About Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) - Your Questions Answered

What is Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a specialized technique that can benefit healthy people as well as those who want or need to detoxify their bodies. MLD treats many different conditions by gently draining excess fluid from the tissues. Developed by Drs Estrid and Emil Vodder during the 1930s, it is now widely used, particularly in Europe, by holistic and other therapists.

What is lymphoedema?
lymphoedema occurs when lymphatic fluid accumulates in the body's tissues, most usually in the arms or legs but sometimes in other parts of the body. The excess lymphatic fluid causes swelling, and this is what we call Lymphoedema.

Usually the lymphatic system can drain off the excess fluid but when this does not happen, the affected part of the body can become swollen and painful, the amount of oxygen available to the affected part decreases, and this slows down the body's natural healing processes.

The International Society of Lymphology recommends Combined Decongestive Therapy (CBT) as the treatment of choice for lymphoedema. Combined Decongestive Therapy combines the Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage with therapeutic exercise, compression bandaging and compression garments, and therapeutic skin care.
(Source: www.vodderschool.com )

For more information on lymphoedema.
Please read the NLN article 'What is lymphoedema?'
• www.lymphnet.org
• More about lymphoedema - on this site

What conditions does Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) treat?
Many common musculoskeletal conditions such as sprains and strains, muscle and ligament tears, fractures and dislocations, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, neck pain, whiplash, chronic pain, all respond well to Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD).

MLD is also used to alleviate pain associated with surgical conditions such as post-mastectomy, post-hysterectomy, varicose veins, post-surgical swelling, pre-surgery preparation, post-surgery recovery, pre- and post-cosmetic surgery, post-amputation and post-vein stripping.

How does Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) help with pain?
When we are in pain, our bodies send pain signals to the synapses in the brain to alert the brain that something is needing attention. Chronic pain creates fatigue and stress. The gentle, precise and rhythmical movements of the Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Practitioner help to reduce the strength of the pain signals to the brain and this gives relief from stress and discomfort.


Are there any times when Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) should not be used?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is not advised in the treatment of active cancer, acute inflammation, congestive heart failure and thrombosis

What is special about Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a safe yet gentle technique. Its effectiveness lies in the subtlety, precision and focus of the therapist. No oils and creams are used so it is ideal for people who may have skin allergies.

How does Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) help the body to heal more quickly?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) alleviates pain and swelling through the therapist's gentle, rhythmical, precise hand movements. This reduces the level of the pain signals sent to the synapses in the brain. In turn, this relaxes the sympathetic nervous system which helps to relieve stress. The therapist's gentle hand movements remove metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules, and foreign substances from tissues. This supports and enhances the action of the immune system and the result is that the body is able to heal more quickly from injuries, surgical trauma, chronic conditions and oedema and the formation of scar tissue is minimized.

What happens in a session?
Sessions usually last about an hour and a half and are conducted in a professional and non-judgemental manner respecting client confidentiality.

Christina Pfitzner is a Vodder-certified Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Practitioner based in Glen Waverley, Melbourne. She provides specialized treatment of lymphoedema and related conditions, including therapeutic and relaxation massage, for people who want better health, faster healing and relief from stress. Read more about Christina ...

Testimonial

"Hi, my name is Mandy

My life four years ago was very uncertain as I had been feeling unwell for a long time. The doctor sent me for many tests and finally came back with an answer.

It is a rare condition,'Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia', slow growing type non-Hodgkin lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system. Excess protein called IgM. Diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy and regular blood tests).

The only treatment up to 2005 was IV antibodies (9 treatments) and regular blood tests. Now in 2008 my condition changed due to many bacterial and viral infections. I am now having to be given treatment for six months (once monthly) chemotherapy tablets (10 days) then IV.MABTHERA (ANTI-GENS) to try and reverse lymmphoma so as to make me feel better.

My solace has been meeting a Natural Therapist for Manual Lymph Drainage. Regular visits have been very beneficial to my well-being. The care and concern has been wonderful. My therapist Christina is very much part of my life and I owe my peace and tranquility to her. I can't wait for each of my appointments.

Thank you, Christina."

Mandy
October 2008

'We are all meant to be well'