MLD has been used since the early 1930’s as apart of Dr. Emil Vodder’s unique set of movements and specific treatments to provide relief from chronic conditions. It is a popular treatment in many European hospitals and clinics, but is now highly respected and practiced worldwide by health care practitioners, especially Registered Massage Therapists.
MLD treatment uses a distinctive manual process that has a pressure and relaxation phase creating a pumping affect. This technique is used to redirect or encourage accumulated lymph to the nodes. The movement is light enough to only affect the lymphatic system, increasing the lymph flow and stimulating the production of lymphocytes (which means a better immune response for your body!)
MLD has been used for many preventative and remedial conditions that can improve your quality of life.
-Deeply relaxing effect
-Helps in the healing process of fractures, sprains, muscle strains
-It is an affective component of treating lymphoedema, which may occur after cancer treatment, and helps with venous insufficiencies.
-Creates an analgesic effect lessening pain and discomfort
-Strengthens immune system: by manually stimulating the lymphatic system you increase its carrying capacity, allowing it to process up to 10 times more fluid than normal
-Aids in the body’s ability to fight infections
-Filters our waste products, dead cells, excess proteins and toxins from tissues having a detoxifying effect
-Decreases fluid retention and congestion: swollen ankles and legs due to pregnancy or overuse
-Promotes fast healing of wounds and burns
-Can be used to speed up healing after surgery
You, your lymph, and your Massage Therapist
Your first visit includes a consultation, which the therapist will recommend the number and frequency of future sessions. Each appointment will be 45-60 minute treatments, depending on how many parts of the body will be worked on. Therapy is uaually performed once a day 2-5 times a week for 2-4 weeks (*studies show the greatest reduction in swelling from lymphedema occurs in the first week of treatment and stabilizes during the second week*).
Please remember that with any existing or prior cancer history a note from the referring doctor is required.
The therapist gently rubs, strokes, taps or pushes the skin in directions that follow the structure of the lymphatic system so that accumulated lymph fluid can drain through proper channels. Lymphatic drainage is very gentle, is not painful and does not have a stimulating effect.