Manual Lymphatic Drainage

A sprain is an injury to a ligament when the joint is carried through a greater range of motion than is normal but without causing dislocation or fracture. Manual lymphatic drainage can reduce swelling and bruising, decrease pain, promote a normal range of motion, prevent fibrosis, and reduce recovery and healing time.

Whiplash is a hyperextension injury to the neck, often as the result of being struck from behind, as by a fast-moving vehicle in a car accident. A moderate to severe strain affects the bones, discs, muscles, nerves, and/or tendons of the neck. MLD can decrease swelling and reduce pain, promote a normal range of motion, inhibit fibrosis and scar formation, and reduce overall recovery and healing time.

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood that accumulates in an organ, tissue, or body space as the results of leakage from a broken blood vessel. MLD reduces pain and decreases swelling, disperse coagulated blood to promote better reabsorption, and reduce overall recovery and healing time.

Post-surgical edema is swelling after any surgical procedure, e.g. facelift, liposuction, breast reduction or augmentation, and joint replacement surgery. MLD decreases swelling and reduces pain, promotes a normal range of motion, inhibits fibrosis and scar tissue formation, and reduces overall recovery and healing time.

Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder described as a central sensitization syndrome caused by neurobiological abnormalities which act to produce physiological pain and cognitive impairments as well as psychological symptomology. It is a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and Allodynia, a heightened and painful response to pressure. Fibromyalgia is frequently comorbid with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety and stress-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder. MLD decreases hypersensitivity and reduces pain, promotes restful sleep, encourages a normal range of motion, and reduces tissue congestion.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue of six months or longer that is not improved by bed rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity. The objective of MLD is to relieve pain, promote restful sleep, general detoxification of tissues, and possible immunity enhancement.

RA, sometimes called rheumatic disease, is a systemic inflammatory disease that manifests itself in multiple joints of the body. The inflammatory process primarily affects the lining of the joints but can also affect other organs. The inflamed synovium leads to erosions of the cartilage and bone and sometimes joint deformity. Although the causes are unknown, RA is believed to be the result of a faulty immune response. MLD helps to reduce pain, decreased tissue congestion and inflammation, reduce swelling, and increase range of motion.

Because the techniques of manual lymphatic drainage assist with stimulating a parasympathetic response in the body, MLD can be useful in situations where the neurological/nervous system or autoimmune system of the body has been compromised. Examples of these types of indications include Parkinson’s disease, MS, lupus, and traumatic brain injuries. MLD can also be utilized effectively for conditions such as anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, general stress reduction, as well as for general detoxification and enhanced immune function.

An analgesic effect is promoted with MLD due to the accelerated drainage of nociceptive (pain-causing) substances from treated areas.

In addition, the light pressure used in MLD provides a stimulus for the “gate control”. (Gate Control Theory: A medical notion in which one’s nerves are stimulated in a way that they close the “gates” which sends pain signals to the brain. ) The light pressure used in MLD, as well as the gentle, rhythmic application of the strokes, decreases the body’s sympathetic mode, and promotes a parasympathetic response.

A migraine is a recurring headache characterized by a unilateral onset, severe throbbing pain, photophobia, phonophobia, and autonomic disturbances during the acute phase which may last for hours or days. MLD reduces pain and hypersensitivity, shortens the duration of the event, pre-empts the migraine occurrence if treated early, and reduces the frequency of migraine occurrence. Sinus headache treatment requires the same pain considerations with added attention to the sinus regions in the face.

Ringing in the ears or other noise that seems to originate in the ears or head. Tonight is can we do to a diverse range of causes including ear infections, fluid in the ears, Ménière’s syndrome, medications such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, withdrawal from certain drugs, allergies that may prevent fluid drain, aging, and ear trauma from loud noises. MLD reduces possible fluid pressure on the inner ear and eustation tubes, thereby reducing “noise” in the ear and reduces dizziness.

A common condition marked by benign changes in breast tissue. These changes may include irregular lumps or cysts, breast discomfort, sensitive nipples, and itching. These symptoms may change throughout the menstrual cycle and usually stop after menopause. MLD encourages proper lymphatic drainage to unblock impaired lymphatics which may contribute to the formation of nodules or cysts. Reduces breast sensitivity and pain as well as nodules or “bumpy” areas.

A popular term for deposits of fat that have a dimpled texture. Medically, cellulite is not considered abnormal. MLD reduces the textured appearance of tissues and promotes proper drainage of tissues.

During pregnancy, the body produces approximately 50% more blood and bodily fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby. Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy that is caused by this additional blood and fluid. In addition, the weight of the growing fetus compresses on the pelvic veins which can cause additional venous edema in the lower extremities. MLD provides relief from swelling and discomfort, improves sleep and anxiety, and supports venous return.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. It is due either to the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. MLD promotes tissue health and provides relief of peripheral neuropathy.

Inflammation is the body‘s attempt at self-protection, the start of the healing process. Local response to cellular injury marked by capillary dilation and leukocytic infiltration. Initiates the elimination of noxious agents and damaged tissue. MLD reduces and removes inflammatory substances that may be causing pain and irritation to the area. MLD will also help reduce protein load in the interstitial space and reestablish homeostasis.