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Manual Lymph Drainage
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Manual Lymph Drainage or Therapy works with the
lymphatic system. The Lymph system works with our body to defend
against foreign bodies & provides immunity. It cleans tissue
and removes waste out of circulation. The Lymphatic system filters
lymph returns to the blood for circulation. It helps to localize
infection in the body so the spread of infection is much less. Manual
lymph drainage is a technique that is used to help stimulate the
lymph flow and immune system within our bodies to increase our body’s
defense against waste and infection. It is a very light rhythmic
stimulation of the lymph system. MLD helps to eliminate harmful
waste, to decrease the inflammation in chronic or sub-acute stages,
increase circulation of both lymph and blood, decrease pain, promote
relaxation, and boost our immune systems to help fight off colds
and infections.
When a client comes to the clinic for MLD, they will fill out a
health history to determine if they qualify for having MLD. There is
nothing painful about lymph drainage. If there is a tender area you
should notify your therapist. The therapist performing MLD should be
trained in MLD before starting treatments. The client will be covered
on the table during the treatment with a sheet or blanket. It is a
personal choice to disrobe or wear your clothes during the treatment.
If clothes are worn, they should be non-restrictive for proper
stimulation of Lymph flow. There are some areas that require special
draping techniques. These areas include abdomen, inner thigh and
breast. These areas are a personal choice and can be modified for the
client’s level of comfort during the treatment, and should be
discussed before. The first treatment should be shorter to determine a
client’s reaction to MLD. MLD should never be performed on an acute condition
in its first stages, such as the first 24 – 72 hours. Any health
concerns should be determined before using MLD. Clients who have had
cancer treatments, such as radiation and/or lymph nodes removed due to
medical conditions should consult a doctor before starting MLD, and
should make sure the therapist performing the MLD is certified for
that level or practice. There are 3 levels and a certification level
that can be taken by the therapist. |
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