Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Discover the power of the lymphatic system, a crucial component of our body's well-being. Serving as a comprehensive drainage network, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining fluid balance and bolstering our immune defenses against infections.

MLD, also referred to as Lymphedema or Lymphatic massage, offers a gentle, non-invasive manual therapy designed to alleviate traumatic and post-surgical swelling (edema). Through precise rhythmic stretches and release movements, MLD assists the lymphatic system in expelling fluid from swollen areas, facilitating the healing process.

While a healthy, active lymphatic system naturally regulates fluid levels, injuries, radiation, and surgeries (both medical and elective) can impede its function, leading to fluid buildup. Combatting swelling is essential for optimal healing. Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend MLD to kickstart the healing journey following surgery or injury.

MLD sessions will last between 30 - 90 minutes, based on how much work is needed (this will be determined prior to your session); several sessions of MLD will likely be needed to get edema under control.

Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) right for me?

Conditions that Respond Favorably to MLD

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is associated with many positive effects in the body. MLD improves uptake of interstitial fluid into the lymphatic system, increases the movement (volume and speed) of lymph fluid throughout the body, has a soothing and pain-relieving effect in the body, and redirects lymph fluid around areas that are blocked due to scar tissue or lymph node removal and sends it to healthy lymph vessels. Below are just some of the conditions that respond well to MLD:

Sprains & strains
Whiplash
Hematomas (bruising)
Post-surgical edema (swelling)
Cancer treatment (MLD can assist with post-surgical recovery, reduction of swelling and bruising, pain control, infection prevention, constipation relief, stress reduction, improved sleep
Palliative Care/Hospice (MLD can assist with pain control, stress reduction, improved sleep, contributing to overall comfort)
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Pregnancy edema
Inflammation
Lymphedema (we only see patients in phase 2 or maintenance stage)
Lipedema

Symptomatic Relief from MLD

Conditions that Respond Favorably to MLD

MLD can also provide symptomatic relief for a variety of conditions. The analgesic (pain-relieving) effects promoted by MLD are due to the accelerated drainage of pain-causing (nociceptive) substances from treated areas. In addition, the light pressure used in MLD provides a stimulus for "gate control." The Gate Control Theory is a medical notion that one's nerves can be stimulated in a way that they close the "gates" which send pain signals to the brain. The light pressure used in MLD, as well as the gentle, rhythmic strokes, decreases the body's sympathetic (fight or flight) mode and promotes a parasympathetic (rest and digest) response. Because of this, MLD can be effectively utilized for neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases and other systemic disorders. Some examples are:

Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Scleroderma
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), aka RDS
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Lupus
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Diabetic neuropathy
Chronic headaches such as migraines and sinus headaches
Tinnitus
Anxiety / stress reduction / general relaxation
Detoxification and enhanced immune function

Conditions that Require Special Consideration

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized therapy, but it is not suitable for everyone. Your safety is our top priority, and there are certain medical conditions that prevent us from providing this service. If you have any of the conditions listed below, we are unable to safely perform MLD, and treatment will not be available to you at this time.

Acute cellulitis
Active infection or fever (including lymphangitis, sepsis, or any condition causing systemic illness)*
Untreated or uncontrolled congestive heart failure (CHF)
Acute, untreated deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clotting disorders
Severe kidney failure (end-stage renal disease)
Active cancer with metastasis in the lymphatic system
Severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Uncontrolled hypertension

* Please note: A fever of 100.4°F / 38°C or higher indicates the body is fighting an infection. Because MLD stimulates circulation, it can spread infection throughout the body and place additional stress on the immune system. Treatment should only be scheduled once the fever and illness have fully resolved.

If you have any concerns about whether MLD is right for you, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider before booking a session.

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We may be able to work with those with the following conditions, however they require special consideration before treatment:

Malignant disease (clients with active cancer)
Renal dysfunction (kidney disease)
Cardiac arrhythmia
Hyperthyroidism
Hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus
Arteriosclerosis
Recent abdominal surgery
Radiation fibrosis, colitis or cystitis
Pelvic DVT
Chron's disease
Diverticulitis and diverticulosis
Liver cirrhosis (portal venous hypertension)
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (even if surgically repaired)
Implanted devices (drains, feeding tubes, colostomy bags, pumps, etc.)
Osteoporosis
Bone metastases (bone cancer)
Hormone therapy (i.e. Tamoxifen)

If you have any of the conditions listed above, it is likely that we will need to consult with your doctor or obtain medical clearance to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.

Special considerations will be made for:

Oncology (previous or active cancer)
Post-DVT

Please Note

Conditions that Require Special Consideration

Health & Harmony does not accept post-cosmetic surgery patients for MLD. This includes, but is not limited to those who have received a face lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, hip augmentation, or Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). Please consult with your surgeon for a recommendation of a local CMLDT that performs that type of work.

We could potentially offer care for individuals who have undergone procedures like mastectomy, breast reconstruction, breast reduction, or gender-affirming surgery. Each case will be evaluated individually to determine the appropriate course of action.

We do not remove surgical drains and/or drain incisions, under ANY circumstance, as it is beyond our scope of practice. If this is a service you require, please consult with your doctor.

Please be aware that, due to the positioning of lymph nodes, your CMLDT session will likely include work in areas not addressed in a standard massage, often termed "swimsuit" areas. The highest concentration of lymph nodes is located in the breast, armpit, and groin regions. If required, breast tissue will be attended to for drainage purposes, while the genital area will always remain untouched.

Depending on your condition, it may be necessary for us to consult with and/or obtain medical clearance from your doctor so that we can treat your condition safely and effectively.

IF YOU THINK MLD MAY BE HELPFUL FOR YOU, PLEASE COMPLETE OUR SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.

MLD Screening Questionnaire

Relax, Restore, & Find Your BALANCE!

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) right for me?

Conditions that Respond Favorably to MLD

Conditions that Respond Favorably to MLD

Conditions that Respond Favorably to MLD

Symptomatic Relief from MLD

Conditions that Respond Favorably to MLD

Conditions that Respond Favorably to MLD

Conditions that Require Special Consideration

Conditions that Require Special Consideration

Conditions that Require Special Consideration

Please Note

Conditions that Require Special Consideration

Conditions that Require Special Consideration

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