Lymphoedema is a term used to describe swelling that can occur anywhere in the body.
It is often an outcome of the treatment for cancer such as surgery and/or radiotherapy
but may also be caused by accident or trauma, venous problems, recurrent infections,
reduced mobility or by cancer itself. This is known as secondary lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema can also be present at birth or may develop later in life, during puberty or mid-life and is due to abnormal functioning or underdevelopment of the lymphatics and is known as primary lymphoedema.
Although there is no cure for lymphoedema, MLD can be used successfully to relieve and manage symptoms. The rhythmic, pumping movements gently stretch the skin over the tissues below to activate the lymphatic system.
Techniques specifically used for lymphoedema encourage the movement of fluid away from the swollen area toward other areas where there are healthy lymphatics. Over time and with patience the body can be re-educated to take the fluid through different lymphatic pathways.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is effective in:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is indicated:
If you are still having any treatment in a hospital, firstly approach your doctor, consultant or breast care nurse and ask if MLD will be appropriate or compatible.
MLD may not be appropriate for you if you have any other health difficulties such as heart, circulatory or kidney problems. The therapist will always work with the medical team supervising your treatment. A medical history will be taken at your first appointment.
It may take time to re-educate your lymphatic system and a number of treatments will be required. A course of daily sessions is often suggested for limb reduction although less frequent treatments are more appropriate for other cases. The therapist will discuss your individual needs and what it is you would like to achieve from the treatment at the initial session.
You may need to commit yourself to intensive work over 3 or 4 weeks but it is worth the effort! Occasional repeat sessions are often beneficial after that. You can also learn simple self massage techniques based on MLD to use at home.
In hospitals MLD is seen as an important element in the treatment of lymphoedema. Other components used in the treatment are skincare, exercise, compression hosiery and multi-layer bandaging (collectively know as Combined Decongestive Therapy or CDT). Any or all of these may be suggested as part of your treatment alongside the MLD and in combination can reduce swelling significantly.
For further information about lymphoedema contact:
The Lymphoedema Support Network
The British Lymphology Society