Contraindications to Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Lymphatic drainage massage can be greatly beneficial for those who suffer from an imbalance in their body’s physiological processes. Carex E-Z Lock Raised Toilet Seat, Adds 5 Inches to Toilet Height, Elderly and Handicap Toilet Seat Riser, Round Or Elongated Toilets Our E-Z Lock Raised Toilet Seat adds 5 inches of height to the toilet seat to assists those with bending or sitting difficulties.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of massage based on the hypothesis that it will encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels (peristalsis) and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes and then 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.^[1][2] Clinical studies of MLD conclude that further study of the practice is required before recommending it as an effective health treatment.

Medical use[edit]

Studies show mixed results regarding the efficacy of the method in treating lymphedema and further studies are needed.^[3] A 2013 systematic review of manual lymphatic drainage with regard to breast cancer related lymphedema found no clear support for the effectiveness of the intervention in either preventing limb edema in at-risk women or treating women for the condition.^[4]

History[edit]

Manual lymphatic drainage was pioneered by Danish Drs. Emil Vodder and Estrid Vodder in the 1930s^[2] for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and other immune disorders. While working on the French Riviera treating patients with chronic colds, the Vodders noticed these patients had swollen lymph nodes. In the 1930s, the lymphatic system was poorly understood. The Vodders were not deterred by this and, in 1932, began to study the lymph system, developing light, rhythmic hand movements to promote lymph movement. In 1936, they introduced this technique in Paris, France, and after World War II, they returned to Copenhagen to teach other practitioners to use this therapy.^[5]

References[edit]

1. ^Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage; Ramona Moody French; Delmar/Cengage; 2004
2. ^ ^abStillerman, Elaine (2009). Modalities for Massage and Bodywork. Mosby. pp. 129–143. ISBN032305255X.
3. ^'Manual Lymph Drainage Combined With Compression Therapy for Arm Lymph- edema Following Breast Cancer Treatment'(PDF). Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU). Retrieved 25 April 2014.
4. ^Huang TW, Tseng SH, Lin CC, Bai CH, Chen CS, Hung CS, Wu CH, Tam KW (2013). 'Effects of manual lymphatic drainage on breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials'. World J Surg Oncol. 11 (15). doi:10.1186/1477-7819-11-15. PMC3562193. PMID23347817.
5. ^Levine, Andrew (1998). The Bodywork and Massage Sourcebook. Lowell House. pp. 173–84. ISBN9780737300987.

External links[edit]

• Explanation of Manual lymphedema therapy on the National Cancer Institute web site.

Welcome to the MLDUK website. Its main purpose is to promote public awareness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) from the point of view of both the patient & potential practitioners.

Within the site you will find information on MLDUK as an organisation and what it strives to achieve; what techniques are used by Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioners; a national and international register of MLDUK - accredited therapists as well as details of courses for those of you who might be interested in becoming therapists.

Our Charitable arm Lymfund, through the efforts of our members and patients (and their relatives) taking part in running, cycling and dancing, raise money, continue to help other patients in need of treatment, to access funds for MLD therapy from our qualified practitioners. Find out more on the Lymfund page.

Patrons: Dr Baroness Julie Smith of Newnham & Peter S. Mortimer MD, FRCP, Professor of Dermatological Medicine

Mini-Guides

We have prepared a series of mini-guides which provide information on how MLD can help to:

Cosmetic Surgery – speed up recovery

Accelerate the healing process following cosmetic surgery.

Detox - a different way to detox

Improve the ability of the body’s lymphatic system to cleanse from the inside out.

Breast Cancer

Alleviate swelling which may occur as a result of breast cancer treatment.

Pregnancy - swollen ankles

Stimulate and increase the rate of removal of waste products, toxins and excess fluid from the body’s tissues, for example during pregnancy.