Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)_ Dr Vodder Method
‘After several years of painful lymphoedema I was introduced to Brian and Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD). His caring professional manner immediately put me at ease. Sessions of MLD have considerably reduced the swelling, discomfort and pain I had been experiencing. It is hard to believe that such a gentle treatment can produce such significant results’. (Tracy, Retired Nurse Manager)
Further client recommendations/experiences can be found on this web site Testimonial page.
Introduction
Manual lymphatic drainage was developed and pioneered by Danish Drs. Emil Vodder and Estrid Vodder in the 1930s. http://www.lymphedema-clinic.com/ambulante-behandlung.html http://www.vodderschool.com/manual_lymph_drainage_history
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle advanced massage treatment to aid and support the lymphatic system, so it is better able to help remove excess fluids and toxins from the body’s cells, it also has a very relaxing and pain relieving effect. The MLD therapist uses gentle repetitive movements to stimulate the lymph vessel walls and so improves lymph flow.
“The lymphatic system is a component of the immune system and works closely with the cardiovascular system. The lymphatic system is a vascular network of tubules and ducts that collect, filter, and return lymph to blood circulation. Lymph is a clear fluid that comes from blood plasma, which exits blood vessels at capillary beds. This fluid becomes the interstitial fluid that bathes tissues and helps to deliver nutrients and oxygen to cells. In addition to returning lymph to circulation, lymphatic structures also filter blood of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Lymphatic structures also remove cellular debris, cancerous cells, and waste from the blood. Once filtered, the blood is returned to the circulatory system.”
http://biology.about.com/od/organsystems/ss/cardiovascular-system.htm
Further information can also be found at the following web sites:
http://www.mlduk.org.uk/therapy/
The Big Picture: Every thing you wanted to know about lymphoedema
Training and experience
My training has been in original Dr Vodder style, both in the UK and at the Dr Vodder Akademie in Walchsee, Austria. Where I completed my Manual Lymph Drainage/Combined Decongestive Therapy Course Levels 2 & 3 with the amazing Professor Hildegard Wittlinger 86yrs http://www.vodderakademie.com/therapeutenliste.html , this extensive training and exams covers treatment training for both Primary and secondary lymphedema. To maintain a high degree of competency, all MLD uk members/Vodder Therapist have to attend a MLD/CTD training course every two years and be re-evaulated . I have also completed a Head & Neck MLD Master Class (Casley-Smith), with Lymphoedema Network Wales- NHS Wales.
I have also been working with cancer patients on a weekly basis as a volunteer, at The Old Mill Cancer Foundation http://www.oldmillfoundation.co.uk/ since 2014. This work has greatly improved my understanding and the treatment of scarring and range of movement (ROM) issues that can be caused by cancer treatment.
So how can MLD help you?
Although, it is most commonly associated with secondary Lymphedema, which can occur when lymph nodes are removed as part of cancer treatment and for primary lymphedema caused by congenital malformation of lymphatic vessels/nodes.
MLD can also be beneficial for a variety of other problems including:
To aid recovery before & after liposuction/vaser treatment –
An interesting video can be seen here https://youtu.be/-BQtD09FJcs , with Dr Wolf talking about the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) after Liposuction and the importance of finding a fully qualified MLD therapist.
Photos from a client after Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
7 Days Post operation
14 Days Post operation
I’d highly recommend Brian, I’ve had six lymphatic drainage sessions following surgery and it’s really helped aid with the recovery and reduce swelling. I found he was very knowledgeable and cared for his work a great deal.
G.N
MLD can sometimes also be beneficial for:
Amputation, Burns, Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Concussion, ‘Detoxing’, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Keloid Scars, Lipoedema, Mastectomy, Oedema (swelling), Parkinson’s Disease, Phantom Pain, Pregnancy, Relaxation, Reconstructive Surgery, Scars, Scleroderma, Stress, Venous Insufficiency and Whiplash.
It is also a therapy worth considering, when others have failed!
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