The Wright Center Of Massage Therapy
Manual Lymph Drainage
&
Complete Decongestive Therapy
Manual Lymph Drainage
and
Complete Decongestive Therapy
What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique that increases the activity of lymph vessels and manually moves fluid collected in the soft connective tissue of the body (called interstitial fluid) back toward the heart.These Conditions Have Responded Successfully To Treatment With MLD: Acne Burns Cellulite Detoxification (pre/post surgery) Eczema Traumatic Edemas (swelling caused by trauma/surgical incision) Hematomas (blood bruise under the skin, causing a spongy, lumpy area) Lymphedema (swelling of one or both extremities, usually secondary to cancer treatments) Rosacea Scars Prevention of leg edema & stretch marks in pregnancy Understanding The Role of The Lymphatic System In order to understand MLD, it is helpful to understand the role that the Lymphatic System plays in the body. The Lymphatic System (which consists of lymph fluid, vessels, and organs, including the lymph nodes, tonsils, appendix, thymus and spleen) and the Cardiovascular System (the heart, blood and blood vessels) together make up the Circulatory System whose main function is to transport and distribute oxygen, nutrients, antibodies, waste materials and hormones. The Lymphatic System acts as a one way drainage system for excess fluid that continuously collects in the body’s tissues (called interstitial fluid). Once the interstitial fluid moves into the lymph vessels, the protein rich fluid (now called lymph) is ultimately recycled and returned to the blood as plasma. This helps maintain blood pressure and prevent edema (swelling). The Lymphatic System is responsible for transporting 75% of proteins that escape into the tissues back to the general circulation. Finally, through the filtering action of lymph nodes and organs, the lymphatic system assists in the immune response against pathogens and disease.What is Lymphedema? Lymphedema is the abnormal swelling of a body part. It is most commonly seen in the extremities; however, it may also occur in the face, trunk, abdomen or genital area. Lymphedema develops when lymph vessels and/or lymph nodes are either missing, damaged or removed due to surgery. The swelling associated with Lymphedema is the result of an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the superficial tissues. Once present, this chronic and progressive condition will never completely disappear.
There are two kinds of Lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary Lymphedema is rare and is caused by congenital abnormalities present in the lymphatic system at birth. Primary Lymphedema may be present at birth or develop later in life. Secondary Lymphedema is more common and is often the result of surgery and/or radiation for cancer. People who have had any of the following procedures may be at risk for developing Secondary Lymphedema. Mastectomy in combination with axillary (arm pit) lymph node removal; Secondary Lymphedema can occur within days, months, or years after cancer treatmentsSigns and Symptoms of Lymphedema Swelling in the arms, hands, fingers or legs. The swelling may occur for the first time after a traumatic event (such as a cut, bruise, bug bite, sunburn, fall and/or sports injury), after an infection in the part of the body that was treated for cancer, or after an extended (more than three hour) airplane trip due to the pressure changes when flying. A “full”, “heavy” and/or “tight” sensation in the arms, hands, fingers or legs. Decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle. A tight fitting bracelet, watch band, or ring that wasn’t tight before.How is Lymphedema Treated? Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a safe, reliable and non-invasive treatment of Lymphedema. It has four components: MLD (to manually move the fluid into the lymph vessels and back toward the heart where it is recycled as plasma in the blood;Compression Therapy (using special short stretch bandages to decrease the volume of the affected extremity to a normal or near normal size);Decongestive Exercises (to increase lymph circulation); andSkin/Nail Care (to avoid subsequent infection). CDT consists of two phases of treatment: the Intensive Phase, which includes daily treatment, until the extremity is decongested, and the Self-Management Phase, where the patient assumes responsibility for managing and maintaining the results achieved in the first phase. The Self-Management Phase of CDT is a life long process. *Diuretics and Pneumatic Compression Pumps are sometimes prescribed for Lymphedema but tend to have poor long term effects. Both options are helpful in removing water from the interstitial spaces, but neither are able to remove proteins; therefore, the proteins continue to draw water and the swelling gradually begins again.
Lumpectomy in combination with axillary lymph node removal;
Combined cancer surgery and radiation therapy to a lymph node region (neck, armpit, groin, pelvis or abdomen); and Radiation therapy to a lymph node region.
