MLD is a light, skin-stretching massage technique that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. It should not be confused with a traditional massage. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or “decongest” the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics.

MLD:

• is intended to stimulate lymph nodes and increase rhythmic contractions of the lymphatics to enhance their activity so that stagnant lymphatic fluid can be rerouted.

• Is effective both as a preventative treatment and as a postoperative rehabilitation treatment, and has optimal results when it is combined with the other massage techniques

• MLD also increases blood flow in deep and superficial veins.

• Other than lymphedema, MLD may be useful in conditions such as post-traumatic and post-surgical edema, and palliative care.