Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Manual lymphatic drainage is a special treatment designed for patients with lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is the retention of the lymph in the connective tissue and it manifests as a swelling under the skin mostly on the limbs. The lymph itself is a liquid which in normal conditions flows in the lymphatic vessels. It contains residual water and all of those molecules that our bodies cannot process or that are not small enough to get through the capillaries of the veins, which then carry them to the kidneys, where they empty through the bladder. Several health conditions may cause lymphoedema, some being hereditary, others caused by an instant event like an accident or surgery.

MLD is more efficient in case of 1st and 2nd stage lymphoedema (e.g. when the oedema or swelling appears after standing on our legs all day or after a long walk, but it recovers after resting the limbs cushioned up or using MLD). In cases of hereditary lymphedema, having regular treatments can prevent advances to the 3rd or 4th stage which are more serious, irreversible conditions with considerable oedema in the whole body making the person’s mobility and everyday life very difficult.

First it usually appears on the legs as gravity pulls them down but they also can appear on the arms, face etc. MLD causes instant relief, even after one treatment the patient can feel lighter, more limber and in some cases visibly thinner. To achieve a good result a regular therapy is needed.

There are different varieties of MLD treatment. We are using the variety developed by the Hungarian specialist Prof. Dr. Judit Daróczy.

In some health conditions MLD is not recommended. If you’re not sure about it consult your therapist.

For an official diagnosis please consult your GP or a dermatologist. You can find more information about lymphoedema at St. Margaret’s Hospice or the British Lymphology Society.

MLD aftercare recommendations:

After your treatment don’t do any hard work or exercise if possible and it is preferable to have this type of treatment in the second half of the day.

If having Swedish massage too, have the MLD session afterwards.

Drink lots of water after your treatment and don’t mind using the lavatory several times. It means that your body is working well.

To ease the feeling of heavy legs stretch your legs and cushion them when sitting or lying down

For the best results a complex therapy is needed. This includes MLD treatments, gentle exercise, specific diet, skincare, compression garments or sockings in specific cases etc.

MLD Lifestyle recommendations:

Don’t wear tight clothes or shoes as they block the lymph vessels. Wearing tight jewelry, a belt and a watch is also not recommended. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Do light exercises like yoga, pilates, short walks etc. several times a day. Inactive lifestyle makes lymphoedema worse. Don’t lift heavy objects or stand still for too long.

Drink lots of still water.

A protein rich diet is recommended and avoids dehydration at all times.

Moisturize your skin.

Sunbathing, tanning, sauna, hot baths, thermal baths are not recommended.

In the long term have a regular MLD treatment or attend to a course of self massage or MLD exercise if interested

Treatments:

Face&neck 15-30 min

Upper body 60 min

Lower body 60 min

Full body 90 min