Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Dr. Vodder Method: A highly effective treatment for inflammation, pain and edema
See www.vodderschool.com for more information regarding Vodder MLD.
What is Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body. Research in Australia, Europe and North America has proven its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies.
In MLD treatment, the skin is stretched in a specific manner, based on scientific, physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow. If performed correctly with the correct pressure, direction and speed, this can greatly enhance recovery and facilitate drainage. It also has profound effects on systems in the body.
Developed in France in 1932 by Emil and Estrid Vodder MLD has grown to be the most well known manual technique to assist lymph flow and aid in drainage of tissues. The Dr. Vodder technique is the most intensive and thorough certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage that a therapist can obtain and requires 160 hours of training. The training is provided by internationally recognized experts in Lymphology, compression bandaging and manual therapy techniques.
Therapists acquire excellent hand skills when learning the Dr. Vodder method of MLD with Dr. Vodder certified instructors.
(Top Page)When Should You Receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage
MLD can be used to treat pain, bruising, orthopedic conditions, burns, edema (swelling), dermatological conditions and others.
It is an excellent treatment to resolve severe bruising, accelerate healing in severe muscle strains/sprains such as sports injuries or whiplash, or for inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis. During and after MLD treatment of a bruise it is often possible to visibly see the bruise breaking up and tracking along the lymphatic pathways as it dissolves. In the cases of inflammation, such as acute burns or whiplash, the pain, redness and swelling is remarkably and visibly reduced after one treatment.
MLD has been found to be an excellent and effective treatment for clients with painful conditions, either chronic or acute, who experience aggravation of symptoms or are otherwise unable to tolerate other manual therapy methods. With MLD treatment clients experience softening of hypertonic muscles and fascia, decreased pain and overall improvement in their condition. It is possible that the tissue response to deeper or more aggressive techniques improves after a few sessions of MLD.
(Top Page)Conditions Treated by Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
Many conditions are indicated for MLD treatment. The conditions generally are related to inflammation or tissue congestion:
- Orthopeadic conditions
- Trauma
- Tendonitis/ Epicondylitis/Bursitis
- Fracture (cast removed)
- Arthritis (rheumatoid or osteoarthritis)
- Adhesive capsulitis
- Ear, Eye and Facial Conditions
- Sinusitis: Sinuses are drained during the treatment - symptoms of headache and pressure are relieved without medications.
- Eye trauma / detached retina
- Tinnitus
- Meniere’s Symdrome
- Facial Nerve Paralysis / Bell’s Palsy
- Migraine
- Whiplash: research indicates that recovery from a whiplash is more rapid and complete if MLD treatment is applied in the acute phase.
- Fibromyalgia: clients who do not respond well to traditional manual techniques find that the MLD treatment provides relief of symtoms without negative side effects.
- Multiple sclerosis
- Dermatological conditons:
- Skin ulcers
- Acne
- Stress
- Chronic Constipation
- Down’s Syndrome – children with Trisomy 21 often experience symptoms chonic congestion in the ear nose & throat. MLD treatment helps prevent respiratory infection and is calming for the child.