The Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage was founded by Dr. Emil Vodder in 1932, a massage therapist in Denmark, who utilized gentle, rhythmic techniques to encourage the flow of the lymphatic system when he realized his clients were suffering from swollen lymph nodes and colds from the dampness of their homeland. The colds of his patients vanished. Thus supported by his successes, he developed MLD.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very specific treatment therapy that is designed to increase the movement of lymph and interstitial fluid. The basic hand techniques adapted in MLD follow the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, and are very specific along the “pathways” the lymph follow.

Conditions Manual Lymphatic Drainage may help include:
sprains
whiplash
hematomas
edema (post-surgical, pregnancy-induced, injury-related)
fibromyalgia
chronic fatigue syndrome
rheumatoid arthritis 
scleroderma
complex regional pain syndrome
migraines and sinus headaches
fibrocystic breast disease
lyme disease
diabetes
inflammation
lymphedema
lupus
traumatic brain injures
multiple sclerosis

It is theorized since the lymphatic system does possess immunological functions, promoting lymph formation and encouraging lymphatic drainage likely has a benefit on overall immunity. Though detoxification and enhanced immunity are not proven results of the application of MLD, MLD is frequently utilized and promoted as such. 

Being the application of strokes in MLD is so gentle and noninvasive, it is one of the best and most accepted forms of manual therapy for those that are adverse to touch, or those that are normally in too much pain to receive it.

If you are interested in how Manual Lymphatic Drainage could benefit you, call or text our certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist, Kelly Madeira, LMBT (Lic. #11269), CMLDT, at (864)-593-0905, for more information.