Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Decongestive Physical Therapy

Lymphoedema is the swelling of the soft tissue, as a result of abnormal pooling of protein, water and solute in the interstitial tissues. The protein encourages loss of water from circulating blood by osmosis. Stagnation of the protein rich lymph causes lymphoedema, as the protein attracts and holds water molecules. This causes interstitial to rise, which then causes increased filtration.

Stages of lymphoedema can vary, from not very noticeable, to very evident swelling of in particular arms and legs.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder method) aims to stimulate lymphatic flow, thereby optimising various systems of the body:

Lymphatic system - Reducing oedema if present, improving lymphatic function.

Nervous system - Reduce activity of the sympathetic nervous system, having a calming and relaxing effect. MLD can also have a pain-relieving effect, so can be useful for conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis.

Immune System- Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances are removed from the body via the lymphatic system. Proper lymph circulation moves antigens quickly to the lymph nodes where they form antibodies that reach their targets swiftly via the blood and lymphatic pathways.

Digestive/Urinary Systems - Oedema reduction leads to a greater fluid elimination from interstitial tissues, thus delivery of higher urinary output and bowel movements.

Manual lymphatic drainage can be used specifically to treat lymphoedema and associated conditions, or it can also be used to support our overall health and wellbeing. You do not need to have lymphoedema to benefit from a manual lymphatic drainage massage.

Decongestive Physical Therapy is the treatment of Lymphoedema conditions and associated procedures, including manual techniques (massage) bandaging, lymph taping, and compression garments to assist in treatment and management of such conditions.

It is important to note that MLD/DPT is not a cure for for lymphoedema, but is effective treatment to assist with quality of life and abilities for the patient.