The benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and why it’s so important

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialist massage technique involving soft pressure and long hand movements on the skin to influence and stimulate the flow of lymph, a clear fluid that circulates through the body’s lymphatic system. By applying a soft and gentle pressure in the form of long strokes, MLD can reduce swelling, remove toxins, and improve your overall health by bringing a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment to customers from all over Dorset and beyond.

How does Manual Lymphatic Drainage relieve symptoms?

MLD treatment supports overall health, including individuals who experience regular aches and pains. It is particularly helpful for those recovering from cosmetic surgery as it aids the process of recovery, following the invasive nature of surgery. Surgical procedures often disrupt normal lymphatic pathways, which can lead to fluid accumulation (also known as edema).

MLD can therefore treat a wide range of health issues and is widely recommended by cosmetic and orthopaedic surgeons as a way of reducing swelling, pain, and bruising. MLD can therefore be an absolute lifesaver for those suffering from post-surgery issues. It is also an effective way to treat people suffering from a variety of other problems, such as Lymphoedema, Lipoedema, and Oedema, and it can bring a wealth of both physical and mental health benefits.

Physical Health Benefits

Manual Lymphatic Drainage boasts several physical benefits, such as:

• Reduced swelling & fluid retention: The essence of MLD treatment helps direct excess lymph fluid away from swollen areas, aiding conditions such as lymphedema and pregnancy swelling.

• Faster healing: MLD treatment can promote quicker healing of injuries such as sprains and fractures. It has significant benefits for those recovering from surgical wounds.
• Decreases the effects of scarring: MLD’s gentle massage pressure helps to soften and mobilise scar tissue and accelerate healing in these areas. This helps to improve its appearance.
• Boosts the immune system: MLD treatment supports the body’s natural defence system and boosts the immune system. It does this by enhancing the lymphatic system’s ability to filter out pathogens and waste, allowing for faster detection and battling against infections and toxins.
• Enhances lymph flow: MLD treatment encourages lymph fluid to move efficiently through the body. Lymph carries cells such as lymphocytes while also collecting waste products, bacteria, and damaged cells. By facilitating its movement, MLD ensures these components reach the lymph nodes, where immune responses are initiated, and waste is filtered.
• Relieves pain and discomfort: MLD treatment relieves pain and inflammation associated with a range of conditions, primarily by reducing swelling and stimulating the nervous system. This relief from physical discomfort has a positive knock-on effect, leading to various positive mental benefits.
• Manages chronic conditions: Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps to manage chronic health conditions as it stimulates the body’s lymphatic system to reduce swelling by rerouting stagnant lymphatic fluid, promotes detoxification, and enhances immune function, all while alleviating pain.
• Promotes physical relaxation: The gentle, rhythmic strokes calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation. Many clients of ours say that this reduces their stress and anxiety levels and transforms their general mood.

Mental Health Benefits

The gentle, rhythmic nature of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) treatment also provides significant benefits to mental health, including:

• Alleviates stress and reduces anxiety: While relaxing to the body, the gentle, repetitive strokes of Manual Lymphatic Drainage activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps to calm the body and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, inducing a state of relaxation and minimal stress.
  
• Mood enhancement: As well as decreasing cortisol, MLD treatment can increase the release of “feel-good” hormones, too. This includes the likes of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which promote feelings of happiness. The release of these particular hormones helps to alleviate symptoms of depression.
• Improved sleep quality: The hormones released by MLD can promote a deep state of relaxation and calm the nervous system. MLD therefore helps individuals fall asleep more easily and experience more restful, restorative sleep, something which is essential to our overall mental well-being.
• Emotional release: Our clients often give us feedback about the emotional release they feel either during or after sessions. These are signs of the nervous system letting go of stored emotional tension and trauma.

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Why is Manual Lymphatic Drainage so important?

Unlike other forms of massage, such as Deep Tissue or Swedish Massage, which we also offer, MLD uses very light, circular motions to gently stretch the skin and stimulate lymphatic vessels without increasing blood flow. This is an important type of treatment because it helps to stimulate the lymphatic system and aid in the disposal of excess fluid and toxins away from tissues.

As mentioned above, the lymphatic system is vital for immunity and reducing swelling. MLD treatment can also promote post-surgery recovery, avoid unnecessary fluid retention, and boost the overall well-being of the body. If you suffer from any of the health issues mentioned earlier in this blog, then we encourage you to try MLD treatment with Back2Wellbeing. We have a specialist Senior Practitioner in-house who has over 5 years of experience as a qualified Manual Lymphatic Drainage practitioner. She would be delighted to help you in this area.

Associated with MLD UK

We are proud to be associated with MLD UK, an association made up of practitioners from different professional backgrounds who aim to raise public awareness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and its therapeutic applications. We are also proud that our MLD practitioners have qualified in Lymphoedema Specialist Skills via the Casley-Smith MLD course, and our medical-grade treatments follow the British Lymphoedema Society guidelines, known as the ‘Four Cornerstones’. These are:

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD / Self Lymphatic Drainage SLD
• Bandaging and Compression Garment Fitting
• Skincare and Hygiene guidance
• Health Lifestyle, Movement and Exercise Advice

Book Manual Lymphatic Drainage Today!

Book a massage today by calling Back2WellBeing at 01202 805334 or by requesting an appointment here. At Back2WellBeing, we’re proud to offer affordable, scientifically-based massage and pain therapy for all your aches and pains in Bournemouth and nearby locations.