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Life of Lymph

Quesions & Answers

S0 WHAT IS MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE ?

In 1930's, Dr Emil and Estrid Vodder presented, in Paris, Manual Lymph Drainage for the first time. Since then it has grown in popularity, and is now internationally recognized.

What is The Lymphatic System?

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM IS A ONE-WAY SYSTEM WHICH TRANSPORTS THE LYMPH FROM THE PERIPHERY TO THE CORE.THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM REMOVES EXCESS FLUID FROM THE REGION OF THE TERMINAL VESSEL INTO THE VENOUS CIRCULATORY SYSTEM, PREVENTING ANY RISE IN INTERSTITIAL PRESSURE.THE NORMAL TRANSPORT CAPACITY OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM IS 1-4 LITERS PER DAY.

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM CAN BE DIVIDED INTO A SUPERFICIAL SYSTEM AND A DEEP SYSTEM.THE SUPERFICIAL SYSTEM REMOVES THE INTERSTITIAL FLUID FROM THE SKIN AND THE DEEP SYSTEM REMOVES INTERSTITIAL FLUID FROM THE MUSCLES, JOINTS,ORGAN AND VESSELS.

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a swelling that can appear in the body but isaffecting mostly the limbs.

It can arise for diverse reasons and it can be classified as Primary or Secondary Lymphoedema:

Primary Lymphoedema

Condition which can be inherited or occur at any stage in life, without any family history.

Secondary Lymphoedema

Condition which can develop after removal of the lymph node/s. or if the lymphatic system is damaged by surgery, radiotherapy, infection and/or trauma.

How is Lymphoedema treated?

Lymphoedema treatment is highly specialised and follows 4 stages from internationally agreed protocols and available on the British Lymphology Society. Treatment comprises of: skin-care, exercises, manual lymphatic drainage and multi-layer Lymphoedema bandaging.

Skin Care- It is important that the skin stays clean and well moisturized during your treatment. Each session bandages are removed and the skin is washed, dried and moisturised.

Exercises- : Although the bandaging can be heavy and uncomfortable at times, it is very important to exercise as it helps the bandaging to work at its capacity. You will be provided with the specific exercises.

MLD– is a very light massage technique which moves the skin over the underlying tissues in order to stretch and stimulate the lymph vessels and lymphatic system; it helps removes toxins, excess fluid and other waste products from the body.

Multi-Layer Lymphoedema Bandaging: bandages are applied to try and soften the tissues, help any shape distortion and reduce limb volume. When applied, bandages are quite heavy and feel firm, however they do bend. It is important that you move as normally as possible. The complete bandage will be about the same size as a plaster-cast, so it is important that you wear very wide, loose clothing on the area that will be bandaged. You will also need very wide deep shoes. Sandals with Velcro straps are often useful, but they need to be at least three sizes larger than usual shoes. Bandages will be changed each time you attend. It is very important that you leave the bandages on for the duration of the treatment as each time they are removed, the limbs re-swells. The only times to remove bandages is if you have significant pain, numbness or discoloration in your fingers/toes that does not improve with movement.

What is Manual Lymph Drainage?

This is a very light, rhythmic movement that stretches the skin in order to stimulate the lymphatic’s that they are just under the skin. The movements predominantly focus on getting the healthy areas of the lymphatic system, working their best so that they can compensate for the areas where lymphatic flow is reduced. The aim is to help soften the tissues, increase protein re-absorption and break up hard, fibrotic tissues. Manual lymphatic drainage generally requires that you undress down to minimal underwear. If you wish, you can bring a large towel to cover yourself during the treatment. Manual lymphatic drainage cannot be used for every-one, but this will be discussed at your first appointment. Common side effects are: frequent urination after treatment, tiredness and sometimes mild headaches

What are the conditions treated using MLD?

General applications:

Stress conditions- Chronic fatigue/ME, Headaches, Migraines

Respiratory conditions/ Immune conditions- Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Nasal Congestion.

Inflammatory conditions

Post operative- reducing of scarring, swelling, inflammation and bruising

Digestive conditions- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, Bloating

Lipoedema

Phlebedema

Fluid congestion: alleviates fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes, swollen legs during pregnancy.

Conditions like Arthritis, Tendonitis

Cyclic Idiopathic Syndrome( PMS) - MLD can offer relief to pre-menstrual syndrome, for fluid retention and painful breasts.

Some of the conditions like Venous Insufficiency (a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (formerly Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy-RSD- or Causalgia, is a chronic systemic disease characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in the skin) may benefit from MLD therapy.

Facial

Skin conditions: Rosaceea, Acnee, Stretch Marks

Relaxes your face muscles

Reduces dark circles and bags under the eyes

Firms cheeks and jaw line

Detox

MLD will assist by draining any excess fluid and toxins in your body

Lymphoedema

Prevention, Treatment and Maintenance

Further information about MLD?

www.mld.org.uk

www.uklymph.com