What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
The lymphatic system is a circulatory system made up of lymph vessels, which are much like blood vessels. The lymphatic system is responsible for maintaining an efficient immune function, fluid metabolism, and proper detoxification. It acts like a garbage disposal, helping your body filter out waste and bacteria.
How does manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) work?
Normally, the lymphatic system collects lymph fluid and returns it to your heart through the lymph vessels and nodes. But when there’s a disruption to your lymphatic system’s process, the fluid can backlog, which leads to swelling or a condition called lymphedema. Primary lymphedema comes from rare, inherited conditions that affect how your lymphatic system develops. Secondary lymphedema may happen if your lymphatic system is damaged from surgery, trauma or radiation therapy. It is most common in people who’ve had breast cancer treatment. That said, not everyone who has breast cancer treatment develops lymphedema.
Various practitioners (i.e. Lymphologist’s, Physiotherapist’s, Occupational Therapist’s and RMT’s) have MLD training. Here at Antidote Wellness Lab, our RMT, Melanie Wheaton can assist in this area.
MLD is unlike a traditional massage therapy treatment in that no creams or lotions are used and the pressure values are light. Since the lymphatic system does not have a heart to pump it, its upward movement depends on the motions of the muscle and joint pumps. The delicate lymph vessels and nodes lie directly beneath the skin so MLD is a way to activate the body's own natural healing process. Some other ways in which to encourage lymphatic movement is by being active (walking, swimming, elevating limbs), staying hydrated and self-MLD.
What is an MLD session like?
To give you an idea of what happens during a lymphatic drainage treatment with Melanie; here is what you can expect:
A thorough verbal health review. Any required assessments will be done on-table, during the treatment.
On-table lymphatic treatment often involves a variety of modalities such as compression, ice, localized lymphatic drainage and K-Tape.
On-table massage treatment may also be applied. Treatment often involves working on compensatory tissues to reduce aches and/or tightness.
Self-Care: exercise(s) are sometimes prescribed.
If a client is able and needs ongoing treatments, a treatment plan will be arranged. Each treatment lasts between 30 minutes and 60 minutes. Melanie will discuss the best treatment length and how often you should receive treatments based specifically on your health needs.
Although the cause of the swelling and location vary, the main goal(s) here are often to reduce swelling, reduce pain and discomfort, and/or enhance joint range of motion and mobility.
Other important information about MLD:
Melanie mostly treats secondary related lymphedema, so mostly for clients who are post surgery - joint related surgery and breast cancer surgery.
Before treating lymphedema, a copy of the diagnostic details is required.
Contraindications to MLD techniques include chronic heart failure, acute conditions due to bacterial or viral infection, recent thrombosis, low-protein Edelman’s due to kidney pathologies, malignancy and lymphatic obstruction by parasites.
Your informed consent is very much a part of every treatment. So, draping and boundaries (& more) will be discussed together prior to treatment.
If you are uncertain or have any further questions regarding this subject, please do not hesitate to call us and we will discuss any questions you may have. Or book directly online under “Injury-Related Massage Treatment”.
Disclaimer: Please remember this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider or someone with the correct qualifications before starting any new exercise or treatment program.
References:
1. Chmelova, K & Nováčková, M. Effect of manual lymphatic drainage on upper limb lymphedema after surgery for breast cancer. 2022;87(5):317-323. doi: 10.48095/cccg2022317.
2. Breast Massage, Debra Curties, RMT - ©️copyright 1999
3. Clinical Massage Therapy - Understanding, Assessing and Treating over 70 Conditions, Fiona Rattray, RMT and Linda Ludwig, B.A. RMT
Copyright ©️ Rattray and Ludwig, 2000
