By Ashley Easterbrook, RMT

Manual lymphatic drainage massage or MLD

is a specialized massage technique created in the 1932 by Emil and Astrid Vodder, and was originally created to help people who suffered from lymphedema. This technique is non-invasive and is used as a standalone treatment on in conjunction with other therapies.

It is performed without lotion to decrease inflammation or swelling. Using precise, focalized, rhythmic movements an MLD therapist assists the body’s natural lymphatic watershed pathways.

You can read more about the body’s watershed pathways in my next blog.

This technique assists to reduce backed up fluid, to help healing, and also to help the body recycle and drain fluid safely and efficiently.

Gentle, yet powerful and effective, a therapist chooses MLD to help decrease pain, and to help with recovery from a variety of conditions, such as:
  • New Post-surgical recovery / cosmetic procedure recovery
  • Lymphedema
  • Acne
  • Migraines
  • Recovery from fractures / breaks
  • Acute injuries like sprains / strains
  • Keloid burns
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Tinnitus
  • Stroke
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Whiplash
  • Arthritis

We’ve been given permission from a client to share treatment progression medical photography over 3 weeks of MLD treatments to help with post-surgical recovery and discoloration from bruising and swelling reduction.

First week of MLD treatments:

Third week of MLD treatments:

Manual lymphatic drainage can help to reduce symptoms of many various conditions and while gentle can have a powerful impact on facilitation in healing and supporting the body’s lymphatic system in that process.

For more information on how Manual lymphatic drainage check out the Vodder MLD main webpage:
https://www.vodderschool.com/manual_lymph_drainage_overview

Or, ask Ashley at Ashby House, and I’d be happy to assist you on your recovery journey:

https://ottawamassagetherapy.ca/
613.565.0406
info@ashbyhousewellness.com

Follow Ashley Easterbrook, RMT's blog series on Manual Lymph Drainage

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