What is MLD?
It is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body. It is a light touch physical therapy recognized by both the medical and spa wellness communities. Analgesic, and restorative, MLD provides deep relaxation while accelerating cellular repair and regeneration.
How Does MLD work?
It draws its name from its primary objective “drainage”. By accelerating the flow of lymph, MLD accelerates the removal of metabolic wastes and pathogens stored in loose connective tissue, allowing for more effective transportation of nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
Vodder Technique
Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a gentle manual treatment technique based on four basic strokes, which were initially developed in the 1930’s by Dr. Emil Vodder, a PhD from Denmark. These basic strokes known as the “stationary circle”, “pump”, rotary” and “scoop” techniques are designed to manipulate lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels with the goal of increasing their activity and promote the flow of lymph.
The common denominator of all strokes is the resting and working phase. In the working phase of the stroke lymphatic structures located in subcutaneous tissues are stretched, resulting in an increase of their activity (lymphangiomotoricity). In addition to increased lymphatic activity, the light directional pressure in the working phase of the strokes causes lymphatic fluid to move in the desired direction, thus contributing to the reduction of the swelling.
Certain MLD strokes are designed to manipulate lymph vessels located in the subcutaneous tissues of larger body surfaces, such as the trunk, other techniques are better suited to be applied on contoured surfaces, such as the extremities.
It is a vast network of vessels and plays a vital role in maintaining balance of the circulation fluids, it is specifically responsible for carrying excess water, proteins, pathogens and wastes from the connective tissue back to the blood stream. During the transportation process it is cleaned filtered and concentrated with many immune reactions occurring in the lymph nodes.
The common denominator of all strokes is the resting and working phase. In the working phase of the stroke lymphatic structures located in subcutaneous tissues are stretched, resulting in an increase of their activity (lymphangiomotoricity). In addition to increased lymphatic activity, the light directional pressure in the working phase of the strokes causes lymphatic fluid to move in the desired direction, thus contributing to the reduction of the swelling.
Certain MLD strokes are designed to manipulate lymph vessels located in the subcutaneous tissues of larger body surfaces, such as the trunk, other techniques are better suited to be applied on contoured surfaces, such as the extremities.
It is a vast network of vessels and plays a vital role in maintaining balance of the circulation fluids, it is specifically responsible for carrying excess water, proteins, pathogens and wastes from the connective tissue back to the blood stream. During the transportation process it is cleaned filtered and concentrated with many immune reactions occurring in the lymph nodes.
Effects of MLD
- Sympatholytic – The body resets and repairs when the body ‘rests’ or when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. With MLD the PNS is activated in 30 minutes or less
- Analgesic – pain send long slow signals in the body, MLD stimulates mechanoreceptors in the body which fire a much more rapid signal thus overriding/blocking the pain signal.
- Drainage – MLD increases lymphangiomotoricity ( the contraction rate of the lymph vessel) which decreases transit stretch time (the time it takes for nutrients to reach the cell) MLD creates Thixotropy in the loose connective tissue ( ability to go from a gel to a liquid state and back) when the tissue is mor sol (liquid) the nutrient reaches the cell faster, and toxins are released faster thus allowing the body to detox creating less risk of infection after surgery.
Why Choose A Vodder Trained Therapist?
Dr Emil Vodder's work back in 1929 was considered taboo because no one understood the lymph system. With a focus on analysis, therapeutic techniques and integrity of strokes, Dr Vodder’s MLD is universally recognized as the gold standard of Manual Lymphatic Drainage training.
Here is a link to a great article that explains the difference between Vodder MLD and other Lymphatic Massage:
https://astecc.com/dr-vodders-mld-a-commitment-to-excellence/
The following is a link if you would like to read more on the life and work of Dr. Emil Vodder:
https://vodderschool.com/emil_vodder_life_work_article
Here is a link to a great article that explains the difference between Vodder MLD and other Lymphatic Massage:
https://astecc.com/dr-vodders-mld-a-commitment-to-excellence/
The following is a link if you would like to read more on the life and work of Dr. Emil Vodder:
https://vodderschool.com/emil_vodder_life_work_article
MLD Applications
Treatment is performed by certified Manual Lymph Drainage therapists.
- Venous insufficiency
- Non-infected inflammatory conditions (e.g. sprains and strains)
- Ulceration
- Lifestyle Disorders
- Dermatological conditions
- Circulatory disturbances
- Sports injuries
- CRPS (RSD)
- Burns
- Pre- and post- plastic surgery or any surgury
- Fibromyalgia
Lymph Exercises
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