Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a gentle rhythmic and painless massage technique which stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid around the body. The MLD technique was developed by Emil and Astrid Vodder in the 1930s.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in removing fluid and waste products from the connective tissue and eventually draining it into the venous system. Proteins, water, immune cells, dust, pathogens and wastes are transported by the lymph.
The benefits of MLD include:
❀ Calming to the autonomic nervous system
❀ Can reduce pain by having an effect on the pain receptors
❀ Supports immune function by removing toxins and waste products
❀ Removal of fluid from soft connective tissue
Main indications for MLD:
❀ Primary lymphoedema
❀ Secondary lymphoedema
Other indications:
❀ Lipoedema
❀ Acne
❀ Head trauma, after concussions, stroke
❀ Stress
❀ Detoxification
❀ Sinusitis
❀ Scar treatments
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a gentle rhythmic and painless massage technique which stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid around the body. The MLD technique was developed by Emil and Astrid Vodder in the 1930s.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in removing fluid and waste products from the connective tissue and eventually draining it into the venous system. Proteins, water, immune cells, dust, pathogens and wastes are transported by the lymph.
The benefits of MLD include:
- Calming to the autonomic nervous system
- Can reduce pain by having an effect on the pain receptors
- Supports immune function by removing toxins and waste products
- Removal of fluid from soft connective tissue
Main indications for MLD:
- Primary lymphoedema
- Secondary lymphoedema
Other indications:
- Lipoedema
- Acne
- Head trauma, after concussions, stroke
- Stress
- Detoxification
- Sinusitis
- Scar treatments
While nowadays there are different styles of manual lymph drainage, the Dr Vodder technique has been well researched and is widely recognised. The 4-week training is open to qualified health professionals. Certified therapists are required to attend regular reviews to stay up date and have their technique reviewed
Lymphoedema
Combined decongestive therapy (CDT) is used in the management of lymphoedema and includes manual lymph drainage (MLD), bandaging, compression garments, exercise and self-care.
Lymphoedema is a condition in which fluid does not drain sufficiently and fills up the connective tissue. This can be due to genetic defects, as in Primary Lymphoedema or post-surgery, for example when lymph nodes have been removed due to cancer. MLD plays an important role as it aims to redirect the stagnated lymphatic fluid from blocked areas into functional lymph vessels which eventually drain into the venous system. To support the fluid reduction from MLD, compression bandaging and garments are applied to maintain a fluid reduction in the limb/s. Exercise is an essential part of lymphodema management as it supports lymph drainage. Teaching the patient self-massage, exercises and skin care is part of lymphoedema management.
Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a chronic disease which primarily affects women and often runs in families. The onset is often during times of hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. The condition is marked by an abnormal distribution of fat from the pelvis down to the ankles, with the tissue commonly being painful and a tendency to bruise easily. The arms can be affected, too. Heaviness of the legs, spider veins and a sensitivity to pressure and touch are symptoms of lipoedema. While usually the hands and feet are not swollen, in the later stages of the disease the pressure on the lymphatic system can lead to swelling of feet and hands. It is then called lipo-lymphoedema. Lipoedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity. The lipoedematous tissue is not affected by diet and exercise.
Treatments for lipoedema include manual lymph drainage, compression therapy and liposuction. Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also important.
For more information you can visit Lipoedema Australia Support Society
https://lipoedemaaustralia.com.au/