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Manual Lymphatic Drainage Indications

pinaytherapist

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) has been gaining popularity especially for post op surgical procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, BBL, Mastectomy, C-section and basically any other surgical procedure that causes swelling in the tissues due to the accumulation of fluid. Unfortunately, MLD for post surgical work is sort of unregulated, meaning there is no consistent protocol in place that practitioners can study and use to implement treatment. I was surprised to learn that many plastic surgeons/cosmetic surgeons are not educated about the benefits of MLD. Patients also lack the knowledge thinking and expecting that MLD is like a regular massage where you feel pressure on your soft tissues and muscles, Not so… MLD is not massage. MLD is a gentle, light touch manual treatment technique based on the 4 basic Vodder strokes. Massage is deep work while MLD is superficial. The only commonality with massage is that MLD is performed manually.

The preeminent doctor who studied the lymphatic system and expanded the work of another doctor, Alexander Von Winiwarter on treating elephantiastic limbs (Lymphedema) is Emile Vodder. Dr. Vodder’s techniques called the Vodder method is the most recognized, widely practiced and the most extensive program/course taught to practitioners who wish to become competent and knowledgable professionals of MLD.

The benefits of MLD post surgery are plenty: It removes waste products of cell metabolism; Improves the reabsorption and promotes drainage of fluid accumulated on the body; Decreases tendency of fibrotic tissue formation; Increase in the general parasymphatic response (relaxation effect). MLD in conjunction with wearing compression garment will help the patient recover quicker, decrease pain, decrease chance of forming fibrotic tissues, and improved skin condition.

MLD is also appropriate for conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Migraine, Cellulite, and Trauma.

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