Treatments

Lymphatic Drainage; Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), LDT

Lymphatic drainage is a very specialised massage technique designed to attain and sustain proper functioning of the lymph system.   There are several different methods/schools of lymphatic drainage – Casley-smith, Ludec, Chikly and the more frequently used and better known, Vodder.  Petra is qualified in both the Chikly Lymph Drainage therapy (LDT) and Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) techniques.  

The lymphatic system forms part of our immune system, helping cope with infection by cleansing/detoxifying the body's tissues.  Unlike the circulatory system, where the heart pumps blood around the body, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units called lymphangions contracting throughout the lymph vessels to propel the flow of lymph fluid.  This enables the transport of numerous substances i.e., proteins, toxins, hormones, fatty acids, immune cells to the lymph nodes, which process them. There are 400-700 nodes in the human body.  Almost half of these are located in the abdomen alone. 

Many nodes also are located in the neck area. The main groups of nodes can be found in the major articulation folds of the body i.e.: armpits and groin. Lymph nodes have specific functions such as :

• filtration and purification of lymph fluid
• removal of toxins and dead cells
• concentration of the lymph fluid
• producion of lymphocytes (immune cells). The process of lymphatic drainage increases the flow of lymph fluid through the nodes, which then increases the production of lymphocytes.
  

Having passed through these nodes, lymph fluid eventually drains into the venous system and is eventually removed from the body as urine via the kidneys. If any part of the lymph system gets damaged due to surgery, trauma and burns lymph circulation often stagnates and fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate.

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an original hands-on method of lymphatic drainage developed by Bruno Chikly, MD DO (hon.).  Created out of his award winning research on the lymphatic system, LDT takes traditional lymphatic drainage techniques and adds a new level of precision in keeping with the latest scientific discoveries and exact anatomical science.  LDT enables practitioners to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymphatic flow. 

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) first became known in 1935 when Dr Emil Vodder and his wife were living and working in Cannes, France as massage therapists. The majority of their English patients were recovering from persistent colds and they discovered that all those patients had swollen lymph nodes in their necks.  At that stage it was taboo for massage therapists to treat the lymphatic system.  Vodder dared to break the taboo and treated the swollen nodes and the colds vanished.  Supported by this success, he developed MLD.

Lymphatic drainage is a gentle and careful technique.  Lymphatic vessels are less than 1mm in diameter on average.  The more superficial vessels and are even smaller in diameter.  Therefore, the techniques of lymphatic drainage must be performed slowly and gently – nevertheless, the application must be strong enough to not glide over the skin; instead, stretch the skin gently in the desired drainage direction.  The techniques must never be so strong as to compress the lymphatic vessels.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage

Due to the nature of the lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage can prove beneficial in the correction of numerous conditions as well as in maintenance of good good health.  Lymphatic Drainage works to help re-circulate body fluids and stimulate functioning of the immune system.  Results may include:

• reduction in oedema (swelling),
• regeneration of tissues (e.g., from burns and pre & post surgical scarring),
• immune system stimulation,
• reduction of symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia,
• pain relief,
• deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression and stress,
• most importantly an effective component of the treatment and control of lymphoedema. (link to lymphoedema treatment)

Lymphatic drainage for pre and post surgery

Many benefits can result from lymphatic drainage before and after surgery.  Lymphatic drainage seems to promote tissue regeneration therefore reducing the formation and severity of scars which can be unsightly and sometimes painful.   Treatment can begin as soon as 24 hrs after surgery, with approval of the doctor and as long as there are no contra-indications.  After surgery the lymphatic pathways will be very different.  Studies have shown that it takes between seven and ten days for the natural and functional continuity of the lymphatic vessels to be re-established.  Perhaps the most significant benefit of applying lymphatic drainage post surgically is to prevent or alleviate oedema or swelling.  Swelling can cause pain and create a predisposition to infection.

Pre and post surgical applications of lymphatic drainage

Pre-surgery: One to three treatment sessions are recommended.  Benefits may include:

• preparation of tissue for surgery,
• reduces oedema and swelling; it may allow surgery to be scheduled sooner,
• stimulation of the immune system,
• induces a state of relaxation.

Post-surgery: As soon as 24hrs after surgery.  Benefits may include:

• reduction in post-surgical oedema or swelling,
• encourages lymphatic “re-routs,
• pain reduction,
• detoxification of body tissues helps reverse build-up of toxins secondary to effects of medication,
• stimulates fluid circulation,
• stimulates the immune system and helps prevent post-surgical infections,
• improves skin regeneration and wound healing and optimises the scarring process.