Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage: A Deep But GentleRestorative Treatment
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a light, rhythmic, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. It specifically focuses on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid move out of the peripheral areas of the body and flow back into the trunk of the body, relieving congestion as well as removing vascular waste and immune system threats from the body.
Lymph, a lesser-known part of our immune system, is a fluid that flows throughout the body, similar to blood. Unlike blood, which inhabits arteries, veins, and capillaries, lymph flows through “interstitial” spaces (spaces in the body where nothing else is present). Lymph flows this way because its function is to remove any foreign matter from an area of the body and move it toward the lymph nodes, where potential dangers are mitigated. For example, if you cut your ankle and dirt gets into the cut, lymph is there to pull any dangerous substances to the lymph nodes, where the lymph is cleaned and then circulated back throughout your body.
MLD is applicable to the following conditions:
- Blood circulation problems (venous insufficiency, varicose veins)
- Swelling in arms/legs (edema/lymphedema/post-surgical edema)
- Decrease migraine occurrence/duration/severity
- Decrease pain and fibrotic tissue associated with Fibromyalgia
- Constipation relief
- Arthritis pain relief
- Reduction in stress/anxiety/depression symptoms
Direct effects on the body during treatment:
- Stimulates the immune system, increasing the body’s own defenses.
- Calming effect on the autonomic nervous system.
- Stimulates kidney functions.
- Regulates the body’s water balance.
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces stress
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Softening of fibrosis (formation of fibrous tissues that can become painful)
- Improvement in mobility, range of motion, and comfort
What to expect from a treatment
During the treatment, your therapist will treat any or all of the following areas: neck, head, face, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, legs, and feet. Many patients report a feeling of flowing movement during the treatment and their body feels lighter post-treatment. It is recommended to consume extra water during the first 24 to 48 hours post-treatment and you may experience increased urination during the same time frame. Most patients find this type of treatment very relaxing, and quite often, patients will fall asleep.
Book your Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage with Hannah Poole at Choice Health Centre Fall River
References:
- https://remaleymassage.com/blog/lymphatic_faq.xhtml
- https://pereaclinic.com/benefits-of-manual-lymphatic-drainage-mld/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Lymphatic_Drainage#:~:text=MLD%20is%20a%20light%2C%20skin,the%20flow%20of%20lymphatic%20fluid.
- https://www.alphahealthservices.ca/migraine-and-headache-treatment-manual-lymphatic-drainage/
- https://www.centreforsofttissuepain.ca/fibromyalgia-study#:~:text=Because%20of%20these%20effects%2C%20and,the%20patient’s%20quality%20of%20life.