What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a therapy technique used to help stimulate the lymphatic pathways in people who have undergone surgery for cancer and their lymphatic system may have been compromised or damaged. This alteration to the lymphatic system can sometimes result in Lymphoedema, a swelling in the arm or leg or sometimes even the chest.

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MLD is very gentle – the lymphatic system is just under the skin surface so the pressure for lymphatic drainage needs to be light. A qualified lymphoedema therapist will use their knowledge of lymphatic anatomy to help redirect lymph flow to alternate pathways without creating extra burden on the compromised or damaged portion of the lymphatic system and assist with reducing any swelling in the affected area.

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Clients with early stages of lymphoedema will be encouraged to wear compression bandaging and garments and a reliable garment fitter can be suggested.

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What is Lymphatic Massage?

Lymphatic Massage and Lymphatic Drainage are two terms that tend to be used together causing some confusion. Lymphatic massage can be performed the same way as lymphatic drainage but should only be applied to people with an undamaged lymphatic system.

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Lymphatic massage when applied correctly is a type of decongestive therapy that can be used to relieve swelling and pain post joint surgery, effective in relieving headaches and migraines, assist with bowel movement post abdominal surgery as well as to promote good gut health.

 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is very specific in its application using special massage sequences and techniques to assist lymphatic flow. Anyone who has undergone cancer surgery will be advised and encouraged to only seek this form of treatment (MLD) from a qualified lymphoedema therapist by their oncologist or surgeon.

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Post Breast Cancer Surgery Care

Specialising in breast surgery recovery, lymphoedema treatment and management and restoring range of movement, it is our goal to prevent lymphoedema occurring or at least detect it early to avoid long term problems. Prevention and early detection are the keys to success and there are things that can be done to help reduce the risk!

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The risk is highest for people who have most of the lymph nodes removed from the axilla which is known as an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) (up to 20%) and for those who have both ALND and radiotherapy to the lymph nodes in the axilla (up to 30%). 

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A newer surgical technique known as sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has a lower risk of developing lymphoedema (<5%)

The therapist will discuss your symptoms with you and examine and measure your arm and breast/chest to find out how severe your lymphoedema is. A treatment plan can be designed for your individual situation.