How to Get Manual Lymph Drainage

Manual lymph drainage, a gentle massage that improves lymphatic circulation with sweeping movements of the hands, has been used to treat lymphedema and decrease swelling limbs. Manual Lymph Drainage (or MLD) practitioners offer services in a number of American cities. Many cancer survivors suffering from lymphedema due to radiation treatment need manual lymph drainage. This massage technique also helps patients suffering from arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Instructions

• 1

  Find a certified manual lymph drainage (MLD) practitioner. Check out the massage therapist listings in the Yellow Pages or your medical insurance plan for names and addresses of MLD experts near you. Look for therapists trained in the Vodder system of massage, named for the doctor who pioneered the study of lymphology in the mid 1900s.

• 2

  Consult your primary care physician before getting manual lymph drainage. If you have chronic high blood pressure, heart problems, cellulitis or other infection, always get permission from your doctor before beginning MLD.

• 3

  Learn how to use self-massage between sessions. By gently rubbing lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin and behind the knees, patients can augment their formal weekly treatments. Keep your legs elevated for fifteen minutes to increase lymph flow after self-massage.

• 4

  Discuss your treatment options with the therapist. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need MLD two or three times a week until swelling goes down and lymphatic circulation improves. If you're visiting the massage therapist to treat sinusitis, bursitis or another condition not related to edema, keep track of symptom status after each treatment.

• 5

  Understand how your body reacts to MLD. You may urinate more for a few hours after manual lymph drainage treatment due to the increase in fluids moved from tissues to the kidneys. Drink several glasses of water after treatment to recoup the water removed from your system.