Good things come to those who wait...
Good things come to those who wait...
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a recognised specialist practice that stimulates the lymphatic system, which is an essential part of your immune system that removes fluid and waste products from the body. The lymphatic system is also an important part of the body’s defence against infection. It is made up of groups of lymph nodes or glands throughout the body, connected by a network of lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic impairment can be a result of Primary (genetic predisposition) or Secondary lymphoedema. Secondary lymphoedema includes working with people post-cancer treatment.
For those of you who are suffering with an impairment of the lymphatic system, an assessment, followed by a combination therapy of massage, compression, skincare and exercise is available.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is recommended by many surgeons post-surgery and helps to reduce swelling and keep fibrosis at bay. Deep Oscillation techniques can also be combined, which enhances recovery. Most people also find this treatment deeply relaxing.
MLD is a non-invasive therapy in which the practitioner uses a range of specialised and gentle, rhythmic, pumping techniques to move the skin, thus stimulating the Lymphatic System to work harder. This speeds up removal of excess fluid and waste products.
MLD generally uses a light, painless pressure as your lymphatic vessels start shallow in the skin layer (dermis) and trained therapists know how to manipulate them, redirecting fluid away from swollen areas.
Compression Therapy can include multi-layer bandaging in the short term and compression garments in the long term. Your certified Lymphatic Therapist can help you through the process of choosing and obtaining these.
Following the removal of lymph nodes and radiation therapy, Secondary Lymphoedema can affect breast cancer patients in the arm, chest and trunk. This causes additional pain, discomfort and anxiety but it can be successfully treated and managed with MLD.
Symptoms of Secondary Lymphoedema can include:
■ swelling, a feeling of fullness or heaviness
■ tightness and stretching of the skin
■ reduced movement of the joints
■ thickening and dryness of the skin
■ discomfort or pain
During pregnancy, the body naturally retains more fluid and the circulatory system comes under increased pressure. Tips such as putting your feet up and taking it easy can help alleviate this problem, however, we often feel a little guilty ‘resting’ when there is so much to do. There are, therefore, many mums putting up with this uncomfortable condition which largely affects women in their third trimester.
Swelling and bruising are often experienced post surgery. Recovery time varies from person to person due to many factors such as age, general health, lifestyle etc. However, a course of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) may facilitate recovery and is often recommended by surgeons.
– The treatment and control of Primary and Secondary Lymphoedema
– Assisting with conditions arising from venous insufficiency such as leg ulcers
– Preparing for and speeding up healing after surgery
– Relieving fluid congestion e.g. swollen legs due to pregnancy, swollen ankles, puffy eyes
– Promoting the healing and lessening the pain of injuries e.g. fractures, sprains, torn ligaments
– Promoting the healing of wounds and burns
– Improving chronic conditions such as skin conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, sinusitis
– Improving the appearance of scars
– Strengthening the immune system
– Minimising or reducing stretch marks
– Inducing deep relaxation as it may affect the autonomic nervous system
• There are usually no negative side effects to MLD and it is safe to eat before and after a session.
• It helps if you keep your fluid intake up by drinking water regularly.
• You may need to go to the toilet more often as the re-energised lymphatic system starts to move excess fluid and waste.
• Treatment cannot be conducted during first trimester of pregnancy.
