What is MLD?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a technique developed by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid, in 1936 in Paris, France. It is a technique that helps treat swollen lymph nodes. Lymphatic diseases, such as lymphedema, can represent serious problems for your health. MLD is a technique that can help treat and reverse some lymphatic diseases. MLD can also do so much more for your overall health and well-being.

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"MLD is a light, skin stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. It should not be confused with a traditional massage. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or "decongest" the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics." -Defined by Physiopedia.

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MLD should not be compared to normal massage techniques especially when it comes to pressure used. With MLD, the skin is stretched in specific directions using hand movements to promote variations in interstitial pressure without the use of oils or lubrication. The pressure is varied according to the underlying tissue with the focus to promote lymphatic drainage.

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Some conditions that MLD is considered a great therapy for are: Lymphedema, lipedema, post operative edema, post traumatic edema, sinusitis, acne, various autoimmune conditions, migraines, post COVID-19 complications, and so much more.