Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is different from other types of massage. Because our lymphatic vessels reside between the muscle and dermal layer, massage techniques that apply pressure to your muscle and ligature can temporarily block lymphatic flow.

As a result, the light feathery pressure from manual lymphatic drainage relieves swelling when medical treatment or illness stops your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.

The human body contains between 650 and 750 lymph nodes. The lymph nodes clear the lymph fluid comprised of protein, water, cells, and long-chain fatty acids from the body. When the body is in movement, it only moves at a rate of 10-12 beats per minute. However, when manual lymphatic drainage is applied, the lymph transport is increased to 100-200 beats per minute. This increase is necessary to see the physical improvement you want!

WHAT ARE SOME INDICATIONS FOR MLD TREATMENT?

Face conditions: Glaucoma, Bell's Palsy, Migraine, and Sinusitis.

Skin conditions: Eczema, Acne, Cellulite, and Lipedema

Wounds: Burns, Diabetic Ulcer, Myorrhexis, and Vein Stripping

Surgery: PRE & POST Surgeries, Lipo, C-Section, and Joint Replacement

More: Edema, Sports Injuries, Down Syndrom, Chrons, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s

WHY MLD BEFORE SURGERY?

Preparation! Getting up to five consecutive full-body MLD treatments two days before you report to surgery has proven to promote a better recovery process. MLD helps clear existing roadblocks, restrictions, constructions, and detours of stagnant lymphatic fluid before undergoing surgery. The stagnant lymphatic fluid may have viscosity (thick brown fluid buildup) which is why there has been swelling and edema within the body.

WHY MLD AFTER SURGERY?

Recovery! Post-surgery MLD helps clear out the effects of the anesthesia, medications, pain, and limited movement. Yet, before receiving MLD after surgery, you must have your operating doctor's clearance. Typically this clearance can take a minimum of two days. Once you are clear to resume MLD, you should book up to five consecutive sessions.

Please communicate with your doctor and MLD Therapist on the duration of the first MLD treatment. Often, less is more for the first session post-surgery. Therefore, a fifteen-minute session may be more fruitful for your healing journey than a sixty-minute session. Over the following four sessions, you can increase the time, if comfortable, until you reach the sixty-minute maximum session.

MLD FOR ATHLETES, FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS, and SPORTS INJURIES

When lymphatic fluid is free of cellular debris, it can effectively eradicate toxins and deliver healthy nutrients for optimal performance. MLD also helps prevent bruising and edema and accelerates the healing process.

MLD assists in Sports Injuries in the following ways:

Preventing and healing bruising

Dislocations

Fractures

Torn Muscles

Phantom Pain

Tennis Elbow

Skiers Thumb

Golfers Arm

Tendonitis

Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts chose the "50/50: Massage w/ Lymph Drainage" option. This session provides the best of both worlds with a full-body massage and a complete-body MLD treatment. You do not have to be an athlete or recovering from an injury to benefit from this lymphatic rejuvenating protocol.

PREGNANCY: MLD PRE-DELIVERY BENEFITS

A healthy start to a healthy pregnancy

Maintain optimum immune system function

Edema Retention and Prevention

Stretchmark Prevention

Constipation Relief

PREGNANCY: MLD POST-DELIVERY BENEFITS

Weight Reduction

Accelerate Healing

C-Section Pouch

Pitting Edema in the lower extremity

Milk Production

The client should consult their doctor before beginning MLD. Also, newly born babies can start receiving MLD therapy at two weeks old. The benefits of a baby starting MLD early are immune support and nutrient absorption from breast milk and food.

*MLD can begin in the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 13-26).

MLD THERAPEUTIC GOALS & DESIRED OUTCOMES:

Limb Reduction

Infection Prevention

Cellulitis (Erysipelas)

Fibrosis Reduction

Increase Range of Motion

Optimal Nutrient Absorption

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