What is manual lymph drainage?
A treatment technique that uses a series of rhythmic, light strokes to reduce swelling and improve the return of lymph to the circulatory system. The technique encourages fluid away from congested areas by increasing activity of normal lymphatics and bypassing ineffective or obliterated lymph vessels. Deep, heavy-handed massage should be avoided because it may damage tissues and exacerbate edema by increasing capillary filtration.
The lymphatic system plays a key role in the body’s immune defenses. Lymphatic fluid flows through lymph vessels, which connect lymph nodes. As it passes through the lymph nodes, white blood cells trap and destroy harmful particles, such as bacteria.
Who can benefit?
A Manual Lymph Drainage session can benefit people who have a buildup of lymphatic fluid. This may occur due to:
- cancer and cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes
- some types of vascular surgery, such as vein stripping
- burn scar excision
- lipectomy, a type of surgery to remove fat from the body
- swelling after cosmetic surgery
- infection or trauma in the lymphatic system
- a buildup of fluid due to deep vein thrombosis
- health conditions that affect blood flow to the extremities
- filariasis, which is an infestation of the lymph nodes by a parasite carried by mosquitoes
Lymphatic buildup affects around 1 in 5 females after treatment for breast cancer.
According to a 2021 review, MLD may also improve the quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.
Like blood in the circulatory system, lymphatic fluid is always moving. If it stops, swelling can occur due to fluid build-up, often in the arms or legs. Health experts call this lymphedema.
Manual lymph drainage usually forms part of a treatment program called complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This treatment plan may also include skin care, exercise, compression garments, and bandaging.
Together, these can improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system and help manage symptoms of lymphedema.
Are there any risks associated with lymphatic drainage techniques?
Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is a safe treatment to relieve lymphedema. There are some conditions and circumstances where manual lymph drainage would NOT be recommended:
- heart condition
- kidney failure
- blood clots
- hypotension
- an infection
- pregnancy
Note: Talk to your healthcare provider if you think that manual lymph drainage might be helpful for you.
How often should someone get a lymphatic drainage massage?
The frequency of MLD will depend on each person’s needs, the severity of their symptoms, and how quickly the swelling begins to go down. When working with clients who have recently undergone cosmetic surgical procedures, I typically recommend 2-3 times per week for 2-4 weeks.
Note: Ideally, you should book your MLD appointments as soon as you know your surgery date (because my schedule fills up quickly). Check with your surgeon to see how soon after surgery you can begin your MLD sessions.
Can I drain my lymphatic system at home?
Yes. Simple lymphatic drainage techniques are suitable for home use, and at your first session I can show you some techniques that you can do at home.
How painful is a manual lymphatic drainage session?
The MLD session itself should not be painful. The therapists fingers will stroke the skin very lightly. If you are unable to lie down, I can perform many manual lymph drainage techniques while you sit in a chair or on the edge of the table.
How much does a MLD session cost?
My basic rate is $80 for a 1-hr session. The session will include pre and post session measuring in order to measure/quantify any reduction in lymph volume, and approx 45-50 minutes on the table. The price includes the sales tax, but if you have a written referral (Rx) from your doctor/surgeon, I can leave off the sales tax. Otherwise, in the state of Ohio, I have to charge sales tax on all of my services.
If you pre-book a minimum of 4 sessions, I can offer you 10% off the price of your sessions*.
*You must attend a minimum of 4 MLD sessions, all within 30 days of your first visit and your 10% discount will be applied to your fourth session. This discount cannot be combined with any other discount.
If you have any other questions....
please don't hesitate to call / email / text me.
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Stage 0 |
Subclinical or pre-lymphedema. Typically includes all patients who have had lymph node dissection. Swelling is not evident, although impaired lymph flow is present. This stage may last for a long time. |
| Stage I | Accumulcation of fluid and protein in tissue is present. Elevation may influence the limb; pitting may be present. |
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Stage II |
Includes swelling that does not reduce with elevation; pitting is present with fibrosis. |
| Stage III | Fibrotic tissue has indiscernible pitting; includes skin thickening and large limb volume known as elephantiasis, a morbid condition where lymphstasis and chronic inflammation develop into fibrosclerosis and additional tissue swelling (Foldi, 1998). |
From "The Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphoedema. Consensus Document of the International Society of Lymphology," by the International Society of Lymphology, 2003, Lymphology, 36(2), pp. 85-86. Copyright 2003 by the International Society of Lymphology.
