manual lymphatic drainage

 
 
 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage


Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle technique intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, (addresses body fluid systems: lymph, interstitial fluid and synovial fluids), which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart.

This technique works through the body's lymphatic system to activate the body fluid circulation and stimulate the functioning of the immune and para-sympathetic nervous systems. The result of these actions can include reductions in edemas; aid the body in the healthy function of its own detoxification processes, aid in regeneration of tissue as well as many other benefits which can be found below.

The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels (peristalsis) and the movement of skeletal muscle to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes and then beyond the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts, which return lymph to the cardiovascular system.

Manual lymph drainage uses a specific amount of pressure (less than 9 ounces per square inch or about 4 kPa) and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow.

Using exacting anatomical science and distinctive manual processes, MLD enables practitioners to affect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow within the body.


Manual Lymph Drainage can be utilized in the treatment of many different conditions including:

  • Orthopedics / Traumatology / Sports / Rheumatology i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, burns, trauma

  • Cardiovascular / Lymphology i.e. edema, lymphedema

  • Pre/post Surgery i.e. pain, edema, infection, fibrosis conditions, Scar Tissue

  • Pneumology / Nephrology / Hepato-Gastroenterology i.e. chronic infection / inflammation, IBS, colitis

  • Neurology i.e. headache, neuralgia, facial paresis

  • Gynecology i.e. PMS, mastopathy, painful or swollen breast

  • Pediatric i.e. infections, inflammations

  • Geriatric i.e. degenerative conditions

  • Otorhinolaryngology / ORL (ear-nose-throat) / Ophthalmology i.e. tinnitus, gingivopathy, laryngitis

  • Dermatology / Esthetic i.e. chronic eczema, acne, dermatitis, wrinkles, adiposis

  • General Well Being/Metabolic i.e. chronic pain, general fatigue, stress



Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage post-cosmetic Surgery

Manual Lymph Drainage: Understanding Its Health and Aesthetic Benefits post-cosmetic Surgery by Emmanuelle Ravez Gomez, RMT, Combined Decongestive Therapist

More and more patients turn to elective cosmetic procedures such as:

  • breast augmentation

  • liposuction

  • nose reshaping

  • eyelid surgery

  • tummy tuck

  • Brazilian butt lift

Many things happen at a cellular level during surgery. Here’s a simplified version of what happens on and around the surgery site:

  • The blood vessels and lymphatic vessels of specific areas become ‘leaky’.

  • Blood flow to the injured site also increases

  • Lymph accumulates around the cells and inside the cells, which is what we call swelling

How can Manual Lymph Drainage help after cosmetic surgery?

Patients will judge the results of a cosmetic surgery procedure by symmetry, minimal scarring, contour and skin regularity.

Manual Lymph drainage has proven to be an excellent therapy post-cosmetic surgery. Please, make sure you check with your cosmetic surgeon before booking a treatment.

Manual Lymph Drainage can assist to:

  • drain the accumulated fluid towards the closest lymph nodes

  • decrease the bruising

  • decrease the swelling and help tremendously with the pain

  • speed up the healing process

  • soften the scars and make them less visible in the long run

  • reduce the hard lumps, rippling and indentations

What you need to know about Manual Lymph Drainage:

  • it is a very gentle treatment, as lymphatic vessels are very close to the surface of the skin

  • it does not hurt

  • you will continue to wear your compression, as per your cosmetic surgeon’s orders

  • you might need a series of treatments for better results

  • you will need to get undressed

How does Manual Lymph Drainage ‘work’?

Manual Lymph Drainage is a specialized manual therapy technique. The lymph vessels are gently pressed in a bi-directional fashion to encourage the flow of lymph.

Your therapist will be able to move the fluid towards appropriate lymph nodes, so the body can naturally re-absorb it.