Today, Medical Doctors prescribe Lymph Drainage Therapy which is covered by many private insurance plans as well as reimbursed under Medicare. Manual Lymph Drainage involves a very light stroking of the body over the appropriate areas to stimulate lymph flow and then applying a sweeping motion towards the nearest major lymph drainage watersheds.
History
Manual Lymph Drainage is an advanced therapy technique developed in Europe by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder. In 1932 Dr. Vodder and his wife were working as masseurs on the French Riviera. Most of their patients were vacationing English who were there to recover form chronic colds. All had swollen lymph nodes. At that time, the lymphatic system was taboo for masseurs, as well as, for physicians. Dr. Vodder broke the taboo and treated the swollen lymph nodes intuitively and successfully; the result: the colds vanished. He went on to develop MLD.
Manual Lymph Drainage today is an advanced form of massage that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove congestion and stagnation from within the body, and so help it return to a healthy condition. Dr. Emil Vodder was able to show that many chronic conditions could be alleviated with lymphatic drainage and massage techniques.
Indications
Manual Lymph Drainage ( MLD) is recognized as the number one therapy for treating and maintaining primary and secondary lymphoedema. Additionally, it has been used in the treatment of over sixty lesser pathologies.
It is effective in the treatment of acute and chronic edema (i.e., lymphoedema, edemas following strokes and local edemas of traumatic origin such as dislocations, tears and fractures), neuromuscular disorders and facial dysfunction, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, scleroderma, burns, scar therapy, acne, local chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract (including sinusitis and allergies), periodontal disease, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine, circulatory disturbances and digestive tract disorders.
Other Indications
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a potent adjunct in cleansing the body's tissues of metabolic wastes, excess water, bacteria, large protein molecules and toxins; this includes long term use medications, anesthesia in post surgery recovery, and harmful or poisonous substances that have entered the body through exposure or ingestion.
Through the pumping and stretching movement effect on the lymph vessels, this special Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage based on Dr. Vodder method stimulates the contraction of lymph vessels, helping lymph fluid to move. Scientific studies have proven that the immune system is supported and even boosted as a result of receiving regular MLD treatments. A sluggish lymphatic system increases the chance of chronic illness and disease.
MLD is very effective in countering the body's natural inflammatory response following soft tissue trauma. These include sprains, fractures, orthopaedic surgeries and replacements, and orthodontal surgery. As a basic rule, the less swelling that occurs, the less bruising and pain will subsequently follow. If received in a timely manner, MLD can dramatically shorten the route to recovery.
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