Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, specialized therapy that promotes the movement of excess fluid and cellular metabolic waste through the lymphatic system. A well-functioning lymphatic system strengthens the immune response and promotes health by reducing excess fluid in the tissues, a cause of swelling and edema. MLD also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a state of deep relaxation (alpha state) to aid the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

INDICATIONS: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is beneficial in many situations.  Some examples for which it may be indicated include:

• Pre-surgical preparation of the lymphatic system
• Edematous conditions caused by long periods of sitting and standing, especially in hot, humid, or damp conditions
• Post-surgical swelling after, for example, oncology-related surgeries like mastectomy
• Cosmetic surgical procedures such as:
  • Breast augmentation or enhancement
  • Breast reduction surgery (mammoplasty)
  • Breast lift (mastopexy)
  • Liposuction (lipoplasty)
  • Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
  • Brazilian butt lifts (BBL)

• Gender-affirming surgical procedures received by both transgender and non-transgender individuals.
• Facial reconstructive procedures such as nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and facelift (rhytidectomy).
• Temporary swelling and edema during the prenatal and postnatal periods
• Chronic venous insufficiency, which may result from:
  • Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS)
  • Hysterectomy (laparoscopic, surgical, or vaginal)
  • Genetic conditions
  • Pregnancy and/or childbirth
  • Varicose veins
  • “Apron belly” (pannus) developing during pregnancy, after weight gain, or after weight loss
  • Natural aging process
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyles/Lack of exercise

• Hematoma, bruising, and post-traumatic edema, such as sprains and strains
• Chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and ME/CFS
• Chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis and Lyme disease, and multiple sclerosis
• Lymphedema
• Lipedema

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is excellent for stress reduction because it promotes sound, deep sleep (delta state) resulting in a refreshed mental alertness (gamma state) and an overall feeling of well-being.  Although MLD is an excellent year-round health treatment, it is especially beneficial during the fall and winter months or “cold season” because of the way it enhances immune system function.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: MLD facilitates more rapid flushing of the lymphatic system and can intensify the immune response during active stages of a cold or similar illness.  Therefore, it is not recommended to have an MLD treatment while you are in the active stages of a cold or similar condition.  Also, there are a few absolute and relative contraindications to Manual Lymphatic Drainage, so be sure to honestly discuss your full health history with the therapist.

Lymphatic massage occurs in the same setting as Swedish massage.  Clients undress fully but remain completely draped per Wisconsin State Law and industry standards for professional massage therapists. Please inform your practitioner if you have had any lymph nodes removed.  Book an upcoming appointment with me today.