What is Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage massage sometimes referred to as MLD is a set of massage techniques that that reduces swelling. Superficial lymphatic drainage massage technique is a variation of superficial effleurage developed Emil Vodder in the 20th century.

As like many techniques developed in earlier times, there are now several schools of manual lymphatic drainage that have taken lymph drainage massage to another level.
The strokes in general, are centripetal, in other words toward the heart.

MLD is an effective treatment for people who have lymphedema as result of lymph node inflammation, post surgery swelling, acute ankle sprain etc.

Lymphatic Drainage Benefits

There are several benefits received from a treatment by a manual lymphatic drainage therapist. They include but are not limited to:

• increase lymphatic return from the region it is applied to
• increased volume of lymph returned the venous blood system
• increase local blood flow
• relaxation
• reduce pain
• improved immune system function

MLD massage is effective particularly in the treatment of lymphedema that arises after surgical intervention in breast cancer.

Lymphatic massage is contraindicated for acute or local inflammation due to bacterial or viral infection, untreated spreading cancers, allergic reactions to medication, recent thrombosis and swelling due to right-sided heart failure.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Training

It is important to be treated by a manual lymphatic drainage massage therapist.
Generally these massage or lymph drainage therapists have specialized training and certification for this type of treatment.

They know how to recognize:
• major vascular disease
• major lymphatic dysfunction
• accurately locate the areas need for treatment

Manual lymph drainage massage is a principal technique of several schools of MLD, which may also use superficial effleurage, compression and other techniques. Lymph drainage may be used in conjunction with these techniques or used on its own for specific lymph drainage needs.
What to Look for In A Good Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist?

Here are the more important things to think about while searching for a good lymph drainage therapist:

• experience
• communication skills
• personable
• strong referral network

Other things to take into consideration for lymphatic drainage massage:

• location

• fees

Lymphatic Drainage Treatment – Lymphedema Treatment Centers