Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of manipulation therapy used to assist in the movement of lymph throughout the lymphatic system. Manual manipulation of lymph can be used for various conditions to reduce swelling and promote healing. 

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when there is a problem with the lymphatic vessels and fluid begins to pool in a particular area. Although the condition can occur anywhere in the body, it most often occurs in one or both legs. The condition can be acute or chronic. An acute injury or pregnancy may cause temporary lymphedema, which goes away when the underlying cause is resolved. In other instances, lymphedema is a chronic problem and can occur because of excess weight or with certain types of cancer, mainly breast cancer. MLD is used in lymphedema to help promote lymph drainage. Assisting the body in draining lymph by manual manipulation can reduce swelling and the potential for complications related to lymphedema. For example, persistent lymphedema in the legs increases the chance of infection and ulceration of the skin. MLD is typically used in combination with other therapeutic approaches, such as compression garments and physical therapy.

Post-Op Recovery

Many surgeries can benefit from MLD. People who have cosmetic procedures, such as tummy tucks, often have MLD as part of their post-op recovery. Generally, multiple sessions each week will be necessary throughout the healing phase. MLD helps reduce post-op swelling, which can make the healing process more lengthy and increase the potential for infection at the surgical site. Another benefit of MLD is it can improve wound healing and scar formation. Swelling inherently stretches the surgical site, which increases the surface area that needs to heal and eventually scar. People who have MLD generally have less noticeable scars once the surgical site has healed.

MLD can be especially important for people who have surgery related to cancer, especially if lymph nodes are removed during the procedure. Depending on the extent of the cancer, lymph nodes may be removed for biopsy or to potentially remove all the cancer. Once lymph nodes are removed, the ability for drainage is compromised, causing the area to swell and giving bacteria a place to proliferate. MLD is used to supplement the function of the removed lymph nodes.

MLD is a therapy that works well in conjunction with other treatments to reduce swelling. In addition to making lymphedema easier to manage, MLD can help patients in the post-op phase heal faster and minimize scars.

Contact a clinic like Lymph Drainage Princeton to learn more.

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