You may have encountered this article while searching for answers about manual lymphatic drainage and wondered about its efficacy. Would it help me? To help you understand this service offered at Durham Family Chiropractic. We will need to run through several aspects of this treatment to answer the following questions you may have;-
1) What is the lymphatic system?
2) How do you drain the Lymph Nodes?
3) Is Manual Lymphatic drainage for me?
What is the Lymphatic System?
Your Lymphatic system’s primary purpose is to keep your body functioning and safe from outside or internal threats. Assisting your body’s immune system and natural biological processes by distributing & processing hormones, nutrients and waste.
A KEY PART OF THIS SYSTEM IS YOUR GLANDS ARE KNOWN AS LYMPH NODES.
The lymph nodes are the body’s filtering stations, removing hazardous waste products from the circulating lymph fluid. The primary lymph nodes are found in the neck, armpits, abdomen, and groyne. When disease strikes, the lymph nodes might swell and become uncomfortable.
How do you drain the Lymph Nodes?
Drainage of Lymph Nodes involves hand movements on the skin; lymphatic drainage is frequently referred to as “massage.” It is, however, significantly different from therapeutic massage, which can enhance blood supply to an area, causing more lymph to be produced.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) are the two forms of lymphatic drainage. Lymphoedema, a chronic swelling condition which affects 1 in 6,000 people in the UK, can be treated with either. Lymphatic draining procedures stimulate the lymph vessels beneath the skin on a regular basis, encouraging them to work harder and create new channels to empty fluid from swollen areas. MLD or SLD treatment may be especially beneficial if you have swelling in your face, neck, upper arm, thigh, breast, trunk, or genitals.
Drainage of Lymph Nodes
Because it involves hand movements on the skin, lymphatic drainage is frequently referred to as “massage.” It is, however, significantly different from therapeutic massage, which can enhance blood supply to an area, causing more lymph to be produced.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) are the two forms of lymphatic drainage. Lymphoedema, a chronic swelling condition which affects 1 in 6,000 people in the UK, can be treated with either. Lymphatic draining procedures stimulate the lymph vessels beneath the skin on a regular basis, encouraging them to work harder and create new channels to empty fluid from swollen areas. MLD or SLD treatment may be especially beneficial if you have swelling in your face, neck, upper arm, thigh, breast, trunk, or genitals.
How is MLD implemented?
MLD is typically treated when lying down, but if you have lymphoedema in your head and neck, you must sit up. You feel a gentle pressure when you undergo MLD; the skin movements are very light so that the little lymph vessels are not flattened. Flattened lymph arteries would obstruct lymph fluid drainage. The movements are slow and rhythmic, allowing the lymph vessels to open.
MLD can be taken daily or three times per week for around three weeks. The number of treatments you receive is determined by the type of MLD technology used and what you require. Your therapist will also consider the amount of swelling you have.
Lymphatic drainage occurs in two stages:
Stage 1 – Clearing: This causes lymphatic fluid to be released from your tissues.
Stage 2 – Reabsorption: the movement of lymphatic fluid to lymph nodes.
Some of the claimed benefits may include:
• Removes toxins and boosts the immune system.
• Assist in all pre-and post-cosmetic surgery healing by minimising pain, bruising, and swelling.
• Treat various chronic diseases, including chronic sinusitis, chest infections, and catarrh.
• Provide relief from IBS and constipation.
• Relieve arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain.
• Relieve persistent tiredness symptoms.
• Migraine relief.
• Aid in the treatment of skin problems such as acne.
• Assist in the reduction of all types of post-operative edema.
• Reduction in stress, worry, and tension levels.
• Correct hormonal imbalances (puberty, pre- & post-pregnancy, menopause).
• Reduce fluid congestion, such as puffy eyes, a swollen face, swollen legs and ankles, menstrual bloating, and pregnant fluid retention.
Is Manual Lymphatic drainage for me?
Treating Lymphedema with MLD
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues over time. It can affect any body part, but it most commonly manifests in the arms or legs. It occurs when the lymphatic system fails to function correctly. The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body that aid in the fight against infection and the removal of excess fluid.
Lymphoedema must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. It can deteriorate if not treated. A massage therapist will employ MLD techniques to transport lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, reducing swelling.
What sort of conditions can MLD help?
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a continuous kind of arthritis that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Fibromyalgia is a chronic muscular and joint pain disorder.
• Chronic venous insufficiency: This occurs when your leg veins do not function properly, making it difficult for blood to return to your heart from your legs.
• Lipoedema: This occurs when extra fat builds in the lower body, obstructing the lymphatic route and producing lymphedema.
• Cosmetic surgery (tummy tuck, liposuction, face lift, or any other cosmetic surgery): You may detect hardness, water retention, swelling, hematoma, or lumpiness in the regions treated after a cosmetic surgery operation. This is normal immediately following surgery. Inflammation and damage from the cannula used to suck out the fat induce this post-surgical lymphedema. The fluid fills the channels established by the cannula, causing the surrounding tissue to swell.
Does MLD help with cosmetic surgery recovery?
Your stomach and thighs may be bloated, bruised, and uncomfortable after cosmetic surgery or liposuction. You might notice the difference later. If you’ve had a surgical facelift, your face may still feel fragile, bruised, and puffy. This is where MLD can help, and it is routinely prescribed by surgeons for both pre- and post-cosmetic surgery and liposuction to ensure that their patients get the best results possible and see the effects as soon as feasible.
What role does MLD play following surgery?
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What role does MLD play following surgery?
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Is the same effect achieved by deep massage?
If you want to learn more about MLD, don’t hesitate to contact Durham Family Chiropractic and speak with one of our Manual Lymphatic Drainage specialists. You can complete our Appointment Form or call 0191 375 7600.
First Published – 04/14/2022
Update: 023/10/2023