Manual Lymphatic
Drainage
About Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
MLD was developed and studied by Dr Emil Vodder in the 1930s. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is defined as a precise, gentle and rhythmic pumping massage technique that enhances lymphatic fluid movement in order to assist in cleansing the body (including skin, muscles, organ tissues and blood) of toxins, metabolic wastes, excess water, bacteria, and inflammatory materials. The Lymphatic System is our body’s main waste management transport system. It silently cleans up the “mess” left behind by nearly all bodily systems. Long-term stress, injury, surgery, prolonged exposure to illness, toxins, pollutants, alcohol, drugs (including prescriptions), sedentary lifestyles, improper diet, and poor health habits in general, can lead to sluggish or stagnant lymph fluid. Once this occurs, the system can no longer work efficiently. Effects of this may include feeling more fatigued/less energy, “foggy” headed, lowered immune response, slower healing/recovery, and increased pain. Lymph fluid can only be moved with exercise, deep breathing and manually moving or “pumping” it.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SESSION:
A typical session lasts between 40-60 minutes, including intake, discussion, and treatment using MLD and FSM/Microcurrent, during which time the whole body is treated. Additional time may be required if bandaging is involved. One can remain clothed or wear undergarments. It is best to NOT use perfumes, fragrant soaps, deodorant, or lotion prior to the session.
It is very important to be well hydrated prior to and after the session. Water is required to move lymph fluid throughout the body and all its systems.
FSM/Microcurrent will be incorporated into each session as needed.
Lymph fluid can continue to move at an accelerated pace for 24 to 48 hours after each session.
For optimal benefits, it is recommended to receive 1-5 sessions in succession. The number of sessions is dependent on the purpose of treatment and the degree of congestion.
Helping Dunedin, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Ozona areas.
SOME REASONS TO RECEIVE MLD:
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Pre & Post surgical procedures
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Edema, swelling, puffiness
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Lymphedema
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Lipedema
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Inflammatory conditions
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Autoimmune diseases
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Arthritis
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Headaches, Migraines
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Allergies, Sinus issues,
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Bronchitis
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Burns, scars, Adhesions
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Injuries, fractures
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Chronic Pain
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Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue
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Detoxification, full body cleanse
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Acne, Eczema, other skin conditions
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Post cancer treatments
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Substance abuse detoxification
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Natural Facelift
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Aids with HCG diet
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Assists in laser assisted weight loss procedures
POST-SURGICAL CLIENTS:
Post-operative/post surgical clients include anyone that has had surgery. MLD or Lymphatic Massage has been very popular in the plastic and reconstructive surgery arena as a way to:
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Reduce swelling and bruising
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Alleviate swelling related pressure
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Reduce pain related to pressure, inflammatory conditions, trauma related swelling
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Reduce recovery time from procedure(s).
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Typical number of post-op sessions is between 6-10, depending on the amount of swelling
Nicole has continued her studies to include some of the South/Central American models of lymphatic drainage therapy. (Note that massage therapists are NOT allowed to handle/empty drains or extract fluid from the body in any way in the State of Florida.)
Overall MLD is a VERY pleasant and relaxing experience.
SIGNS OF LYMPHEDEMA OR CONGESTED LYMPHATIC SYSTEM:
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Swelling of your arm, hand, leg, or neck on or near the site of your surgery
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Puffy, full and/or heavy sensation in your back, neck, arms or legs
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Swollen ankles, legs, arms, or hands, breasts, testicles, face, or other areas of the body
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Swollen or tight feeling skin
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Decreased flexibility, particularly in the joints
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Trouble fitting into clothing in one specific area
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Tight ring, wristwatch, or bracelet
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Possible increased brain fog
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Tenderness or swollen lymph nodes in the underarm, groin, neck or back of the knee
