Manual Lymphatic Drainage
The Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) treatment is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that enhances the movement of lymph fluid in the body. Lymph fluid moves through the body via the lymphatic system which is a network of tissues and organs that help to filter and remove waste and toxins from the body toxins from the body that cannot be absorbed by the blood capillaries. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body’s immune response and waste management as well as absorption of fats from the small intestine and the transport of these fats to the bloodstream.Lymph, the fluid that circulates through the lymphatic vessels, transports immune cells to areas of infection or injury and removes excess fluid, toxins and waste material from the body’s tissues. Without the proper functioning of the lymphatic system, the body would be more susceptible to infection and inflammation.
Lymphatic Treatment for Lymphedema
There is a growing body of research on the effectiveness of lymphatic treatment for lymphedema, a condition characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, which leads to swelling and discomfort, particularly in the arms and legs.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a common treatment for lymphedema. Studies have shown that MLD can help reduce the volume of fluid and swelling in the affected area. Additionally, it can also improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of complications in those who have lymphedema.
Compression therapy (which we offer here at Myofitness) is another common treatment for lymphedema, which uses compression bandages or garments to apply pressure to the affected area, helping to reduce swelling and promote the flow of lymphatic fluid. Research has also shown that compression therapy, when combined with MLD, can be more effective than either treatment alone.
It’s important to note that the treatment of lymphedema is a multidisciplinary approach, and that it is essential to work with a healthcare professional, who is trained in lymphedema management to develop an individualized treatment plan.
It’s also important to mention that while there is a growing body of research on the effectiveness of lymphatic treatment for lymphedema, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks of these treatments.
Conditions We Treat
- Headaches & migraine
- Upper cross syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfers Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Knee Pain
- Jaw Pain (TMJ)
- Sciatica
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- ITB Friction Syndrome
- Peripheral Nerve Entrapments
- Ankle Sprains
- Shin Splints
- Hip and Groin Pain
- Pronator Syndrome
- Contusion
- Fibromyalgia
- Spondylosis & Spondylolisthesis
- Whiplash
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJ-D)
- Mind/Body Disorders (MBD)
- Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
- Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS)
how does lymph fluid move through the body
Lymph fluid moves through the body in a specific way. The lymphatic vessels, which are similar to blood vessels, transport lymph fluid from the tissues throughout the body and back to the bloodstream. The movement of lymph fluid through the vessels is helped by the contraction of nearby muscles and the breathing process. The lymph fluid is also filtered as it flows through lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped structures located along the lymphatic vessels. The lymph nodes contain immune cells that help to filter out bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances from the lymph fluid.
Valves in the lymphatic vessels prevent the lymph fluid from flowing backward, which helps to keep the fluid moving in the right direction. The fluid then reaches larger lymphatic vessels and eventually empties into the bloodstream at the subclavian vein, located near the collarbone. The lymph fluid is then carried to the heart and pumped back into the bloodstream, where it is circulated throughout the body.
MLD has several health benefits, including:
Lymphoedema: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a highly effective technique for addressing Lymphoedema, a condition characterized by fluid retention in the body. By utilizing specific massage techniques, MLD works to stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluids and remove protein-rich debris, making it a crucial treatment option for managing Lymphoedema.
Oedema (Fluid retention on legs, feet and hands): Fluid retention, or Oedema, can occur when the body’s veins and lymph vessels fail to effectively remove excess water from the tissues. This can happen when our body is composed of around 50-60% water. MLD is an effective therapy for reducing Oedema by promoting blood flow, encouraging fluid movement, and enhancing the function of the lymphatic system.
Pregnancy and PMS syndrome:Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an effective preventive measure for reducing fluid retention during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to an increase in fluid retention and a decrease in the tone of the veins and lymph vessels. Starting MLD as early as the third month of pregnancy and continuing until delivery can be beneficial in reducing pregnancy-related Oedema. It is also found to be effective in reducing premenstrual swelling experienced by many women. It is highly effective from the first treatment and can bring relief from the symptoms.
Here at Myofitness our Manual lymphatic therapists are highly trained at national and international level. Please get in touch with us and we’d be happy to help you pr refer you to someone else if we cannot be of service to you.
It’s also worth mentioning that lymphatic vessels do not have their own pump like the heart for the blood vessels, so lymph flow relies on the movement of muscles, the breathing process and the pressure changes in the thorax and abdomen to move the lymph through the vessels.