If you have cancer or are recovering from surgery you must speak to your healthcare provider and make sure that the treatment is suitable. Only once you have been cleared by a medical professional can you have manual lymphatic drainage.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a way of reducing swelling (lymphoedema) caused by fluid build up. Lymphoedema can sometimes develop due to cancer or cancer treatment. It is also highly effective for the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome /ME/Fibromyalgia and has been a pivotal point of recovery for Post or Long Covid. This treatment helps boost the immune system, eliminating toxins, bacteria, germs and excess fluid from the body. MLD is also very beneficial for post-surgical recovery (liposuction, lymph node removal, fibrosis).

FAQs

Who can have manual lymphatic drainage?

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is typically recommended for individuals experiencing swelling due to a buildup of lymphatic fluid, most commonly caused by conditions like lymphedema, which can develop after cancer treatment, surgery, or injuries that damage lymph nodes. It can also be beneficial following procedures like a tummy tuck, liposuction, or facelift by reducing inflammation, swelling, and the formation of scar tissue.

How does manual lymphatic drainage work?

The aim of MLD is to move fluid from the swollen area into a place where the lymphatic system is working normally.

To do this, the specialist first uses specialised skin movements to clear the area that they want the fluid to drain into.

It might seem strange to have skin movements on your chest and neck if you have lymphoedema in your arm. But it means that the fluid has somewhere to drain to when the therapist treats your arm.

How you have manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

When you have MLD, you feel a gentle pressure. The skin-stretching movements are very light, slow, and rhythmic. This helps lymphatic flow and drainage.

Your therapist will begin by treating unaffected lymph nodes. This frees up space for fluid from the affected area to drain into. They will use some pressure and slow, regular movements. Your therapist may ask you to do some simple movements during the treatment to help the lymph to drain.

After having manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

To help keep the swelling down between treatments, your therapist will show you how to do a simple version of MLD yourself at home. It is a type of self-massage called simple lymphatic drainage (SLD).

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you have varies from person to person. This depends on the type of MLD and what you need. Your specialist will work out a treatment plan for you. Taking into account the amount of swelling you have.