Manual Lymphatic Drainage
CDT (combined decongestive therapy) consists of MLD, compression therapy/bandages, skin care, respiratory therapy and exercise.
Conditions treated with MLD/CDT include: Lymphedema (Primary (congenital/syndrome related) & Secondary (trauma/cancer treatment)), Phlebedema, Lipedema, Trauma edema, Postsurgical edema, Arthroplasty & Rheumatic diseases.
Manual Lymph drainage (MLD), is a technique developed by the Vodders (Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid) in 1936 in Paris 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. It should not be confused with a traditional massage. 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.
Although there have been no clinical trials, MLD has been beneficial in treating cosmetic disorders (acne, rosacea, scars, plastic surgery), Orthopedic/surgical/trauma-related disorders (whiplash, concussion, burns, keloids, joint surgeries), Gynecological disorders (mastodynia and lactation disorders), Neurological disorders (stroke, MS & Down’s syndrome, Bells Palsy) Headaches, migraines, palliative care and much more.
Reference: Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage: A Practical Guide. Second Edition
Tanja is a Vodder certified Lymphatic Therapist.
