What Is Manual Lymph Drainage?
Manual Lymph Drainage is a light and gentle manual technique which is applied using one's hands to activate the lymphatic system.
This activation helps to mobilize and redirect the flow of lymph from areas that have been congested (swollen) due to surgery, trauma, radiation, venous insufficiency, etc. towards healthy areas (unswollen).
Mobilizing and redirecting lymph flow is accomplished with the use of specific sequence patterns depending on the circumstances causing the swelling.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF MLD?
It increases the production of lymph by stimulating the absorption of lymphatic loads (water, fat, cells, protein) into the lymphatic system.
It increases venous return.
It increases lymphangiomotoricity – the speed with which lymph moves through the lymphatic vessels.
It increases the intra-lymphatic pressure – increasing the volume of lymph being transported.
It has a soothing effect by decreasing the sympathetic activity of nervous system (fight or flight) and promoting the parasympathetic response (rest and digest).
It has an analgesic effect – that is, it reduces experiences of pain.
It helps to break down fibrotic tissue (lymphostatic fibrosis).
WHEN CAN MLD BE USED & WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MLD?
Post-Surgical and Post-traumatic Swelling
Cancer - the removal of lymph nodes
Orthopedic - joint replacements, fractures, tendon repair, etc.
Plastic - breast augmentation (enhancement or reduction), liposuction, Brazilian butt lift (BBL), reconstructive surgeries, mastectomy, face lift, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, etc.
Trauma – falls or injuries causing swelling and inflammation response.
Hospice – MLD can be utilized with hospice patients to provide gentle pressure through touch to alleviate pain, discomfort, and bring a sense of calmness and wellbeing at end of life.
Bodybuilding competition prep – MLD can assist with overall wellness, decrease fluid retention to show the muscle bellies more, remove excess waste products and maintain an overall sense of wellness before stepping on stage.
Lymphedema treatment – MLD is utilized in both Phase 1 and 2 of lymphedema management. In Phase 1, it is part of the Complete Decongestive Therapy, along with exercise, skin care, wrapping/compression, and patient education. In Phase 2, MLD is a great adjunct to those who are maintaining the swelling in their limb post decongestive phase, to keep the fluid moving and limb functional. MLD is coupled with the use of compression garments, exercise, and skin care to prevent infections and swelling.
General Wellness – MLD is soothing, calming, and relaxing. It can be utilized as a session in massage treatment as it places one in a parasympathetic state – a state of rest and digest. This state promotes healing. MLD helps to remove excess fluids and waste products, increasing the smooth functioning of one’s body.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) and Varicosities – insufficient venous return results in an increase in venous blood pressure, which results in the filtration rate exceeding the reabsorption rate leading to edema.
Scar Tissue – early treatment in areas of scar tissue can significantly improve the formation of lympho-lymphatic anastomoses in scars (better formation of lymphatic vessels).
Cellulite – is known as localized lipodystrophy which is evident by skin dimpling and nodularity which is caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue. MLD applied to these areas reduces fluid and causes an improvement in the skin appearance.
Lipedema, Lipo-lymphedema
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Migraine Headaches
TMJ
Detoxification
