Manual Lymphatic Drainage For the Treatment of Lymphedema

What is MLD?

MLD is a light, skin-stretching manual therapy technique that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. 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 as we say, “decongest.” 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.

Prairie Rehabilitation has physical therapists and occupational therapists with specialty training in the treatment of lymphedema that is available at multiple outpatient locations. Therapy for lymphedema is a painless, non-invasive therapy that includes 4 basic steps:  Manual lymph drainage, compression therapy, gentle exercise, and skin care.

Your therapist will conduct a thorough examination that will include a review of your health history.  This may include a questionnaire asking you to recall any past injuries, surgeries, nature, and behavior of your current symptoms and medical diagnoses that may impact your therapy program.  You can expect a physical examination that includes an evaluation of your amount of swelling, strength, flexibility, and posture. Your physical or occupational therapist, with your input, will design an individualized plan of care that meets your needs.

A typical therapy plan focuses on education on the processes to be followed during therapy. Treatment may include manual lymphatic drainage, compression, decongestive exercises, and meticulous skin care.  You will be educated on self-treatment for manual lymphatic drainage and compression as well as how to manage your symptoms. Recommendations for compression options will be made following the decongestion of lymphedema. Manual lymph drainage is a gentle technique that stimulates the lymph system. Compression increases tissue pressure to prevent re-accumulation of the fluid. Decongestive exercises are performed to increase the effects of the muscles to move the lymph.