Developed in Europe in the 1930’s by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a safe, effective, yet gentle approach to cleansing the body’s tissues. MLD drains excess fluid from the tissues and also has a detoxifying effect. It can benefit a healthy person as well as be applied to more than 60 different conditions.
Scientific studies, as well as vast clinical experience, have supported the effectiveness of MLD.
The therapeutic benefits of MLD, evidenced by more than 30 years of research, are well documented. It is widely prescribed by physicians in the United States and Canada also recognize the benefits of MLD for their patients.
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What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often an extremity, resulting from an accumulation of fluids, in such proportion to be palpable and visible. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vascular system is not able to fill its function of reabsorbtion and transport of the protein and lymph load. Lymphedema occurs whenever lymphatic vessels are absent, underdeveloped or obstructed.
The condition most often causes embarrassment and causes decreased mobility, discomfort and often repeated episodes of infection, cellulitus and lymphangitis. This can lead to general depression and a general worsening of the patient’s life and health.
Fungal infections can be very frequent and these place a greater load on the lymphatics. Severe cases are associated with thickening of the skin, hardening of the limb (fibrosis), leakage of lymph and massive swelling (elephantiasis).
How Does Lymphedema Occur?
A stagnation of protein develops in the tissue. This raises the colloid osmotic pressure and a protein rich edema arises. There are more protein rich fluids in the tissue than can be transported and the proteins attract water by osmosis. The affected area becomes swollen, enlarged and uncomfortable. This swelling decreases oxygenation of the tissues, interferes with their normal functioning and makes them heal more slowly than normal. The excess protein also serves as a stimulus from chronic infection and can result in formation of excess fibrous tissue. Lymphedema is a chronic and if left untreated, progressive condition. It can however, be brought under control by appropriate treatment and care.
Lymphedema may be due to a primary (congenital) cause or of a secondary cause (caused by a known condition), including removal of the lymph nodes or trauma.
Primary Lymphedema
Primary Lymphedema is that which has no known cause. Milroy’s disease is a familial (genetically caused) lymphedema which is present at birth. Meige’s disease is similar, but appears no later than puberty.
Lymphedema Praecox is the most common form of primary lymphedema. This begins in adolescence. It is predominantly females who suffer from this condition. Seventy five percent of primary lymphedema is praecox.
Lymphedema Tarda is identical to Lymphedema praecox but occurs after the patient is 35 years old. Both praecox and tarda almost always involve just the legs.
The pathological mechanisms which cause primary lymphedema are an absence of lymphatics (aplasia), inadequate lymphatic drainage, too few lymphatics or too few nodes, or lymphatics which are hugely dilated.
Secondary Lymphedema
Secondary lymphedema is an acquired condition resulting from loss or obstruction or previously normal lymphatic channels. The most common cause of secondary lymphedema is due to removal of the lymph nodes, as part of surgery for malignancies. The lymph pathways can be interrupted by radiation, surgery, injury or blockage with parasites.
Trauma or radiation can tear a major lymph trunk or cause the production of excess fibrous tissue, which later constricts the lymph vessel.
Lymphedema may also occur as a result of a chronic venous disease, which always involves the large lymphatic vessels that run beside the veins.
Lipedema
Lipedema is a condition of an excessive amount of fat deposited in the leg and buttocks combined with changes in the lymph vessels. In the early stages, the foot remains normal and fat deposition occurs from the ankle to the buttocks. The lymphatics are either abnormal, or become affected by this as lipedema progresses. Venous insufficiency and lymphedema may start to appear as well.
Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage
- MLD removes metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules and foreign substances from the tissues.
- MLD, through its gentle rhythmical precise hand movements, alleviates pain by greatly reducing the pain signals sent to the brain.
- MLD relaxes the sympathetic nervous system, thus helping to relieve stress.
- MLD supports and enhances the actions of the immune system
- MLD helps the body to heal more quickly from injuries, surgical trauma, chronic conditions, and edema.
Treatment indications
Surgical
- Post-Mastectomy Edema
- Post-Hysterectomy Edema
- Varicose Veins
- Post-Surgical Swelling
- Pre-Surgery Preparation
- Post-Surgery Recovery
- Pre/post Cosmetic Surgery
- Post-Amputation
- Post-Vein Stripping
- Lymphedema Strains/Strains
- Muscle/Ligament tears
- Fractures/Dislocations
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Neck Pain/Whiplash
- Chronic Pain
Musculoskeletal
- Strains/Strains
- Muscle/Ligament tears
- Fractures/Dislocations
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Neck Pain/Whiplash
- Chronic Pain
Ear, Nose & Throat
- Allergies
- Hay Fever
- Sinusitis
- Tinnitus
- Neuralgia, RSD
Neurological
- Tension Headaches
- Migranines
- Neuralgia, RSD
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Stress Reduction
- Migranines
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Parkinson's Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Tension Headaches
- Meniere's Disease
Dermatological
- Acne/eczema
- Leg ulcers
- Burns/scars
- Neuralgia, RSD
Other
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue
- Toxic Poisoning
- Scleraderma
