19/12/2022
MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE 💆🏽♀️
WHAT IS IT? 📢
Manual Lymph drainage (MLD), is a technique developed for treatment of swollen lymph nodes.
MLD is a light, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or “decongest” the region. MLD *helps* open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics.
Deep breathing techniques call diaphragmatic breathing are usually done at the beginning and end of a therapy session to help open the deep lymphatic pathways. It’s not only relaxing, but it helps increase movement of fluid toward the heart.
WHEN, HOW, WHY? 🦻🏼
▪️MLD is intended to stimulate lymph nodes and increase rhythmic contractions of the lymphatics to enhance their activity so that stagnant lymphatic fluid can be rerouted.
▪️MLD is composed of four main strokes: stationary circles, scoop technique, pump technique, and rotary technique.
▪️Is effective both as a preventative treatment and as a postoperative rehabilitation treatment, and has optimal results when it is combined with the other elements of CDT (*Complete Decongestive Therapy*).
▪️MLD also increases blood flow in deep and superficial veins.
▪️Other than lymphedema, MLD may be useful in conditions such as post-traumatic and post-surgical edema, and palliative care.
PHYSIOTHERAPY 👐🏽
MLD is often given as part of *Complete Decongestive Therapy* (CDT).
▪️CDT is the most effective treatment for lymphedema, as it reduces the symptoms of lymphedema and improves patients’ functionality, mobility, and quality of life.
▪️CDT is a combination of four methods (manual lymphatic drainage, lymphedema rehabilitation exercises, compression therapy, skin care). It can achieve a 45-70% reduction in lymphedema volume.
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