Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique that stimulates the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. Our approach is to MLD ideal for relaxation, general wellness, and improving immune function.
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle yet powerful therapy that treats the nervous system, immune system, circulatory system, and detoxification systems of the body.
Manual lymphatic drainage uses a gentle, repetitive technique to stretches the lymphatic vessels, which creates a pumping motion for the fluid in-between your cells. It is a technique that can be used on most healthy individuals.
This technique can treat various conditions, such as acne, c-section, breast augmentation, bruises, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, fibrotic breast, headaches and migraines, insomnia, muscle soreness, slow digestion, puffy tired eyes, restless legs, scars, TMJD, whiplash, and more.
Studies show that MLD can provide the same pain-relief as a regular massage. It is also a great way to support the body on a cellular level, as the treatment helps move stagnant waste and brings fresh nutrition and hormones to your cells.
Many clients leave treatments feeling lighter, extremely relaxed, and well-supported, with fresh, glowing skin for days.
Enjoy this treatment that is growing widely in popularity for its holistic benefits. Treatments are covered by most health insurance plans.
What to Know About MLD
It’s Part of The Circulatory System
When people think of the circulatory system, they usually picture the cardiovascular system. But there’s another essential partner: the lymphatic system, which is the “yin” to the cardiovascular system’s “yang.”
Blood plasma naturally filters out of the capillaries into the spaces between your cells, know as the interstitial space. This fluid carries vital substances like proteins, hormones, nutrients, and sugars that your cells need to survive.
As your cells use these nutrients, they also produce waste and release pathogens into the same space. That’s where the lymphatic system comes in. Tiny lymphatic vessels begin in the deepest layers of your skin, collecting this cellular waste and transporting it back toward the heart.
Once returned to the bloodstream, your liver and kidneys filter out the waste, keeping your body protected and in balance.
It’s Gentle and Repetitive
During manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), your therapist will gently move the lymphatic fluid by lightly stretching the skin. This stretching motion causes the lymph vessels anchored in the skin to lengthen and contract. Since the vessels have one-way valves, when the vessels contract, the fluid is pushed toward the heart.
Too much pressure can collapse these delicate vessels. Once they are closed, they stay that way for about 90 seconds. That’s why MLD usually uses light pressure, about the weight of a nickel.
The technique is slow, rhythmic, and repetitive, creating a soothing, pump-like motion that improves the body’s natural circulation.
Your therapist always begin at the neck, closest to the chest. Just like you’d clear a blockage at the end of a hose before pushing water through the beginning, we first open pathways near the heart to make sure lymph fluid can flow freely from areas farther away.
It Effectively Moves Lymph Fluid
Under normal circumstances, lymph fluid moves through the body thanks to muscle contractions, deep breathing, and your heartbeat.
Sometimes, though, this flow becomes sluggish or congested. That’s where manual lymphatic drainage can help by stimulating the system to get things moving again.
If you have unexplained swelling or have had lymph nodes removed, you should see a certified lymphedema therapist for treatment.
If you’re otherwise healthy and simply looking to support your immune system, circulation, and overall cellular health, a general MLD treatment can be an excellent option.
Since it improves circulation, MLD is also beneficial before or after cosmetic surgery and can support recovery from a number of conditions.
Conditions MLD Can Treat
Acne
Ankle Sprain
Arthritis
Baker’s Cyst
Bell’s Palsy
Breastfeeding
Bruises/Contusions
Burns
Bursitis
Cast Removal
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Constipation
Colitis / IBS
Diabetic Legs
DOMS
Down Syndrome
Epicondylitis
Eye Injuries
Fibromyalgia
Fibrotic Breast
Frozen Shoulder
Golfers Elbow
Headaches
Hip Replacement
Insomnia
Joint Replacement
Ligament Repair
Lyme Disease
Menieres Syndrome
Migraines
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle Sprain
Pre & Post Cosmetic Surgery
Puffy & Tired Eyes
Shin Splints
Sinusitis
Stroke
Surgical Scars
Tennis Elbow
Tinnitus
Tired or Restless Legs
TMJD
Torticollis
Whiplash
Benefits
-
Pain Relief
MLD can be helpful for alleviating pain. Studies show that pain reduction can be equal to that of a traditional massage.
-
Relaxation
MLD is deeply calming, engages the ‘rest-and-digest’ nervous system, and can help reduce stress and tension in the body.
-
Anti-Inflammatory
MLD can help clear inflammation, especially in areas with injury or chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
-
Immunity
By supporting the movement of lymph, MLD can enhance the body’s ability to detoxify and fight infection.
-
Circulation
The manual movement of lymphatic fluid increases circulation, bringing fresh nutrition to cells to promote wellness and vitality.
FAQs
-
Yes, when performed by a Vodder-trained professional, manual lymphatic drainage can improve post-surgical recovery and results. Please consult your surgeon prior to MLD treatment.
-
For general maintenance and good health, we recommend monthly treatments for ongoing care. For acute conditions, more frequent therapy is needed. Your therapist will discuss this with you at your initial session.
-
People with active cancer that have not been treated surgically or with radiation or chemotherapy, local or systemic infection, heart failure or cardiac insufficiency, acute allergic reactions, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and liver or kidney failure. We at this clinic also cannot use MLD to treat lymphedema.
-
MLD uses light, rhythmic strokes with no oils or lotion. It’s deeply relaxing and often includes treatment to the neck, abdomen, and limbs.
-
The Vodder method is highly esteemed and has roots in France and Austria dating back to the 1930s. Many physiotherapists in Europe are trained in Vodder MLD for its evidence-based methods and effectiveness.
Book A Session
Elevate Your Wellness Journey in Edmonton, Alberta
Learn More about MLD
