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What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a unique method developed in France in the 1930's. MLD has been shown to increase lymphatic flow by up to 20x. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a type of massage intended to stimulate the lymphatic system by releasing blockages and assisting the natural circulation required for the elimination of metabolic waste, excess fluids, and bacteria from the body.

Our lymphatic system is vital to our overall health. As part of the circulatory system, your lymphatic system consists of a complex network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels. The vessels carry lymph fluid toward the heart and play a key role in your immune system.   

If your lymph system is slow or obstructed, it impacts how you feel throughout the day. MLD therapy consists of gentle, rhythmic, circular movements and activates the muscle cells in the walls of the lymph vessels and the surrounding skeletal muscles necessary to propel the lymph through the system. Soon after your massage, you likely “perk up” and your sense of physical and emotional well-being improves. If you’re feeling tired and low on energy, or if you’ve been sick and feeling like your body is fighting to get back on track, lymph massage would likely serve you well. Your recovery time can decrease dramatically after a lymphatic drainage massage.

In addition, athletes, surgical patients, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue sufferers may want to consider lymphatic massage. MLD may reduce symptoms associated with stress, muscle fatigue, fibromyalgia, acute pain, depression and other inflammatory conditions.. Additional techniques may be added such as abdominal work and diaphragmatic breathing to aide in the elimination process. Benefits include detoxification, immune support, decrease in inflammation, decrease in pain, water retention and more.

Surgery Care

Is your surgery date approaching and leaving you feeling a little nervous? I understand - and I’m here to help.

I provide safe, effective care during every stage of healing using the well-researched, evidence-based Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) techniques of the Vodder Method. I can also help be a resource for compression garment recommendations and other aids in recovery. At Opal Massage and Wellness, I have been practicing massage therapy since 1998 and have a CLT certification to treat Lymphedema and Pre and Post-Op Recovery care. 

By working with the natural anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, we use gentle, intuitive techniques to help reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort that often follow surgery or injury. These symptoms are a normal part of the body’s healing process and occur during the Inflammation Phase, which typically begins 24–72 hours after surgery. During this time, the lymphatic system is working hard to repair tissue and support recovery.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can be a valuable part of your post-surgical self-care. This specialized technique helps increase the circulation of oxygen-rich blood while stimulating the lymphatic system to move excess fluid and cellular waste out of the affected area more efficiently—allowing healthy nutrients to flow in and waste to flow out as your body heals.

 

  • Expedites Healing

  • Reduces the development of scar tissue

  • Decreases the risk of infections

  • Offers powerful pain relief

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Surgeries and Post-surgical issues I treat (but not limited to):

  • Breast Cancer Rehab (including mastectomy, fibrosis, axillary web syndrome, limited range of motion)

  • Breast Implants/Explants

  • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

  • Liposuction

  • Facelift

  • Other Cosmetic Procedures

  • All Orthopedic surgeries

Breast Tissue/Draping: Your body is a three dimensional matrix and Vodder Method protocols includes breast tissue because the neighboring lymphatic structures drain vital organs such as the lungs and heart! If you'd like to decline treatment to any part of your body,  just let me know. We can still do great work and want you to feel comfortable!

 

I will keep your breast tissue covered at all times unless there is a clinical need to observe radiated/scar tissue due to breast cancer treatment or other surgical sites.

Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Safe For Me?

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For most individuals, yes, but let's talk contraindications, because an increase in lymph flow may not be beneficial for your body, and could exacerbate your condition or symptoms. We don't want that.

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Contraindications are clinical boundaries that ensure the safety of each individual that comes to us for treatment, and lymphatic drainage has a few...

Absolute Contraindications:​

  • Acute Inflammation- Typically caused by bacteria or viruses. Example: streptococcus or staphylococcus causing cellulitis or erysipelas. Tissue that is red, hot, painful, congested, and accompanied by a fever is not suitable to receive this treatment during this time. NO MLD

  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)- If you are unmedicated or if edema is due solely to cardiac failure/cardiac edema you are unable to receive MLD.

  • Renal Failure- This is relative to the severity of your disease. I can only see clients with compromised kidney function with *written physician approval. MLD is a powerful diuretic and will tax renal function temporarily. Your kidneys must be strong enough to receive treatment safely.

  • Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)- This is only during the acute phase. MLD is beneficial for post-thrombotic syndrome edema management.

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Relative Contraindications/Precautions:  **Disclose prior to the start of your session.**

  • Malignant Lymphedema- This is when lymphedema is being caused by active cancer. Lymphedema therapists routinely treat patients with active cancer however, in such cases, MLD and CLT are considered palliative care and should only be employed as an adjunct to cancer management strategies. Please submit *written physician approval.

  • Bronchial Asthma- MLD stimulates your vagus nerve and can (rare, but possible) bring on an attack. Bring your inhaler with you to your appointment.

  • Pregnancy- MLD is great for pregnancy but your session must be tailored to you and your baby's needs. 

  • Hyperthyroidism- If you're on medication for hyperthyroidism, MLD could metabolize your medication quickly, sending a flood of hormones into your cardiovascular system. We simply need to adjust our treatment to meet your body's needs.

  • Hypersensitive Carotid Sinus- We want to avoid causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rhythm, all that means is we avoid your carotid sinus.

  • Cardiac Arrhythmia- I’ll just avoid your neck.

  • Menstruation- I just wont work as deeply in your abdomen.

  • Recent Abdominal Surgeries- We'll opt for some diaphragmatic breathing vs. working deeply in your abdomen.

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA)- Current or history or surgical repair, let me know. 

  • Clients 60 And Over- We want to be careful about mobilizing any plaque that may have accumulated in your arteries, so I’ll work a little differently with you.​​

 

Still not sure if MLD is right for you? I’m here to answer any questions you may have!

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