Manual Lymphatic Drainage FAQ

Who can benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

Everyone! MLD reduces swelling and pain from injuries, surgery, and chronic or autoimmune conditions. It’s also a great way to kickstart your lymphatic system for general detoxing. The body’s lymphatic system does not have its own “pump” (in contrast to the circulatory system that has a pump in the heart). Lymph is moved by breathing, moving the body, and manually by specially trained health care professionals. Regular MLD added to your self-care regimen helps your lymphatic system to operate optimally, and it has the added benefit of being extremely relaxing!

Who should NOT have an MLD treatment?

If you have any of the following contraindications for MLD I cannot safely treat you at this time:
Current fever or infection, cellulitis, untreated congestive heart failure/cardiac edema, renal/kidney disfunction, liver cirrhosis, DVT (blood clots), uncontrolled high blood pressure, first trimester of pregnancy, preeclampsia.

Why is a telephone consult required before my first visit?

A few reasons – first, there are contraindications for MLD and understanding your health history is needed to determine whether or not MLD can safely be administered to you. Second, knowing the reason you are seeking MLD allows me determine if this is the right treatment for you, if I am the right therapist for you, and what special considerations may be needed for your session (for example, post-surgical situations typically require unique bolsters/cushions). Third, having a quick chat allows me to answer any questions you may have about the treatment.

What should I expect?

MLD is performed on the massage table. The skin must be accessible, so you will need to undress for this service. You will be draped with a sheet and a light blanket, just as you are during a massage. No machines, no ultrasound, and no massage lotion or oil is used. I use very light, rhythmic touch to gently stretch the skin and move lymph toward the lymph nodes where that particular body part drains. I can focus on certain areas or work head to toe

What if I have lymphedema?

If you are currently experiencing stage 0 - 1 lymphedema or are seeking maintenance and/or the prevention of swelling, MLD can be effective treatment for you. If your symptoms/swelling are approaching level 2 please reach out to your health care provider for referral to a Complete Decongestive Therapist.

What if I had cosmetic surgery?

MLD can typically begin about 1 week after cosmetic surgery – incisions must be closed and drains must be removed. The client is responsible for removing and putting on their own compression garments. MLD does NOT involve pushing fluid through open incisions and it is NOT painful. MLD is slow and methodical and while it may seem like not much is happening, MLD is moving excess fluid through the lymph vessels so the body can eliminate it through the urinary and digestive systems.

What sort of training does my practitioner have?

I am licensed in Massage Therapy by the Ohio State Medical Board. Most importantly, I am certified in the Vodder method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, which is considered one of the most effective and researched techniques for MLD. I was certified through Klose Training’s 45 hour, in-person training program.