At Kamloops Massage Matters, we have a preferred area of practice in treating Lymphedema according to the internationally recognized “Best Practices“.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) was developed by Vodder and expanded on by Asdonk, “Manual Lymph Drainage is a light, circular surface manual therapy (superficial tissue stretching), which is perfomed with varying degrees of pressure. This results in an increase of the transported volume by the lymph collectors. Circular, pumping and scooping movements aim at shifting edematous fluid in a central direction.”
“Very light in nature this technique applies a specific force on the lymphatic tissues which is stimulating to the lymphatics and relaxing to the nervous system. This technique does not increase filtration into the tissues like massage therapy can and therefore does not promote more fluid rushing into the already congested area.”
Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the combined efforts of EDUCATION, SKIN CARE, REMEDIAL EXERCISES, MLD and COMPRESSION – either through bandaging or garments depending on the progression of your Lymphedema. CDT is the internationally recognized gold standard method in reducing/treating and maintaining Lymphedema.
Lymphedema is defined as a chronic edema (3 months or longer) that is protein rich with low grade inflammation that is resultant from a damaged, deficient or blocked lymphatic system.
Best Practices, resources, and research can be found through the International Lymphoedema Framework
