MLD NURSE PRACTITIONER

The frequency depends on your individual needs and condition. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others may need only monthly treatments. Your therapist can recommend an appropriate schedule.

Treatment Location and Initial Consultation: I provide treatments in a dedicated room within my home. The first appointment includes an initial consultation and completion of a consent form.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Technique: MLD is a specialized technique that differs significantly from traditional massages like Deep Tissue, Swedish, or relaxation massage – lymphatic drainage should not cause any discomfort. The massage is very gentle and rhythmic. You may feel light pressure and circular movements on your skin. 

Ossilation  therapy is used throughout treatment, which allows the MLD to be lighter in pressure and add benefits the overall treatment.

The process involves:

1. Clearing lymph nodes and lymphatics to prepare them for excess fluid from other areas
2. Employing gentle strokes and softening techniques as needed
3. Guiding you through specialized deep breathing exercises with hands-on assistance

Treatment Process:

• Areas not being treated will remain covered for your comfort
• I will explain each step throughout the session
• A brief relaxation period concludes each session, allowing your blood pressure to normalize

Session Duration: Each treatment lasts 90 minutes.

*Bring compression garments and wraps for post MLD, if applicable

Patient is advised to wear loose underwear for easy massage.

After your session:

• Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Eat light, healthy meals
• Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day

Some people feel immediate relief from symptoms like swelling. However, for chronic conditions, it may take several sessions to see significant improvement.

Overview of Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema often affects people recovering from cancer surgery, or after having liposuction: the area can be quite tender, swollen and uncomfortable.

Lymphoedema refers to the swelling of tissues caused by a build up of fluid that’s usually drained through the body’s lymphatic system. This is a network of glands and channels, which remove excess fluid, and is responsible for fighting infection.

The swelling is a result of the lymphatic system not working as it should: if left untreated this can lead to fibrosis of the tissue affecting movement and increasing the risk of cellulitis 

Causes and Types of Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is classified into two main types:

1. Primary Lymphoedema 
   • Can be present at birth or develop later in life
   • Generally caused by malformation or absence of lymph vessels and/or nodes
   • Research has identified over 29 phenotypes of malformation
   • Often chronic and may worsen if left untreated
2. Secondary Lymphoedema 
   • Caused by disruption to the lymphatic system’s drainage
   • Can result from trauma, cancer treatment, or surgery involving lymph node removal
   • Common in breast, head and neck, and gynaecological cancer-related treatments

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for Lymphoedema 

MLD is a specialized massage technique used to treat:

• Cancer-related lymphoedema
• Post-liposuction swelling, bruising, and discomfort

MLD helps manage excess lymphatic fluids, reducing swelling and promoting faster healing in lymphoedema 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for Post-Surgical Recovery

• For post-liposuction recovery:
• Often recommended by plastic surgeons to accelerate healing
• Includes guidance and teaching to aid recovery
• Typical treatment course: 
• 4-5 appointments on alternate days (may vary)
• Follow-up sessions as needed

MLD helps manage excess lymphatic fluids, reducing swelling and promoting faster healing in Post-Surgical Recovery