Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle hands-on therapy, not a traditional massage. It effectively aids in pre/post-operative recovery and enhances lymph flow for those with sluggish systems or removed lymph nodes. MLD helps move excess fluid from swollen areas to functioning lymph nodes by stimulating lymphatic vessel contractions. This technique supports the lymphatic system, promoting the removal of waste and inflammatory agents from the body. Boosting lymphatic flow can help decrease swelling and bruising in injured areas, potentially speeding up recovery. This technique uses gentle strokes to replicate the pumping action of lymphatic vessels, promoting lymph movement. When lymphatic flow is restricted due to health issues, surgeries, tight clothing, or poor posture, toxins can build up, increasing the risk of disease.

MLD promotes healthy lymphatic flow, supporting effective immune system function. Surgeries, radiation, and soft tissue injuries can disrupt lymphatic vessels and nodes, while scar tissue and fascial restrictions may hinder superficial lymphatic flow. Swelling can also slow the healing process after surgeries and injuries.

 

​​Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage:

•  Changes the quality of tissue and speeds the healing process.

•  Lumps, gaps, ridges, holes, bumps, knots, and strings in the tissue become smoother.

• Helps prevent adhesion forming after injury or surgery.

• Contributes significantly to relieve stress on the body from fascia tension.

• Relieves nerve impingement, pain and numbness issues.

• Helps regain and maintain a full range of joint movement.

• Reduces the risk of soft tissue injury.

• Lessens the appearance of scars.

• It may be good for:   

• Post-surgical edema: orthopedic, oncology, plastic and cosmetic.

• Help reduce Mild cases of Lymphedema or as a part of Complete Decongestive Therapy.

• Traumatic edema or swelling: sprain, whiplash, hematoma.

• Headache and migraine headache.

• Sinus congestion.

• Pain control.

• Follow-up to Myofascial Release.

• ​​Fatigue, general relaxation and detox.

• Fibromyalgia. 

• Chronic Fatigue Symptoms.

• Overall body health & wellness.

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RESOURCES

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The Role of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Fybromyalgia

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 Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a highly effective treatment both prior to any cosmetic, reconstructive or other surgical procedures, and after.

MLD can greatly lessen common post-operative side effects, reducing downtime. It's important to schedule your sessions at least one week before your surgery, allowing for multiple sessions, but avoid scheduling any the day prior. Pre-surgery MLD helps prepare your immune system for recovery. After surgery, MLD accelerates healing, decreases bruising and swelling, alleviates pain, and effectively enhances recovery from surgical effects.

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​Many plastic and cosmetic surgeons now offer Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy inside their clinics.  Others are referring their patients to Certified therapists who have experience with post-cosmetic surgery.  Because our MLD Certified therapist is also Licensed Massage Therapist, we can use other gentle techniques along with Manual Lymphatic Drainage to speed recovery.

 

Here is a brief list of types of procedures that have benefited from MLD: 

-Liposuction:  MLD effectively addresses swelling and lumpiness following liposuction, promoting faster recovery. Many patients find relief from pain and notice quicker results as swelling decreases. It's typical for liposuction clients to encounter hardness or lumpiness in specific areas, but MLD and other manual therapies can help alleviate these concerns. 

-Tummy tuck: By moving the lymphatic fluid away from the tummy tuck area with lymphatic drainage massage, both swelling & bruising are reduced. This helps to make the tummy tuck results more immediately apparent. In addition to helping you to have an attractive abdomen, drainage massage will also make it clear more quickly whether further surgery is necessary or if your tummy tuck has allowed you to achieve your desired goals.

-Fat transference.

-Face Lift: While many cosmetic procedures can benefit from MLD very soon after completion, facial procedures may require more time before beginning any manual therapy.  As with any surgery or procedure, we ask all clients to get permission from their doctor before beginning any post-treatment.  

-Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, Mastectomy: Please refer to our Breast massage page for more information.

-Brachioplasty (Arm lift).

-Joint repair/replacement.

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​Benefits of post surgical Manual Lymphatic Therapy: 

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• Bruising reduction. Cells transported by the lymph system are moved away 10 times faster with MLD. Bruises heal in a fraction of the time, allowing clients the ability to resume activities of daily living, without having to wear sunglasses for months to hide bruises.

• Edema reduction. MLD reroutes lymph fluid to collateral and viable pathways untouched by surgery to allow for accelerated drainage, as opposed to the slow trickle of tissue fluids in the operative site.

• Pain management. As pressure of lymph fluid decreases around nerves, pain and discomfort are relieved and require less pain medication.

• Scar-tissue prevention and fibrosis reduction. Lymph fluid left to build up below incisions or sitting in interstitial space can solidify, causing the formation of scar tissue and fibrotic tissue. These tissues are often felt as ball-like substances below the skin surface. MLD prevents lymph fluid build up and solidification, for a seamless scar.

• Infection prevention. Post surgical MLD is important when considering that stagnating lymph fluid can become infectious material and warrant artificial drain insertion—which is painful, costly and time consuming.

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RESOURCES

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The Effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Patients With Orthopedic Injuries

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MLD & Therapeutic massage for oncology support

 

According to The Society for Oncology Massage, Oncology massage is the adaptation of massage techniques to safety nurture the body of someone affected by cancer or its treatments. An oncology-trained massage therapist has completed comprehensive training in massage therapy as well as additional specialized training on Lymphatic drainage that address the side effects of cancer and its treatments.  An oncology trained therapist is able to recognize and safely work within a framework of clinical considerations to provide a safe, satisfying and therapeutic oncology massage. An oncology trained therapist will adapt for:

Low blood cell counts, blood clots, bone metastases, radiation or surgery, fatigue or bone pain, removal of lymph nodes, lymphedema, peripheral neuropathy, skin, hair and nail changes, medications, medical devices, late and long-term effects of treatment. Benefits of oncology massage include: reduced pain and fatigue, decreased anxiety and nausea, improved sleep, enhanced body image, easy isolation, nurtured well-being, and most importantly, it simply feels good!

​Even after people are out of treatment, receiving bodywork from an oncology therapist is important due to the potential for late  effects of treatment; therefore, this is an excellent therapy also for cancer rehab because it can help with scars and mild lymphedema.

Each session is about 60 min duration.

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MLD & Therapeutic Massage for Older adults

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Geriatric massage is a specialized form of therapeutic massage tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults It involves gentle manipulation of soft tissues, including MLD techniques, to enhance circulation, relieve pain, and improve mobility. This massage may also include active or passive movements and incorporates JSJ touch and energy healing. Many elderly individuals face age-related conditions like Parkinson’s, arthritis, heart disease, strokes etc,  leading to poor circulation and limited mobility. The healing power of human touch can significantly boost their well-being and mood. In addition, it can relieve anxiety and depression and provide comfort to touch-deprived elderly patients and improve their quality of life.

Each session is about 60 min. duration.

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*Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not intended to replace medical diagnosis and treatment by a primary care physician. Please consult with your health care provider regarding medical diagnosis and medical treatment for illness and conditions..

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