MLD is a specialized massage technique that consists of very gentle and rhythmic movements, administered by a trained therapist. Each stroke slightly moves the skin in the direction of the lymphatic flow to encourage the movement of fluid out of a congested area of the body and back into circulation. Due to its ability to stimulate the immune system, MLD can be beneficial to almost anyone. Some of its most common uses are:
Lymphedema Therapy
Lymphedema is the result of a deficiency in the lymphatic system that can be either present at birth (primary lymphedema) or acquired as a result of a medical treatment or injury which damages the system (secondary lymphedema). This impairment of the lymphatic system can cause a blockage of the normal lymph flow of the body, leading to an abnormal collection of high-protein fluid beneath the skin which results in swelling, or edema. Arms and legs are most often affected by lymphedema, but it can occur in almost any area of the body. Over time, the chronic swelling may increase and lead to tissue damage and hardening of the skin.
When you develop lymphedema, there are treatments to help reduce the swelling, keep it from getting worse, and decrease the risk of infection. The initial treatment of lymphedema depends on its severity. The ongoing maintenance phase of treatment sometimes comes after a more intensive, initial phase of treatment that includes daily manual lymph drainage and compression bandaging. This phase of lymphedema therapy, sometimes called the acute phase, is often carried out under an insurance covered program and can last from 2 to 6 weeks. Once the acute phase is completed, or if this phase is not required, a maintenance phase is initiated. This phase may include continuing manual lymph drainage, or MLD, on a regular basis. Limb volume tracking and compression garment fitting and monitoring are also important aspects of the maintenance phase of lymphedema therapy.
Since there is no cure for lymphedema, the goals of therapy include:
- Lymphedema Management : Manual lymphatic drainage plays an important role in the overall, long term treatment plan to reduce and control swelling caused by lymphedema.
- Pregnancy swelling: MLD can stimulate and increase the rate of removal of waste products, toxins and excess fluid from the body’s tissues resulting in reduced fluid retention, swelling and puffiness of the ankles.
- Post injury or surgery swelling: Lymphatic drainage can assist in draining the resulting swollen tissue, reducing inflammation and discomfort while also promoting healing.
- Immunity Boosting: MLD is a great way to stimulate your lymphatic system and give your immune system a boost. Especially great in the winter months when we are less active and more prone to illness.
- Lymphatic Breast Massage: This very relaxing type of massage can relieve breast tenderness, reduce engorgement, unblock plugged ducts, improve skin tone and increase milk production. Most women feel a sense of breast fullness as a normal part of the lactation process as their milk “comes in” in the days following birth. Milk production begins and the breast tissue swells as blood, lymphatic fluid and milk collect in the ducts. Along with feeling full, the breasts may feel heavy, tender and warm. When milk isn’t being removed frequently and effectively by nursing the baby, this normal swelling of the breast tissue can develop into engorgement. In our session together, you will receive a breast massage and also learn a self-care routine that you can continue at home for ongoing relief and to support a high quality of breastmilk. If you choose to learn and practice the routine during pregnancy, you may decrease your chance of becoming engorged when lactation begins.
Lymphedema Therapy
Lymphedema is the result of a deficiency in the lymphatic system that can be either present at birth (primary lymphedema) or acquired as a result of a medical treatment or injury which damages the system (secondary lymphedema). This impairment of the lymphatic system can cause a blockage of the normal lymph flow of the body, leading to an abnormal collection of high-protein fluid beneath the skin which results in swelling, or edema. Arms and legs are most often affected by lymphedema, but it can occur in almost any area of the body. Over time, the chronic swelling may increase and lead to tissue damage and hardening of the skin.
When you develop lymphedema, there are treatments to help reduce the swelling, keep it from getting worse, and decrease the risk of infection. The initial treatment of lymphedema depends on its severity. The ongoing maintenance phase of treatment sometimes comes after a more intensive, initial phase of treatment that includes daily manual lymph drainage and compression bandaging. This phase of lymphedema therapy, sometimes called the acute phase, is often carried out under an insurance covered program and can last from 2 to 6 weeks. Once the acute phase is completed, or if this phase is not required, a maintenance phase is initiated. This phase may include continuing manual lymph drainage, or MLD, on a regular basis. Limb volume tracking and compression garment fitting and monitoring are also important aspects of the maintenance phase of lymphedema therapy.
Since there is no cure for lymphedema, the goals of therapy include:
- Reduce and control swelling
- Keep other problems from developing or worsening
- The ability to continue daily activities
- Decrease pain
- Improve the ability to use the affected limb.
