What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
How does it work?
Short and Sweet explaination of Manual Lymphatic Draingage (MLD)
MLD can help expedite absorption and the cleaning process of the lymphatic system by mimicking and facilitating lymphatic contraction and helping to decongest full tissue spaces. This gentle technique has a calming effect and can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. It is a technique used to increase the lymphatic fluid transport rate and to develop new routes for lymphatic drainage from congested areas to non-congested areas.
How Does it Work?
MLD consists of three basic techniques if using the Vodder Method. These techniques can be modified and combined to address specific areas of the body. The common charateristics of these techniques are: gentle with a circular stretch of the skin, a pressure phase which promotes movement of fluid, and a pressure free relaxation phase. General massage techniques can stimulate lymph movement, yet the direct and specific movements of MLD have been developed to increase the removal of interstitial fluid from body tissues and accelerate the movement of lymph within the the lymph vascular system. MLD should never hurt and should be done by a CLMDT (certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist).
Benefits of MLD
- Encourages absorption of lymph fluid
- Reduces swelling
- Improves healing
- Calms the nervous system
- Relieves pain
- Improves digestive health
- Relieves constipation
- Relieves allergy symptoms
- Improve skin conditions
- Reduce stress
- Increase energy
- Decrease bloatedness
Chronic Conditions that Might Benefit from MLD
Fibromyalgia
Can decrease pain and decongest localized tissues, which supports improved range of motion and improved sleep
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Reduce pain, reduce edema, decrease any tissue congestion so range of motion issues can be resolved, and promotes the elimination of inflammatory substances.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Can reduce pain, decrease the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, and reduce any edema.
Migraines
Reduce pain, possibly reduce occurrence, reduce the duration of the event, and may even preempt a migraine occurence.
Lyme Disease
Relieve pain, decrease edema and possibly support the immune response.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Promote drainage of the lymphatic vessels in the breast tissue and help to clear blocked tissue, and reduce pain and discomfort
Neurological Disorders
Depending on the symptoms the individual is experiencing, the main goal of MLD would be to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn could help reduce tremors, muscle spasms, reduce anxiety, manage pain and promote restful sleep.
Chronic sinusitis
MLD cannot be performed during an active infection. This technique can be done to support localized immune function, reduce pain and remove congestion to reduce occurances of sinus infections due to allergies.
Pregnancy Edema
Reduce the edema and the discomfort associated with the edema, improve sleep and support venous return.
Dental Procedures
Reduce pain, reduce facial edema and help overall recovery and healing time.
Tinnitus
Reduce pressure from possible fluid accumulation in the inner ear. It may not cure the condition but could possibly reduce the symptoms.
Dermatology
Acne vulgaris, Acne rosacea, eczema
Chronic venous insufficiency
Can improve fluid movement and relieve swelling and discomfort
Depression/
Anxiety
Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote relaxation through gentle rhythmic movements, decrease stress hormones like cortisol.
Pallative/hospice care
Can provide symptom relief and support quality of life. The psychological benefits alone are an indication to use MLD. The gentle, rhythmic and comforting touch used can often enhance a sense of calm and decrease pain and anxiety.
Post Surgical Edema
Can help with swelling, bruising, and healing after surgery
Contraindications of MLD
"Although MLD is an effective modality for most; yet there are some serious contraindications to this technique. Since MLD techniques directly move fluid from the interstitial space and return it back to the systems of the body that are responsible for fluid management, notably the cardiovascular and urinary systems, ruling out any possible contraindications is imperative."-Nicola MCGill, AMTA Massage Therapy Journal
Absolute Contraindications-Cannot Get MLD
- Untreated congestive heart failure (cardiac edema)
- Acute Infections and fever
- Acute untreated deep vein thrombosis
- Active cancer-MLD can be of great benefit to oncology clients after completing treatment. Oncology massage is different from MLD.
- Renal dysfunction
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis
- Hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus
- Hyperthyroidism
- Abdominal Region specifically- pregnancy, menstration, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, abdominal aortic aneurysm (within 6 months), radiation fibrosis, radiation cystitis, radiation colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, intra-abdominal scar formation, pelvic DVT, implanted devices such as drains, feeding tubes, colostomy bags, morphine or insulin pumps, fibroids, liver cirrhosis, hernias and unexplained pain.
MLD Side Effects
Under normal conditions your lymphatic system processes 3-5 liters a day, with MLD up to 20!!
MLD is essentially making your organs "work harder" processing more fluid and waste products than normal. Clients may feel "detox" syptoms for a day or two
Symptoms can include:
light headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, sluggish, moody.
These symptoms should not last more than a day or two. Experiencing these side effects is an indicator that you could really benefit from MLD sessions. Your system could be stagnant and could use a boost, but this has to be done methodically. Multiple short sessions are ideal compared to one long session weekly.
If in Doubt, Contact Me
Please be 100% honest with your medical intake form for MLD so I can give you accurate advice on whether or not MLD is for you.