It is the only approved method by The NHS and Health Insurance Companies for the reduction of lymphoedema and swelling of limbs, trunk and neck.
It is a type of gentle massage (massage is really the wrong word as their is no sliding, but a gentle pumping technique) which encourages the natural circulation of lymph throughout the body - The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that carry a clear fluid, called lymph, from the body’s tissues to the bloodstream & is part of the body’s immune system that helps the body fight infection and remove excess fluid (oedema). This system depends on peristalsis and the movement of skeletal muscles to squeeze fluid through the ducts and vessels.
MLD can increase the efficiency of the lymphatic by up to 100 times and has proven benefits for the treatment of;
Primary and secondary lymphoedema
Oedema (fluid retention)
Swelling of arms, legs, neck and trunk,
Venous oedema,
Leg ulcers,
Lipoedema
Proceeding and following surgery to aid healing
Cellulitis
Swelling reduction to allow physiotherapy treatments to commence.
Post surgery swelling
Rheumatoid arthritis,
Scleroderma,
Acne and other skin conditions.
MLD is also excellent in the treatment for
General detox.
IBS
Bell's palsy
Post cosmetic surgery swelling
Sinus problems
Cellulite,
Stretch marks,
Tired puffy eyes
Fluid retention due to pre-menstrual syndrome
Relaxation
Healing of burns and wounds
Improve the appearance and texture of old scars
Constipation
plus many other pathological conditions
Do not confuse MLD with lymphatic massage. With MLD we treat the largest organ of the body - the skin! And that includes inside of the mouth for sinus and other head/face conditions.
The initial lymphatic system starts 0.40mm - 0.70mm below the skin. Any heavy pressure simple squashes it. I speak from experience of dissecting cadavers to know the impact a gentle skin movement has upon deep muscle and fascia.
Because the lymphatic system is a sealed system, treating one part of it affects all other parts. For example; when treating a person with severe burns, you treat an unaffected area or un-affective limb and this helps to drain excess fluid away from the damaged limb/area.
If suffering from swollen limbs a treatment plan will be agreed with the client that may include MLD, compression bandaging and a compression garment.
Low level Light Laser is always used in the treatment of lymphoedema or swollen limbs.
Before
After MLD and Low Level Light Laser over four months
The History
During the early 1930's Dr. Emil Vodder created a unique range of movements which brought relief from chronic conditions such as sinus congestion and catarrh. Since Vodder's pioneering work, MLD has spread world wide and has become a popular treatment in many European hospitals and clinics. It is now beginning to gain acceptance in the UK as a component in the treatment and control of lymphoedema. In fact it is now the recognised treatment within the NHS for the treatment of lymphoedema.
Before
After MLD and Low Level Light Laser over four months