Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
A manual therapy used to enhance the function of your lymphatic system
The Qualified Therapist's hands will mimic the normal functions of the lymphatic system. Gentle stretching of the skin will promote movement of fluid in the desired drainage direction. Between strokes the lymph vessels will relax and refill with fresh fluid. If there is blockage, the therapist can temporarily re-route the lymph for proper drainage.
General Effects of MLD:
- increased rate of absorption of fluid
-Increased trasport of Lymph
-Soothing Effect
-Pain Relief and Neuropathy Healing
-Re-direction of lymph fluid around blocked areas
Your Lymphatic System's Functions:
- Absorbs protein, fat, and fat soluble vitamins through the intestinal lymph vessels
-Recycles protein back to your cardiovascular system
-Boosts immunity by recognizing and responding to foreign cells, microbes, and cancer cells
What is Edema?
Edema is swelling, or excess fluid in the body tissues.
Common causes of edema:
-Increased pressure on lymph capillaries from: excessive retention of salt and water; inflammation; high venous pressure from local venous block; immobilized body parts; or heart failure.
-Decreased protein in the body from: loss of protein in urine or intestines; loss of protein in skin from wounds; or failure to produce protein from liver disease or malnutrition.
-Increased capillary permeability from an immune response to toxins; bacterial, viral, or fungal infections; medication side effects; or hormonal changes.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling caused by abnormal protein that gets stuck in the tissues due to a damaged or malformed lymphatic system.
Common causes of Lymphedema are the blockage of lymph nodes or malfunctioned vessels by: cancer; infection; scar tissue, filarial parasites
Conditions that respond favorably to MLD treatments
-Post Traumatic and Post-Surgical Edema 48 hours after injury or surgery
-To relieve symptom of those in palliative care or hospice
-Autoimmune disorders
-Neuropathy
-Anxiety, PTSD, and general stress
-Migraines and sinus headaches
-Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
-Pregnancy Edema
-Recovery and Edema control after cosmetic surgery
-Cancer
-Inflammation
-Lymphedema
-Lyme Disease
-Detoxification for enhanced immunity
Why you shouldn't leave swelling in your body
The swelling could indicate a more serious health concern such as Congestive Heart Failure, Blood Clots (DVT), or Kidney Disease. Additionally, if the swelling is Lymphedema, proteins are stuck in the tissues which will become fibrotic (hard) and increase probability of the skin to open up to wounds.