Background on manual lymphatic drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a form of bodywork done by a licensed therapist. It is a gentle technique that increases lymph flow, helps move stagnant lymph, reduces swelling (also known as edema), soothes pain and discomfort, and supports the immune system. Lymph a clear to pale-yellow fluid that is part of the body’s immune system. It circulates through a network of vessels, and its job is to collect bacteria, waste, and cellular debris from tissues. Lymphatic organs include the spleen, thymus, and tonsils. Lymph nodes filter the lymph and return it back to the bloodstream. While the heart pumps blood through the body, lymph relies on the body’s movement to circulate lymph through the vessels. Manual lymphatic drainage is a great way to help lymph circulate through the body.

 

How manual lymphatic drainage differs from traditional massage therapy

While manual lymphatic drainage and traditional massage both use hands-on therapeutic techniques to promote health and well-being, MLD has some unique traits. MLD uses very light pressure and rhythmic stretching of the skin move lymph toward lymph nodes and stimulate a process called anastomosis. Anastomosis is the formation of new connections between the skin and adjacent vessels. The lymph is directed toward areas of the body with working lymph nodes that process and filter the lymph. Unlike traditional massage, MLD does not use lubricants. This is because lotions and oils create a slick surface that would inhibit the ability to gently stretch the skin and underlying tissues that is required to stimulate the lymphatic vessels just below the surface of the skin.

 

Conditions addressed

Manual lymphatic drainage can help with a wide variety of conditions involving the lymph. MLD promotes detoxification, relaxation, cellular-level immunity, and enhances the beauty of the skin. You can also benefit from MLD if you have any of the following conditions:

• Lymphedema
• Phlebo-lymphostatic edema (combined lymphedema and venous insufficiency)
• Post-surgical edema
• Post traumatic edema
• Lipo-lymphedema
• Lipedema
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS or RSD)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• Cyclic idiopathic edema
• Venous insufficiency
• Fistulas
• Burns
• Recovery from cosmetic surgery
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Sinusitis
• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Lyme’s disease
• Constipation

 

Contraindications

Manual lymphatic drainage should not be performed when any of the following conditions are present:

• Untreated congestive heart failure (CHF / cardiac edema)
• Acute infection (like cellulitis or erysipelas)
• Renal failure
• Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Malignant lymphedema

 

Please note that MLD should also not be performed directly on the abdomen during pregnancy or when acute conditions like diverticulitis, IBS, or Crohn’s disease are present. It should not be performed directly on the neck in cases of thyroid conditions, a hypersensitive carotid sinus, or with cardiac arrhythmia.  In these cases, your therapist can perform MLD on other parts of the body.

 

What to expect

During a treatment, you relax under a sheet and blanket on a massage table. Your therapist’s warm hands will gently and rhythmically stretch the skin. The treatment is wonderfully relaxing. It’s not uncommon to feel increased thirst or experience increased urination afterward as your lymphatic system becomes more active and balanced. Overall, you can expect to feel lighter and more relaxed after a session!

 

Treatment series

Manual lymphatic drainage is best done in a series of treatments. We recommend scheduling one initial session and then a series of shorter weekly follow-up sessions to help establish a healthy lymphatic flow and achieve a faster pace of healing. Your therapist will recommend a treatment plan customized specifically for you. If needed, you can space our your sessions.

 

Ready to start your healing with MLD?  Click here to book online.

 

Finally, not sure what type of treatment would be best for you?  For example, is manual lymphatic drainage, therapeutic massage, or acupuncture a better fit? Please click this link to schedule a free 10-minute call with our senior scheduling receptionist who will be happy to answer any questions you have and advise you on the best services and practitioner to meet your unique needs.

 

Any further questions? Please reach out and email us through our website or call or text 910-622-4269.