Manual lymphatic drainage massage, also known as MLD, aims to relieve the swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system and prevents it from working correctly. MLD massage manipulates specific areas of your body to help and assist the lymphatic system in that area. Sometimes described as a massage - because of the hand movements on the skin - MLD massage should not be confused with a therapeutic or aromatherapy massage.
The aim of MLD is to move the fluid from the swollen area to a different area where the lymphatic system is working properly. Your qualified practitioner uses skin movements to clear the area of your body where they will be aiming to move the fluid. It's important that this step is completed first to ensure that the fluid has somewhere to move to and your treatment is successful. If you think you have symptoms of lymphedema or other health conditions that may result in trapped fluid, book an appointment with your doctor to discuss the benefits of MLD.
Manual lymphatic drainage massage is designed to stimulate and improve the lymphatic system. Due to the nature of the massage, it must only be carried out by a qualified practitioner. All practitioners offering this treatment at The Belmore Centre are qualified to a very high standard and continue to partake in training.
Post-surgery swelling - if you have swelling after your surgery that does not appear to be reducing over time, you may benefit from an MLD massage. Rheumatoid arthritis - your lymph flow may be affected as your disease progresses. This can cause swelling, pain, and loss of function in your joints. MLD may help ease these symptoms. Fibromyalgia - this condition can cause tissue swelling. MLD massage can help to ease symptoms, reduce stiffness, and improve quality of life.
Your lymphatic system plays an important role in your immune defence systems. Lymphatic fluid flows through your lymph vessels, and this connects to your lymph nodes which trap white blood cells and destroy harmful particles. Just like your blood, lymphatic fluid is constantly moving, and if it stops mainly through a blockage , the fluid can build up, and swelling can occur.
