MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
East West Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
WHAT IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE?
Is a lymph method of massage that works on lymph vessel and glands to improve the removal of fluids from the body tissues
3 FUNCTIONS OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM:
Transports excess interstitial fluid to the blood
Absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system
Defends against invading microorganisms and diseases
MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE (MLDV) MASSAGE CAN BE USED IN THE TREATMENT OF:
Lymphoedema
Post traumatic and post operative oedema: Swelling of arms after breast removal, Swelling caused by total lymph node removal, Swelling caused by sports injury
Oedeme caused by arthritis
Nervous System Problems, including: Bell’s Palsy (facial paralysis), Migraine, Constipation
Ear-Nose-Throat complaints, including: Tinnitus (ringing in Ear), Sinusitis
Pediatric cases: cerebral palsy
Circulatory disorders: swelling due to venous stasis
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Cancer
Infections / fever or acute inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, toxins or allergens
Organ transplantation
Diaphragmatic Hernia
First 3 months of pregnancy
Asthma
Hyperthyroid status
Vagotonia
Heart attack (Cardiac problem)
Deep Vein Thrombose (DVT)
Thrombophlebitis
THE BENEFITS OF MLDV MASSAGE ARE:
To stimulate cellular regeneration and to prevent the cellular degeneration process by keeping the body tissues as healthy as possible
To enhance body immunity, as good lymph flow can stimulate increase in the production of lymphocytes
To promote relaxation
To improve blood and lymphatic circulation
To facilitate various bodily fluid processes such as neural stimulation, hormonal transport, and gas exchange
To help excrete waste products and limit protein accumulation due to stagnation associated with swelling / injury
In MLDV, the therapist uses his / her fingers and palms to stimulate and facilitate the natural pumping motion of the body’s lymphatic vessels.