What is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)?
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), sometimes called manual lymphatic therapy, uses light touch to move excess lymph and fluid out of the tissues and back into the lymphatic vessels. Although often referred to as a type of massage, MLD is very different from traditional forms of massage that rely on deep and rigorous rubbing.
What is Manman manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an Advanced Therapy in which the Practitioner uses a range of specialized and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the lymph fluid in the direction of the lymph pathways. It is a technique based on gentle, rhythmic and constant movements that mimic the rhythm of the body’s lymphatic system.
What are the benefits of manual lymph drainage?
As manual lymph drainage also assists with stimulating the parasympathetic response in the body, it’s beneficial in situations where the nervous system has been compromised, such as with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Individuals can benefit from general stress reduction, detoxification and enhanced immune function.
Is manual lymphatic drainage covered by insurance?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Research studies haven’t clearly proven the effectiveness of MLD, but they have shown that CDT is effective — and CDT usually includes MLD. Many insurance plans cover MLD because it’s done during an office visit with your lymphedema therapist. However, you’ll need to check the details of your own insurance plan.
Does manual lymphatic drainage reduce the risk of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery?
Studies have shown that manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) has a beneficial effect on lymphedema related to breast cancer surgery. However, whether MLD reduces the risk of lymphedema is still debated.
Can Manual lymph drainage cause sepsis?
The germs could be spread by the manual lymph drainage, with resulting blood poisoning (sepsis). Condition stated above must not be treated with manual lymph drainage. The skin is stretched in specific directions using hand movements to promote variations in interstitial pressure without the use of oils.
Should your lymphedema therapist recommend MLD?
If your lymphedema therapist recommends MLD, ask about his or her training and experience. Training programs can vary widely in their requirements — all the way from just a couple of hours of class time with no recertification needed, to more than 130 hours of instruction and hands-on training with recertification required every 2 years.
How effective is MLD for the treatment of lymphedema?
In combination with medical attention MLD is also very effective for lipoedema and lymphedema, the chronic accumulation of lymphatic fluid in body tissues. Swelling and other discomforts stemming from sinusitis or allergies may also be reduced.
What is the Order of lymphatic drainage?
The lymphatic drainage starts centrally and proximally with treatments usually starting around the neck. Functional and healthy lymph nodes are treated first, followed by proximal and contralateral areas and then ipsilateral and lymphoedematus areas.
Does manual lymphatic drainage help edema and lymphedema?
Manual lymphatic drainage has shown some promise in helping edema and lymphedema. These conditions can occur for myriad reasons, including post-operatively (especially for cancer treatments that require lymph node removal), acute injury, orthopedic trauma and some autoimmune conditions, to name a few.
What does a lymphatic drainage massage therapist do?
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy