The technique we would like to introduce to you as a new service at our facility is manual lymphatic drainage. The technique is based on experience with the massage technique developed by Dr Vodder in 1936; he established the movements, sequence and manner of performance, which are still used today with minor modifications.
What is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and when do we use it?
Manual lymphatic drainage is a special technique that supports the work of the lymphatic system. It is a gentle and specific type of massage. It consists of periodic, gentle pressing of the tissue, which stimulates the movement of lymph flow with the aim of reducing or preventing lymphatic congestion.
Manual lymphatic drainage has a beneficial effect on the lymphatic system, the autonomic nervous system, the sensory pathways of pain reflexes and the immune system. It removes excess water and protein from the tissues, removes metabolic waste and toxins, increases lymphocyte production, reduces stress and pain, induces relaxation and increases resistance to infection.
It is performed segmentally, never on the whole body, with the same pace and pressure, respecting the direction and in a precisely defined sequence.
What exactly is lymph?
Lymph is a colourless fluid that constantly circulates through the body. It forms in the intercellular space of tissues and carries proteins and waste substances produced as by-products of the metabolism of human cells.
At its origin, lymph carries nutrients and oxygen from the blood to every cell, along the way picking up metabolic by-products, bacteria and other harmful substances and returning them to the bloodstream via the veins all the way to the kidneys, which then excrete them from the body in urine.
Lymph flow is aided by muscle contraction, joint mobility, intestinal peristalsis, arterial pulsation, changes in respiratory pressure, negative pressure in the central veins, and external pressure, i.e. lymphatic drainage.
Lymphatic drainage plays an important role in physiotherapy, sports medicine, rehabilitation and after radiotherapy, as well as in cosmetic face and body treatments. It has multiple positive effects on our body.
As there are very few contraindications to manual lymphatic drainage, it is used for many pathological conditions.
- after surgical procedures
- after radiotherapy
- for scars and thickened skin
- for acne and stretch marks
- for wrinkles
- for venous oedema
- for migraines
- for sprains and fractures
- for constipation
Apart from therapeutic purposes, lymphatic drainage is also used preventively in healthy people, most often:
- in cellulite treatments
- for swollen “heavy legs” syndrome
- after strenuous physical activity, to remove lactic acid from the muscles and prevent muscle soreness
- for migraines
What is LYMPHOEDEMA and how does it develop?
Lymphoedema is a blockage in the flow of lymph in any part of the body. This progressive swelling of the intercellular tissue is the result of lymphatic fluid stagnating because it cannot be drained away.
Signs of lymphoedema are tightness, swelling, a feeling of fullness and heaviness, reduced range of motion in the joint, pain, prickling and stinging sensations, and infections, while more severe cases are accompanied by thickening of the skin and hardening of the limb.
Certain pathological conditions can disrupt the fluid balance, which leads to oedema. Factors that contribute to the development of oedema are:
- increased capillary hydrostatic pressure (excessive salt and water retention)
- high venous pressure, heart failure
- liver disease
- bacterial infections
- blocked lymphatic return (cancer, infections, scar tissue).
Oedema also develops as a result of injuries, surgical procedures or radiotherapy for malignant diseases. If left untreated, it can cause chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the affected tissue.
Once lymphoedema has developed, skin care is also very important to prevent complications.
How can complications of lymphoedema be prevented?
- Skin care through thorough washing and drying of the skin, with daily use of moisturising creams
- Preventing infections (scratches, burns, insect bites, hair removal)
- Avoiding uncomfortable and tight clothing that presses on the body and restricts its mobility
- If necessary, wearing compression garments and bandaging the arm, especially when flying
- Making sure the limb does not stay in the same position for too long
- Avoiding heat, which can increase oedema (sunbathing, cooking, sauna…)
- Being actively involved in therapy
In conclusion, manual lymphatic drainage treatment is extremely pleasant and gentle. Lymphatic drainage has multiple positive effects on our body, but it is very important that the therapy is carried out by a professionally trained and certified physiotherapist.