MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Manual lymphatic drainage (or MLD) is a gentle, yet powerful rhythmical massage treatment, designed to stimulate the circulation of lymph flow around the body. Helping to rapidly remove excess fluid, wastes and toxins, speed healing and boost the body’s natural defence (immune ) systems of a sluggish or compromised lymphatic system. Multilayer Lymphoedema Bandaging (MLLB) and Sequential Intermittent Compression Pump (SICP) is also available.
Lymphatic massage can also aids in the prevention of swelling after injury or surgery.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage right for me?
- Indicators for MLD:
- Lymphoedema (management and prevention)
- Lipoedema
- Reduction of Oedema
- Pain Relief
- Post Liposuction
- Arthritis
- Chronic inflammation
- Dental Surgery (wisdom teeth extraction)
- Pre and Post surgery
- Scar reduction
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Hay Fever and Sinusitis
The massage strokes used in the massage are light, gentle and rhythmic. The massage should not be painful, as it also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (a relaxation response).
Compression treatment reduces swelling caused by a build up of lymph fluid (lymphoedema). It puts pressure on the area of swelling. The pressure needs to be even but firm on the tissues in the area.
There are different ways to apply compression. They include bandaging, garments and compression pump.
The pressure helps the trapped lymph fluid to flow through the lymph vessels. The compression garment or bandages also act as an extra force for the muscles to work against. This helps the fluid to drain out of the area.
Sequential Intermittent Compression Pump (SICP) therapy is the process of applying external pressure to the limbs to promote the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid from the extremities of the body and can be used in conjunction with MLD or on its own.
SICP can be used in the management of various vascular issues such as: lymphoedema, diabetic foot ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulceration, lipoedema and DVT.
You will need to consult with your therapies first to establish if this is the best therapy for you.
