What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

 Lymphatic fluid is made up of water, protein and cellular debris—viruses, bacteria and other pollutants that are expelled by the tissues of the body. 

  Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light, skin-stretching technique that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of swollen limbs.  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 “decongest” the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is intended to stimulate lymph nodes and increase rhythmic contractions of the lymphatic system to enhance their activity so that stagnant lymphatic fluid can be drained or rerouted.

MLD also:

Increases blood flow in deep and superficial veins

Is effective as a preventative treatment

Is effective as a postoperative rehabilitation treatment

May be useful in conditions such as post-traumatic and post-surgical edema, and palliative care

 Manual Lymph Drainage IS NOT a traditional massage

While there are various types of MLD that are effective, we are certified and trained to use the Vodder Technique.

The Vodder technique is composed of four main strokes: stationary circles, scoop, pump, and rotary strokes. When used in combination with each other, and in a specific pattern, these strokes have been proven effective in stimulating the flow of lymphatic fluid.

Lymphatic Drainage can benefit those who are experiencing the following:

• Lymphedema
• Swelling or edema
• Postoperative edema
• Posttraumatic edema
• Cancer Palliative Care - Must be prescribed by, and under the care of, a Doctor.
• Fibromyalgia
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Stress
• Digestive problems
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Bruising reduction. 
• Edema reduction.
• Pain management.
• Scar-tissue prevention and fibrosis reduction.
• Infection prevention.

Manual Lymph Drainage cannot be provided to clients with:

• Decompensated cardiac insufficiency
• Untreated Congestive Heart Failure (CHF - cardiac edema)
• Untreated Cancer
• Acute inflammation caused by pathogenic germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses). The germs could be spread by the manual lymph drainage, with resulting blood poisoning (sepsis). 
• Acute renal failure
• Acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT)/blot clots

 We DO accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards. A prescription is recommended for your records.

We DO NOT currently bill health insurance providers directly.

We DO assist in requesting health insurance reimbursement.

If you would like to be reimbursed by your health insurance provider for medical massage treatment, please contact your provider to verify coverage prior to scheduling your first appointment. Once coverage is confirmed, you will need a prescription from your doctor, including a diagnosis code and treatment plan. We will provide you with a medical super bill that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

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