Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment new Orleans
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment, also known as MLD, is a holistic manual therapy designed to reduce swelling, increase relaxation, increase immune function, decrease formation of scar tissue post injury/surgery, decrease chronic pain of inflammatory conditions, promote healing, and promote general wellness. It works by gently stretching the skin and creating a vacuum for vessels to intake fluid. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment is a different experience compared to massage. There is no pressure applied and it should never hurt! We are, primarily, working on lymphatic vessels that are 1mm below the skin and above the fascia. Any application of pressure will compress and close the targeted vessels, which will stop the uptake of fluid. MLD can increase the body’s movement of fluid from 10-12 beats per minute to up to 60 beats per minute.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment for Wellness
MLD is used for general health and wellness. It’s great for post plane travel due to the pressure changes that cause the body to swell, may help for post athletic activity soreness and recovery, and can ease the discomfort for people suffering with chronic autoimmune diseases. It is recommended to receive treatment 3 times between a 10-14 day period for best results. Maintenance appointments are recommended, thereafter. We do not recommend that you immediately partner your MLD treatment with massage, but it can be used in immediate conjunction with Fascia Stretch Therapy and our Recovery Room therapies.
What health conditions can benefit from MLD?
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Migraines
- Cellulite
- Sinus inflammation
- Post trauma
- Post surgery
Post Surgery
The purpose of post operative MLD is to remove dead and dying cells left behind by surgical trauma, to help reduce swelling, avoid lumps in the area, and minimize the formation of scar tissue. Over time, it can also help regenerate lymphatic vessels that may have been cut and/or damaged. Depending on your procedure and ability to get to our studio, we can begin MLD as soon as 4-7 days post op. For the best results, we recommend the initial treatment be at least 3 sessions in a period of 7-10 days. After that, we recommend a minimum of twice a week as needed depending on healing progress.
At Nola Stretch and Recovery, education is a priority. Our MLD therapist is certified in Vodder Technique through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS), which is a Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) endorsed program. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment is a clinical treatment and can potentially cause serious harm if performed on a client with a contraindicated health condition. It is imperative that you see a practitioner that has been properly trained in order to see the best results for you. Properly applied MLD does not use lotion, gliding, or pressure. Post surgical treatment does NOT squeegee fluid out of incisions. It moves fluid back into the body via the specific pathways of lymphatic vessels back into the cardiovascular system. Swelling is normal for 3-6 months post surgery and physically aggressive treatments during the healing process may do more internal damage than good. We look forward to seeing you on your healing journey to ensure you get the most up to date care possible.
Frequently asked question
Properly applied MLD requires full skin contact. You should wear comfortable, easy to remove clothing. Slip on shoes are recommended as MLD may stimulate the need to use the restroom during a longer session.
- Acute infections
- Acute bronchitis
- Renal failure
- Acute vein thrombosis
