Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialist massage used to help reduce swelling. The goal of the treatment is to gently move fluid from blocked, backed up or overloaded areas of the skin to functioning drainage areas where it can be reabsorbed by the lymphatics.
FG-MLD (Fluoroscopy Guided MLD) is one method of MLD developed using the most current, researched and scientific techniques. The method has been developed from the work of Prof Jean Paul Belgrado and Prof Albert Leduc who conducted research using dye in the lymph vessels (lymphoscintigraphy) to make real time observations and study the lymphatic system to develop the most effective techniques to move and manage fluid through massage and compression.
Both of these conditions are life long and can take a lot of effort to maintain, manage and live with. MLD is just one element of this. With Lipoedema and Lymphoedema management you can receive support with compression garments (which ones are most suitable to you and your lifestyle, measuring and fitting), advice on nutrition, movement and exercise, self drainage techniques, how deep breathing can help and techniques to use and emotional support. Above all you will have a compassionate listener and someone who is there for you. I am a Specialist Lipoedema Therapist, one of only a handful in the country so you are in the best possible hands.
Lymphoedema is a chronic (long-term) condition causing swelling in any part of the body but mainly in arms and legs. It can be extremely uncomfortable or painful. It can occur for several reasons. The most common cause of Lymphoedema in the Western World is due to the removal of lymph nodes during cancer treatment, for example mastectomy and axillary lymph node removal for breast cancer. Other causes include:
Look out for these symptoms:
If you have some of these symptoms, please also visit your GP for a formal diagnosis.
Lipoedema is a connective tissue and adipose tissue (fat) disorder. This condition predominantly occurs in people assigned female at birth. The condition causes a uneven distribution of fat in the body making it look like they have fat legs or arms. It is an under recognised and under diagnosed condition. If you carry all of your weight in your legs or arm, lose weight on your upper body and not your lower body, experience pain, swelling and bruising, it could be something more than just being over weight. The lymphatic system can be affected by the deposits of lipoedemous fat caused by the condition leading to swelling. While MLD cannot help move the fat, it can help to relieve the pressure and pain caused by excess fluid.
Look out for these symptoms:
MLD can be effective on all types of swelling and chronic medical conditions:
Your massage will be performed directly on the skin of the effected limb, so some undressing may be necessary. Every effort will be taken to maintain your privacy and decency using towels and drapes. For mobile sessions, all equipment will be supplied including a massage table. Special soft balls will be used during the massage to empty nodes of lymph in areas such as under your arm, groin and behind the knee. These can be purchased to be used at home for Self Lymphatic Drainage (SLD). In the case of Lymphoedema, unfortunately, there is currently no cure, but you will be shown how manage it and help reduce the negative effects of lymphoedema. This will include how to perform Self Lymphatic Drainage, advise on diet, exercise and the wearing of compression garments. You may require a series of sessions to get your swelling under control.
After your massage you may find that you will pass urine more often as your body processes the increased reabsorption of lymph.
If you would like to discuss this any aspect of this treatment or symptoms you have, please get in touch to arrange an informal chat.