Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Lymphoedema

The lymphatic system is the body's secondary circulatory system, working in close conjunction with the blood to transport fluid and other substances around the body.  As well as removing and processing metabolic waste products, the lymphatic system also plays an important role in the body's immune system.

Lymphoedema occurs due to the inability of the lymphatic system to process the amount of fluid in the body.  This can occur either due to a genetic defect causing the lymphatic system to be faulty (primary lymphoedema) or because a healthy lymphatic system has been damaged during trauma, as a result of another medical condition or as a result of the treatment of another medical condition (most commonly cancer).  When lymphoedema is acquired rather than inherited it is called secondary lymphoedema.

It is estimated that somewhere between 76,000 and 227,000 people in England alone are suffering with lymphoedema.  Around 1 in every 5 people who have had treatment for breast cancer go onto develop associated lymphoedema.  Unfortunately there is no cure for the condition and if left untreated, the swelling can progress, leading to issues with mobility of the affected limb, skin complaints (including fibrosis and ulcers) and infection (most commonly cellulitis).

Thankfully, a course of treatment, including MLD and / or the wearing of compression garments, gentle exercise, skincare advice and breathing techniques can help to manage the condition successfully.

Effects of MLD on Lymphoedema:

• Helps prevent the occurrence of or the progression of lymphodema
• Decreases pain levels associated with lymphoedema
• Improves mobility in the affected limb(s)
• Reduces the risk of associated skin infection and / or ulceration

Essentially treatment for lymphoedema consists of two phases; intensive and maintenance.  The intensive phase involves frequent (potentially daily) treatment with MLD and compression bandaging.  The maintenance phase kicks in when the oedema is reduced (usually after two or 3 weeks of intensive treatment).  At this point, the swelling is controlled with the use of a compression garment and the occasional MLD treatment.

On your first visit to from Soul to Sole, a full consultation is taken and the treatment strategy discussed.  This will vary from patient to patient and there is a strong possibility that we may need to consult with your GP and / or Consultant prior to commencing therapy.  Each session can last from 60 to 90 minutes.  If you require either bandages or a compression garment, I am qualified to measure and fit these for you.  These can then be ordered on prescription via your GP or can be paid for privately.

There are usually none or very minimal negative side effects to MLD. Most commonly, you may feel dehydrated after the session or need to use the toilet more often than usual. This is because the lymphatic system has been stimulated to recycle and eliminate excess fluid and toxins. These are both positive signs that the treatment has been successful.

MLD cannot be used to treat lymphoedema if any of the other following conditions are also present:

• Untreated malignant (cancerous) disease - including tumour recurrence and/or metastases
• Serious heart conditions
• Renal failure
• Acute infection
• Acute allergic reaction
• DVT

Other conditions may require that the treatment session be modified, but this will be discussed prior to the commencement of treatment.