Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Our lymphatic system is a series of vessels and organs that collect, clean and dispose of swelling and waste fluid throughout the body. Collection starts in the smallest of these vessels which are located in the skin. Therefore, MLD treatment focuses on gentle skin techniques and not deep muscle work. When required, MLD is combined with compression bandaging. Stimulating the lymphatic system activates the suction mechanism of these vessels, allowing them to vacuum up the excess fluid, shortening the recovery/healing time. The rhythmical style of the Vodder MLD technique also strongly stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (which is the part responsible for relaxation and repair) helping to decrease anxiety and increase the immune system. This combination of effects makes MLD a great choice for treatment for an endless list of ailments, including everything from migraine, sinus issues and chronic illness to injury, surgery, and of course lymphedema.
This is an example of MLD treatment on a patient’s lower leg and calf muscles. This type of treatment can be used on a patient following injury or surgery to the lower leg or when there is peripheral edema present.
Treatment on the back can be helpful after physical injury, or respiratory type illness, as well as stress and anxiety reduction. Often face and scalp work are also used to target anxiety.
This is a redirecting technique, used to move lymph flow away from its normal pathways when surgery or trauma has damaged the usual route. Eg when a patient receives a mastectomy with lymph node removal in the under arm as part of breast cancer treatment.
Compression bandaging is used in combination with hands on treatment when there is a major lymphedema present.
