Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy
What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle massage technique that is used to encourage the lymphatic system to work at its maximum capacity during the treatment as well as some time after in order to speed up recovery. The light technique is intended to just move the skin, pulling on the lymphatic vessels that are right underneath, therefore opening them to receive more fluid & send it to the lymph nodes to be processed. The repetitiveness helps to pump the deeper lymph vessels in order to move fluid more quickly. This has been found to reduce swelling, move fluid throughout the body, aid in wound healing, reduce fibrosis & reduce pain. MLD also has a very relaxing effect due to how light most of the techniques are & should have some effect on any type of inflammation or pain.
How does the lymphatic system work?
The lymphatic system is an extensive network of vessels, nodes, ducts & organs that runs through almost all tissue in the body. While the circulatory system moves nutrients, hormones oxygen and other gases to our bodies tissues to use for energy, growth and repair, the lymphatic system's many functions are all designed to collect & circulate excess fluid, basically acting like a waste processing plant. Lymph fluid consisting of essential substances like blood cells, vitamins & water as well as some others is returned to the heart through the venous system & then into tissues that require them. Bacteria & viruses are collected in the lymph nodes enabling the immune system to respond appropriately to them. Waste, toxins & damaged cells are recognized & processed by macrophages or liver & kidneys then excreted mostly by urination.
Level 3 Dr. Vodder Certified
This technique was originated by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930's, is recognized internationally as one of the pioneers of Manual Lymph Drainage. I have completed all 3 levels of the Dr. Vodder method which is the gold standard known world wide for Manual Lymphatic Drainage. This means that; I have mastered the basic and special techniques, as well as the anatomical and physiological fundamentals of the lymphatic system, I am able to assess and treat people with functional as well as dysfunctional lymph vessels and in the field of pre-operative and post traumatic diseases, as welI as treat people with lymphedema and post lymph node removal.
Combined Decongestive Therapy
CDT uses special techniques designed for people with lymphedema and combines all the positive effects of MLD with compression bandaging in order to have optimal results when it comes to swelling reduction and surgery recovery.
What conditions can MLD and CDT help with?
- Lymphedema
- Post lymph node removal
- Pre/Post Surgery
- Acute and Traumatic injuries
- IBS, Constipation
- Sprains, Strains
- Migraines, Tinnitus, Sinusitis, Meniere's
- Bursitis/Tendonitis
- Aid in scar tissue healing
- Tissue Health, Wounds, Burns, Bruising
- Allergies, Sinus congestion
Make sure to check that any therapist offering MLD has received a similar certification so that they will be able to safely assess & treat your condition. Treatments should be scheduled as soon as possible for best results. Some conditions require several treatments close together.