MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized form of massage that has powerful cleansing, relaxing, pain relieving & immunological effects. It is a gentle, flowing, rhythmic massage and can be applied to a wide range of physical conditions to great effect.

It is particularly useful for the treatment of lymphoedema and swelling that is often seen in response to cancer treatments such as radiotherapy. It’s specialized pumping technique can be used to prevent or treat lymphoedema and improve lymph drainage.

Manual Lymphatic drainage techniques facilitate the removal of metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules, and foreign substances from tissue via the initial lymph vessels and the venous capillaries. In addition it relaxes the sympathetic nervous system, reduces pain, and enhances the activity of the immune system.

It is an effective treatment for a variety of issues including oedema, skin disorders, headache, sinus congestion, sprains and aches, stress, digestive disorders, before and after surgery to remove tissue congestion and minimize scar formation. It is particularly useful as part of post-mastectomy therapy oedema and fibrosis and relieves pain and tension.




POST CANCER AND MASTECTOMY THERAPY

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specific massage technique which helps with the management of Lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is chronic tissue swelling, often as a result of cancer or its treatment. For example, after mastectomy surgery, the lymphatic system will have been compromised and lymph nodes in the arm pits may also have been removed. This impedes the normal fluid drainage channels and results in lymph fluid collecting in an area causing swelling and pain.

Research has shown that 1 in 5 breast cancer patients will develop lymphoedema of the arm. Unless this is treated the swelling can increase and eventually become very difficult to manage. Although lymphoedema cannot be completely cured, manual lymphatic drainage is an important therapy for treating this condition.

Ultimately it aims to clear blockages so that excess fluids will be pushed out of the affected areas - MLD also aims to prevent fluids accumulating again.