The Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a technique developed by the Vodders (Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid) in 1936 in Paris for treatment of swollen lymph nodes. Lymphatic diseases, especially lymphedema, represent a serious problem in the health community.
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.

Indications

• Primary or secondary lymphedema ;
• Lipedema;
• Phlebo-lymphostatic edema;
• Postoperative edema;
• Posttraumatic edema;
• Chronic venous insufficiency;
• Palliative care: Provision of comfort and pain relief when other physical therapies are no longer appropriate;
• This technique may be used as a complement in therapies for patients with stress;
• May be effective for reducing intracranial pressure in severe cerebral diseases.

More info

1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage
2. Systematic Review of Efficacy for Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Practice Approach