Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) – Vodder Method

This is a gentle, manual technique that works with the lymphatic system. It has a powerful effect on the body  and has proven its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies.

“The skin is stretched and torqued in a specific manner, based on scientific, physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow.  If performed correctly with the correct pressure, direction and speed, this can greatly enhance recovery and facilitate drainage” – (Vodder School International)

Manual Lymph Drainage can be utilized in the treatment of many different conditions and can be applied in situations where deeper more aggressive remedial techniques are contra-indicated. MLD is an important component of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which is the current standard for the conservative treatment and management of lymphoedema.

Conditions which can respond well to MLD include

• Primary and Secondary Lymphedema (treament for Lymphedema should only be carried out by a trained lymphedema therapist)
• Venous insufficiency
• Non-infected inflammatory conditions (e.g. sprains and strains)
• Ulceration
• Dermatological conditions
• Circulatory disturbances
• Sports injuries
• CRPS (RSD)
• Burns
• Pre- and post- plastic surgery

Lymphoedema  Management

There is currently no cure for Lymphoedema. The current protocol for Lymphoedema is treatment and management of the condition. The aim of Lymphoedema treatment is to reduce the oedema (swelling), maintain the reduction and prevent the condition from progressing.

Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the current standard for the management of primary and secondary lymphoedema.

NOTE: CDT should only be carried out by a trained Lymphedema therapist. Not all therapists trained in MLD have been trained to treat Lymphedema

This is a conservative treatment and includes.

• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
• Compression Therapy – Bandaging, Compression garments, Lymph taping
• Skin care
• Exercise
• Education

Lymph Taping

The body’s own recovery process is stimulated by applying an elastic tape material. The special tape has the same elasticity as the skin and by applying the tape in accordance with the anatomy of the lymphatic system as well as positioning the body in a way that the tape is stretched, lymphatic drainage is stimulated 24 hours a day. The tape lifts the skin a little through which the lumen of the lymph capillaries are opened. The pressure on the blood vessels is reduced. Moreover, the tape becomes a conductor of interstitial fluid.