Services - Manual Lymphatic Drainage
The lymph system is one of the body’s waste clearing systems. It acts as one of the body’s defence systems in clearing away toxins, bacteria, cell debris, excess water and proteins. This supports the body in defending itself against disease and illness. If this vital system becomes impaired or blocked the lymph vessels are unable to clear away the excess fluid. This results in varying degrees of swollen tissue.
Manual lymphatic drainage is a form of very gentle massage therapy in which the physiotherapist stimulates the lymph to make it flow faster and more efficiently. This rhythmical and precise massage technique directs the lymphatic fluid towards the lymph nodes so that the body can dispose of the waste more easily.
Manual lymphatic drainage is therapeutically effective for many different medical conditions including secondary lymphoedema (excessive swelling) of the arm as a result of removing some of the lymph nodes during breast surgery (e.g. mastectomy or lumpectomy) or other trauma such as radiation to the lymph nodes.
Manual lymphatic drainage also promotes improvement in other conditions including:
-
Surgical:
post mastectomy/lumpectomy oedema, post hysterectomy oedema, post prostatectomy
oedema, post general surgical swelling and recovery,
post varicose vein stripping, post cosmetic surgery
- Musculoskeletal:
sprains/strains, muscle/ligament tears, tendonitis, neck pain, fractures/dislocations,
rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, fluid congestion e.g. swollen
ankles, tired puffy eyes and swollen legs
- Ear,
Nose and Throat : allergies, sinusitis, tinnitus, Meniere’s
disease
- Dermatological
: acne, eczema, leg ulcers, burns/scars
- Neurological
: tension headaches, migraines, stress reduction
It is important to note that manual lymphatic drainage is a deeply relaxing form of massage therapy in spite of its mechanical sounding name. It not only assists with treating and healing pre-existing conditions and injuries but it is also beneficial and deeply relaxing for those seeking an increased sense of well being, stress relief and detoxification of the tissues.
