there are some health concerns that do not allow an MLD treatment.
If you have had any of the following situations, please discuss these prior to receiving treatment.
Contraindications for Mld are:
- Untreated Malignant Diseases
- Acute Inflammations, swelling or infections
- Recent Thrombosis, blood clots
- Cardiac Insufficiency, heart complications
- Renal Failure, kidney complications
Always speak with your doctor or Lymphedema specialist before receiving any type of MLD therapy.