Your lymphatic system consists of organs, vessels and nodes that work to transport lymph into your bloodstream and release its water-like fluid as lymph. If something interferes with this process, fluid accumulates in your arms or legs resulting in swelling.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, more commonly referred to as Lymph Drainage Massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is an effective way to alleviate fluid build-up in the lymph nodes. MLD involves performing light skin-stretching massage in unaffected areas to create space for lymph to drain through.

Benefits

Studies demonstrate that lymph drainage massage, or MLD, can reduce swelling associated with certain health conditions like cancer, lymphedema and fibromyalgia. Furthermore, it could prevent fluid from collecting in your arms and legs that results when your lymphatic system doesn’t operate optimally.

Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that transport water-like lymph fluid (lymph) away from tissues into your bloodstream. If anything disrupts this process, lymph can collect in arms, ankles and legs, leading to swelling.

MLD uses gentle movements to help your lymph fluid move more freely through its system of vessels and nodes, helping clear away infections or speed recovery after surgery or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Studies also indicate that early physiotherapy including MLD can lower risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema; your therapist can teach simple hand movements you or family members can perform at home to support lymphatic drainage.

Techniques

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle form of massage used to alleviate swelling caused by fluid build-up. Lymphedema may result from certain medical treatments for cancer patients as a side effect or from chronic venous insufficiency, rheumatoid arthritis or lipedema (where abnormal fat accumulates beneath the skin). MLD provides effective relief.

Lymphatic drainage involves using light movements to gently stretch and move your lymphatic system. There are various lymphatic drainage approaches, including Vodder, Foldi, Casley-Smith and Leduc techniques; each involves specific sequences of massage movements but they all operate similarly.

Your lymphoedema specialist will determine whether MLD is suitable for you. They’ll also explain how to perform lymphatic drainage massage at home. Always follow their instructions; in certain circumstances it might not be suitable, such as when having heart or kidney conditions.

Preparation

Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes and organs that is critical in helping your body fight infections. It transports lymph fluid filled with infection-fighting white blood cells throughout your body and drains any extra lymph fluid that leaks into tissues from small blood vessels; when its proper function is compromised it may result in swelling (lymphedema).

Lymphatic drainage massage entails gentle skin-stretching movements performed without lotions or oils, and more effective when fully hydrated prior to your appointment by drinking multiple glasses of water throughout the hours leading up to it.

Your first lymphatic drainage massage session may leave you feeling more relaxed and lighter, along with increased urination to release toxins from your body. These responses should subsided within several hours; otherwise, contact your therapist who may recommend longer or shorter sessions for maximum effect.

Results

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), also known as decongestive therapy or Complex/Complete decongestive physiotherapy, has long been considered an effective therapy to manage lymphedema. MLD involves massaging non-swollen areas of the body to open well-functioning lymph collectors faster and create suction effects by massaging these areas to open well-working lymph collectors that could then flow more freely resulting in faster lymph flow rates and a suction effect.

Your lymphatic system collects and returns fluid back to the heart through a network of lymph nodes known as lymphatic vessels, collecting and returning it back through them to be returned into circulation through your circulatory system. If this process becomes disrupted, edema (swelling) could occur, leading to serious health consequences.

AWS, or Axillary Web Syndrome, is a condition commonly encountered during diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer patients that results in tightening and cordlike structures forming on either arm under the breast or even down to the wrist.

Researchers discovered that early intervention with MLD and rehabilitation exercises helped alleviate AWS symptoms. Additional benefits included improving venous flow, decreasing fatigue levels and raising patients’ pain threshold.7,8