Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, soothing, non invasive technique, which significantly improves the activity of the lymph vessels. Its efficiency lies in its intricacy, preciseness and focus.

Dr Vodders Manual Lymph Drainage

The lymphatic system is involved in the health of all body tissues. It acts to cleanse and assist in the regeneration of the connective tissue, keeping it free of irritants, removing by-products of metabolism and foreign particles. the lymphatic system works closely with the cardiovascular circulatory system. It helps to maintain blood volume, circulates proteins, transports large fat molecules and is inextricably integrated with all immune responses.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, soothing, non invasive technique, which significantly improves the activity of the lymph vessels.  Its efficiency lies in its intricacy, preciseness and focus.

Estrid and Emil Vodder developed their technique during the 1930’s and later worked with other lymphatic pioneers to develop a unique and highly effective treatment.  The Dr Vodder method of MLD is the most extensively researched and widely taught manual drainage technique. Unlike regular massage, MLD does not increase the movement of fluids from the blood vessels into the tissues and therefore does not increase the tissue congestion.  In fact research shows that MLD significantly reduces tissue congestion and oedema.

As well as being highly effective in the treatment of a broad range of acute and chronic conditions, MLD can be used as part of a health maintenance program to assist the lymphatic system to remove metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins bacteria large protein molecules and foreign substances from the body tissues and generally aid the circulation of the lymph. MLD also assists the body to heal more rapidly from injuries, surgical trauma and chronic conditions.

Lymphoedema Care: Combined Decongestive Therapy and Compression Therapy

MLD is not only an effective part of a total lymphoedema management but is also an excellent treatment for general health care and may help reduce the risk of development of secondary lymphoedema.  The main aim of this management regime is to bring the body back to as stable and normal a situation as possible.  Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual client.  Please contact me for further details.

 This approach to the management of lymphoedema consists of:

  • Manual Lymph Drainage
  • Compression Therapy
  • Education
  • Exercise
  • Skin Care

There are two phases to the treatment plan of existing or long-term lymphoedema:

Intensive treatment phase

Frequent MLD sessions with bandaging or compression system.

Exercise, self massage and skin care to be practiced at home.

Maintenance Program

Wearing compression garments or the use of a compression system as prescribed.

MLD sessions as required. MLD therapy and education may help in the risk reduction of the development of lymphoedema.

Book an Appointment with Carolyn

Book a gentle, soothing, non invasive manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) session with Carolyn Rowe. 

Manual Lymph Drainage | Eastwood, Parkside, Adelaide