MLD is a non-invasive therapy in which the practitioner uses a range of specialised and gentle, rhythmic, pumping techniques to move the skin, thus stimulating the Lymphatic System to work harder. This speeds up removal of excess fluid and waste products.
MLD generally uses a light, painless pressure as your lymphatic vessels start shallow in the skin layer (dermis) and trained therapists know how to manipulate them, redirecting fluid away from swollen areas.
CDT (Combined Decongestive Therapy) or DLT (Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy) mean the same and are the treatment of choice for Lymphoedema. They are both the combination of MLD, compression therapy, skin care and decongestive exercise which require frequent visits to the therapist in order to reduce oedema. Importantly, CDT/DLT helps to manage your condition and prevent further complications. MLDuk https://mlduk.org.uk/
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system helps protect us from infection and disease. It is a crucial part of the body’s immune system. It keeps our body fluids in balance and absorbs and transports helpful vitamins and hormones. You can think of the lymphatic system – made up of a vast network of vessels and nodes (glands) – as a kind of waste disposal system. The vessels collect fluid containing waste products and potentially harmful bacteria and toxins away from the tissues around your skin, fat, muscle and bone. The term for this fluid and cells is lymph. The glands, or lymph nodes, filter the lymph and the waste moves on through the body where it is passed in urine. TheBLS https://www.thebls.com/pages/what-is-lymphoedema
Benefits of MLD
MLD is both preventative and remedial and can usually enhance the sense of wellbeing. Furthermore MLD may be effective in:
- The treatment and control of Primary and Secondary Lymphoedema
- Assisting with conditions arising from venous insufficiency such as leg ulcers
- Preparing for and speeding up healing after surgery
- Relieving fluid congestion e.g. swollen legs due to pregnancy, swollen ankles, puffy eyes
- Promoting the healing and lessening the pain of injuries e.g. fractures, sprains, torn ligaments
- Promoting the healing of wounds and burns
- Improving chronic conditions such as skin conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, sinusitis
- Improving the appearance of scars
- Strengthening the immune system
- Inducing deep relaxation as it may affect the autonomic nervous system
MLDuk https://mlduk.org.uk/
Primary lymphoedema is a genetic condition affecting the lymphatic system. Sometimes it doesn’t get diagnosed till later in life.
Secondary lymphoedema is due to either a blockage or an overloading of the lymphatic system. Examples include lymphoedema post cancer treatment (lymph node removal, surgery damage and/or radiotherapy) or lymphoedema caused by a weakening of the veins Chronic Venous Insufficiency CVI.
Lipoedema. Lipoedema is a chronic, connective adipose tissue disorder. It almost exclusively affects women. Symmetrical, disproportionate deposits of fat are typical of lipoedema. The fat in lipoedema may also cause damage to the lymphatics in the area and, consequently, cause lipolymphoedema. MLD helps to alleviate the swelling caused by this and may also help with some of the symptoms of lipoedema. More can be read about this on the Lipoedema UK page. They are a charity highlighting the difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment and working to change that. https://lipoedema.co.uk/about-lipoedema/
What happens during an MLD session?
Make sure you’re seeing a fully trained and certified professional. In certain circumstances, they will ask you to get medical permission. Your treatment will vary according to what the issue is. This will be discussed first and then, if necessary, a course of treatment will be recommended. The Initial Appointment and further appointments, should they be booked will all include MLD. In some cases, further appointments will also include measuring for compression.
For more information about MLD UK, a UK Association for qualified MLD practitioners, click here – https://mlduk.org.uk/
