Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Complete Decongestive Therapy
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle manual treatment technique that improves the activity of the lymph vessels by mild mechanical stretches on the wall of lymph collectors. MLD re-routes the lymph flow via tissue channels and lymph vessels around the blocked areas into more centrally located lymph vessels that eventually drain into the venous system.
This non-invasive, painless and effective therapy for lymphedema and other related conditions, has been used in Europe successfully since the 1960’s. It is now widely recognized and used in most of the United States.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage / MLD
MLD is NOT massage; but a light technique of gentle strokes, movements and soft “pumping” by the practitioner to help the circulation of lymph fluid throughout the body. These light movements are gentle, rhythmic, and in harmony with the natural body rhythms of the client. These movements assist the lymphatic system function by promoting “lymphangiomotoricity.” The manipulation of these healthy lymphatics will result in an increase in lymph vessel activity in these areas with a “suction effect.”
Effects of MLD:
Increase in lymph production
Increase in lymphangiomotoricity
Increase of intra-lymphatic pressure; MLD increases the volume of lymph fluid that is transported
Increase of venous return
Faster Recovery of tissues after surgery
Fibrinolyic effect; special MLD techniques help break down fibrotic tissue (lymphostatic fibrosis)
Reverse of lymph flow
Detoxifying
Boost Metabolism
Enhanced digestion
Soothing and Analgesic
If you have Edema, Lymphedema, any post surgical swelling, or just want to feel better, make your appointment today for an MLD session.
Call: 517-901-0400 or email: shilohwellness4u@gmail.com
One client had a stubborn venous wound that would not heal. Thank God it began to heal slowly with regular MLD & CDT and specific exercises. These types of wounds take months to heal, so with regular MLD, CDT, supplements (vitamin C, vit.D, etc.), certain exercises and a healthy diet, the wound began to heal nicely.
Mr. J., is a mostly healthy elderly man, with a venous insufficiency wound.
Mr. J. is a client that was regularly going to a Wound Care Center for over two years, and never arrived to a complete healing. After the sore repeatedly re-occurred, we met and decided that MLD/CDT would be a great option.
The protocol for Manual Lymphatic Therapy & CDT began immediately after the initial consult. We performed the four basic steps three times a week with great success.
The first foto was taken, Friday, November 25th, 2022; second foto on November 26th, third foto on Monday, November 27th. And the last foto on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023. This client is very compliant with the specific diet, recommended exercises and proper elevation. This healing process has been amazing and a tremendous blessing for Mr. J. and his family. The wound continues to heal each day and we thank God for Mr. J’s continuous progress.
What Manual Lymphatic Drainage IS NOT
Beware of Deceptive and Dangerous Fads!
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is NOT Wood/Metal Therapy, commonly known as the “Squeegee Technique.” This seems to be the most common fad often seen on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and other social media pages aimed at post-operative cosmetic surgery. Using these sources are a lot like going to Instagram for medical care. That’s rarely a wise path to choose. Most of the information you see is accurate and useful but most is not. My aim is not to speak poorly of people providing this service, but rather to educate those who don’t know the difference between real MLD and practices that often do more harm than good.
As a certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, I know that many people are practicing these painful techniques without proper licensure. Practicing on women that have gone through the trauma of surgery need the proper techniques to experience relief and healing. These people providing ‘Wood/Metal Therapy’ or similar, may not intend to cause harm, but they lack the proper training that would educate them about the dangers/contraindications of these techniques. Wood or Metal Therapies are probably one of the more harmful fads that has surfaced over the recent years.
To understand why these fads are harmful, we first need to look at the tissue regeneration cycle in bodily injury. Cosmetic surgery is extensive bodily injury. You will continue to swell and re-swell until the injury has healed completely, just like an ankle sprain. It takes time to heal and you must be patient with your body. When tissues are rubbed, squeegeed, or rolled with wood tools or rolling foams, those delicate granulation tissues are torn. It is common for unlicensed medical professionals and massage therapists (it is not legal for massage therapists to re-open wounds) to squeeze interstitial fluids and blood from post-surgery swelling out of open wounds. When these wounds close up, they re-open them so they can continue to squeeze fluid out. Though they may call this Lymphatic Massage, if they are not using the body’s Lymphatic System to move the fluid naturally, it is inappropriate to use the term lymphatic at all. This is NOT Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
Anyone properly trained in the anatomy and physiology of the Lymphatic system knows that 70% of lymphatics are superficial and these delicate lymphatic vessels spasm when too much pressure or speed is applied. They cannot be massaged using traditional Swedish Massage techniques. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not and should not be referred to as massage. To massage or press deeply or use heat causes the granulation tissue to tear back apart and increases swelling, forming fibrosis (hence the pain it causes to receive). Your body is not made of clay and it cannot be molded by the use of wooden tools or any other method. The surgeon you hired did the shaping, not the tools. It can take three to six months to see the results of that surgeon’s art because the swelling must subside as your body heals. Everyone heals in different times and cannot be forced. These procedures cause more harm than good. If you unknowingly seek, or suggested, or even offered to you, please do your research and look into the provider’s credentials. Remember, a certificate of attendance for a weekend program (or online program) is different from a CERTIFICATION that is monitored, tested and meets strict criteria. They must have a license to touch the body (Massage Therapist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Nurse, Doctor, Chiropractor) or they are operating outside of legal parameters. Seek out fully trained and certified professionals for the procedures they wish to perform or they could be causing damage.
Re-opening wounds, removing drain Tubes and needle aspirations require a medical license. A massage therapist is not trained or permitted by law to apply these procedures. Check credentials first. When any of these procedures are performed, the chances of infection are increased significantly. They should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, and only after being diagnosed and provided by a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. Obviously, drain tubes must be removed but criteria must be met as set by your surgeon first. When looking for a MLD Therapist, be sure to google ‘Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist’ and not ‘Manual Lymphatic Massage’ or similar. If it contains the word ‘Massage’ beware and continue looking or ask your surgeon if he can recommend someone. And if it hurts, you are not receiving MLD. MLD should always be gentle and effective with visible results within 24 hours.
Do your research, and take the time to investigate and find the right therapist. If you need help to find an MLD therapist, email me and I will help to guide you in the right direction. You can email me at: shilohwellness4u@gmail.com or text @517-297-4458
Complete Decongestive Therapy / CDT
CDT is the best ‘Management and Treatment’ for patients with Lymphedema and other swelling conditions.
CDT is the recognized “gold standard” of care for those with lymphedema. It consists of four interacting elements applied in two phases (acute and ongoing)
* MLD: As mentioned above, MLD is a gentle manual treatment technique that improves the activity of the lymph vessels by mild mechanical stretches.
* Compression Therapy: The elastic fibers in the skin are damaged in lymphedema. In order to prevent reaccumulation of fluid, it’s extremely necessary to apply sufficient compression to the affected extreme. CT also improves the function of the muscle pumps, helps to reduce fibrotic tissue, and promotes venous and lymphatic return. CT is to lymphedema what medication is to many diseases – INDISPENSIBLE!
* Exercises: These are designed and customized by your therapist based on the affected extremity. These decongestive exercises aid the effects of the joint and muscle pumps. They should be performed daily and while wearing the compression bandages or garment.
* Skin Care: The skin in lymphedema is very susceptible to infections and usually dry. Recommended is a low-pH lotion (around pH5), free of alcohol and fragrance. It should be used daily to maintain moisture of the skin and avoid infections. (Your therapist will know what lotions to recommend.)
Each element is interdependent and imperative to the overall success of treatment. However, the most important element is the application of compression to the swollen body part.
