Post Op Manual Lymphatic Drainage

WHAT IS LYMPHATIC FLUID?

The circulatory system is comprised of two interconnected subsystems: the cardiovascular system which transports blood, and the lymphatic system which transports lymphatic fluid or ‘lymph’. As part of normal circulatory and metabolic functions, our bodies circulate nutrient-rich fluid throughout our tissues.

This fluid (called ‘interstitial fluid’) arrives at the tissues via the bloodstream, and must eventually return to the heart. Normally, 80% of all tissue fluids that return to the heart travel in the bloodstream, while the other 20% returns via the lymphatic system. Fluid traveling through the lymphatic system back to the heart passes through lymph nodes where smaller lymphatic vessels combine to form larger vessels.

Aside from its role in maintaining a proper balance of fluid between the body’s tissues and the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is a vital component of the immune system. Lymph in of itself is not toxic to your body, but build up can result in bacterial infection.

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique initially developed by Dr. Emil Vodder, a Denmark PhD.

MLD is a specialized form of massage that can stimulate the lymphatic system to improve lymphatic fluid flow, and re-direct the fluid to alternate (unaffected) lymphatic pathways, thereby reducing swelling.

Please Note: As a licensed massage therapist, I cannot work with bodily fluid outside the body (i.e. drains or drain sites leaking after surgery). My license does not cover syringe removal, or drain site removal of fluids.

I work with the lymphatic system under the skin.