Manual Lymphatic Drainage
What is Lymphatic System?
Nutrients entering our body are transported by arteries and capillaries to our cells which are surrounded by interstitial fluid. Nutrients must pass through this fluid before reaching the cells. In addition, cells also dump their waste products into the interstitial fluid and the lymphatic system is mainly responsible for their removal.
The Lymphatic system removes these waste products, concentrates, detoxifies and cleanses them in the lymph nodes located in certain areas of the body and then sends it back to the venous system for recirculation by the heart. If the lymphatic system fails, excess fluid and wastes accumulate in the interstitial fluid and therefore swelling occurs. Any trauma can possibly damage these vessels and cause major swelling and pain.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) should not be confused with a regular massage. MLD is a modality that involves rhythmical and repetitive short stretches, applied with minimal pressure at the skin surface to stimulate lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic Drainage has been successfully used in a variety of conditions, including:
• Clearing areas of congestion and swelling due to trauma
• Reducing fluid retention
• Promoting scar-tissue healing and regeneration
• Relieving chronic pain, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, any types of headaches, etc.
• Promoting deep relaxation
Why is Post-Operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage important?
Following surgical operations, the lymphatic system is usually compromised. Therefore, fluids tend to accumulate, leading to swelling, lack of mobility and general discomfort. A Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist will use MLD techniques to restore the natural working capacity of the lymphatic system, to minimize your swelling and pain, to decrease scar tissue formation and to increase your range of motion. Lymphatic drainage combined with plastic-surgery operations, greatly facilitates healing by breaking down adhesions and scar tissue formations as a result of surgery so that your procedure is less noticeable over time.
MLD is an ideal pre & post-operative treatment for those who are planning orthopedic or cosmetic surgeries mentioned below, as well as those suffering from swelling and congestions of any acute trauma.
• Liposuction
• Breast augmentation or breast reduction
• Breast reconstruction
• Facelifts, forehead lift, brow lift
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Rhinoplasty (nose job)
• Knee & hip replacement