Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual lymphatic drainage is a medical massage. Thus, it is not primarily used for relaxation, but for the treatment of an impairment of health. In this case, the elimination of lymphedema. Manual lymphatic drainage is performed by specially trained physiotherapists.

How does Manual Lymphatic Drainage work?

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues. The culprit is a disturbed lymphatic drainage in the space between cells, tissues and organs. This is not only unpleasant. Depending on which part of the body is affected, the swelling also restricts freedom of movement. In addition, since the lymphatic system serves to remove waste products, congestion of the lymph is detrimental to general health. Manual lymphatic drainage stimulates the lymphatic vessels to increase the removal of lymphatic fluid. As a result, the painful swelling goes down, the surrounding muscles relax, and the body’s defenses are strengthened. In addition, the general effect of the massage has the positive side effect of stimulating blood circulation and activating the pain receptors in the skin.

What is done during the manual lymphatic drainage?

Manual lymphatic drainage uses a combination of massage techniques and compression therapy. Specifically, the following measures work together in manual lymphatic drainage:

• Basic grips
• Complementary grips
• Compression therapy

Basic grips

The basic grips include the standing circle, the pump grip, the scoop grip and the twist grip.

Supplementary grips

In addition to the four basic grips, the massage is individually adapted to the respective cause by means of special supplementary grips.

Compression therapy

In compression therapy, the body parts affected by edema are tightly wrapped after the massage. The pressure ensures that the edema does not form again after the treatment.

When to use manual lymphatic drainage?

Manual lymphatic drainage is used for congestion of lymphatic fluid. It is often used for the following conditions:

• Chronic lymphedema
• varicose veins
• after surgery
• Chronic polyarthritis
• CRPS (Sudeck’s disease)
• Hemiplegia due to stroke
• Headache
• Pregnancy edema
• Cellulite