Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, skin stretching massage technique that can be used to treat lymphedema and help the body heal after plastic surgery.
One giant misconception of MLD is that it only helps reduce swelling. Research has shown that MLD can increase pain threshold and pain tolerance, improve sleep and reduce stress.
MLD can increase the amount of fluid moving through the client’s lymphatic system. The fluid passes through the lymphatic system into the circulatory system and is urinated out, so the client may urinate more frequently after the massage. MLD is also very relaxing, so the client may feel the need to nap after the massage session and sleep soundly that night.
Because of its impact on the lymphatic system, MLD is contraindicated if the client has a fever or infection and may be contraindicated in people with active cancer, heart failure or advanced kidney disease.
MLD is a great option after plastic and reconstructive surgery, for people who would like to reduce their stress levels, for those who have a cancer history and for anyone who finds deep tissue massage uncomfortable.
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