How does Manual Lymph Drainage work?

 

Since the lymphatic system needs pressure and/or movement in order to move lymph along, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD for short) simply provides those two elements externally when your body cannot keep up on its own.

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With a knowledge of lymph node locations and the direction and placement of larger lymph vessels (anastomosis), a practitioner can create alternating low and high pressure in an area to create a pumping effect that moves the lymph along. This is done by lightly moving and releasing the skin along critical pathways, which in turn creates the suction necessary to clear out the smaller vessels connected to it. Simple physics (siphons and capillary action) combined with knowledge of human anatomy make this a safe, effective, non-invasive way to help the lymphatic system do what it does best.

 

What will a session be like?

 

If you come for a lymph drainage session, we will begin with a brief consultation so I can get an understanding of what issue you are dealing with, and what area in particular you would like me to focus on. Next, you can decide whether you would like to leave your clothing on for your session or remove some (or all) of it in order to allow more direct access to the skin. Either is fine, but if you prefer to remain clothed, be sure to come in wearing soft, thin, nonrestrictive clothing (think workout attire). Once you are lying on the table cuddled under sheets and a blanket, I will start work at your neck (you probably already know there are plenty of lymph nodes there!) and you will feel the very light amount of pressure that I will be using for the duration of the session. I may need you to flip face-down or turn onto your side at some points during the session, but the pressure of the strokes will always be very gentle. People usually find this a wonderfully relaxing and soothing therapy. Don’t worry about falling asleep, it is completely fine if you do.

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After the session is over, be aware that the movement of your lymph fluid will be increased over the next 24-48 hours. That is exactly the goal, but it often means that frequent trips to the bathroom may be necessary during that time as your kidneys and colon process the extra fluid so it can leave the body. This is totally normal, but it helps to know what to expect ahead of time.

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What conditions can be helped with lymph drainage?

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Edema/Fluid retention

Whether it is sudden, localized edema (swollen feet from pregnancy), or chronic fluid retention (like in lymphedema,) lymph drainage helps maximize the movement of fluid so your body can “catch up” to the lymphatic load it hasn’t been able to process. When people are holding on to excess fluid, they may notice that they weigh less after a couple days because the weight of that liquid is gone. It is important to emphasize that if this is a chronic condition, the results will not be permanent. After a few days, lymph flow will slow to normal and fluid will start to pool again. However, the great advantage to using MLD is that with an appropriate treatment program, draining the lymph allows weeping wounds from lymphedema to heal and the affected limb to shrink down to a normal size. That size can then be maintained with a compression garment, and return treatments can be conducted as needed as you notice fluid beginning to build up again. The critical difference here is that instead of a large, swollen, painful limb being compressed by the garment prescribed by your doctor, the compression wear will help you maintain a more moveable, lighter, healthier limb.

 

Common examples:

• Swollen feet

• Lymphedema

• Large swollen bags under the eyes

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Localized edema

• Menstrual bloating

 

Surgery/Injury

Swelling is a natural part of the healing process, and to a certain extent, it is a helpful response where the sends nourishing lymph to tissues that need to be rebuilt. However, swelling can go too far and cause incredible pain and discomfort. Sometimes, a swollen area may even not receive fresh lymph at the rate that it should because the pressure level inside the lymph vessels is too consistent across the area and so the lymph has no low-pressure area to easily flow toward.

 

Helping lymph movement after an injury or surgery ensures that fresh fluid gets to the area and doesn’t stagnate. Increasing the speed of lymph movement also decreases swelling, which in turn decreases discomfort from the wound. This can help speed and improve the healing process as undrained lymph fluid that is caught in the newly formed scar tissue can cause problems like scar lymphedema, but properly drained tissue will lie flat and knit together more smoothly.

 

Common examples:

• Broken bone recovery

• Knee replacement

• Hip replacement

• Bunion surgery

• Rotator cuff surgery

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What session length should I book?

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Generally, we recommend the 30 minute session for localized or mild issues. For more severe problems or conditions that are more systemic (all over the body instead of just in one area), the 60 minute session would be the way to go. If if doubt, feel free to message us and we will be happy to direct you to the best session length for your needs.

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For people with chronic issues that need frequent MLD sessions, check out our packages which offer you a way to save money, get regular lymph drainage, and learn self-care techniques for lymph drainage.

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When should I NOT get lymph drainage?

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Acute kidney failure and acute heart failure are absolute contraindications, which means anyone with either of these conditions should avoid lymph drainage in order to best maintain their health overall. Active infections are also contraindicated. Be sure to be clear of infection before getting lymph drainage done. 

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If the client in question is in need of palliative care, sometimes conditions that would otherwise be contraindications may still be treated with manual lymph drainage in the interest of comfort. For such cases, I will require documentation that they are on palliative or hospice care and may need approval from their doctor before beginning. This can be done by calling the doctor and requesting approval for MLD treatment and bringing in said document to your first session.

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If you are unsure whether or not lymph drainage would be safe or beneficial for your condition(s), give your doctor a call and have them determine whether or not this treatment is suitable for you. If it is, have them send you a record of their approval so we can dive right in to your sessions when you come.