Medical Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specific type of skin stretching/massage technique that is used to redirect lymphatic flow towards functioning lymphatics, encouraging fluid to drain efficiently.
MLD was first used in the 1930s and there are a number of recognised schools of lymphatic drainage such as Vodder, Foldi, Casley Smith and Leduc. All nurses at LymphCare UK are trained in MLD techniques, including the new innovative Fluoroscopy Guided MLD.
This technique builds on existing knowledge using the most recent findings of anatomy, pathology and physiology in lymphoedema. We may carry out MLD for you as part of an intensive package, or as a standalone course of treatment.
The most common reason for using MLD is to treat areas that are hard to manage with other treatments, for example, the chest/breast/back/genital area (truncal oedema).It is also very effective in improving and maintaining head and neck lymphoedema.
Before commencing any MLD we may need to write (with your permission) to your GP and/or your hospital consultant. This is to ensure there are no contraindications to treatment related to your medical history, especially if you are undergoing any chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Courses of MLD treatment vary between 2 and 4 weeks depending on the area and severity of the swelling. Following this you may then require some maintenance sessions, this will be assessed towards the end of your course of treatment.
Individual MLD sessions take between 30 to 60 minutes. You may be asked to remove some clothing so your therapist can treat your affected areas correctly. In some circumstances, you may not require MLD in clinic and your Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist will teach you how to undertake Self Lymphatic Drainage (SLD) at home. This can also be used to maintain the improvement after MLD.
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Kinesio tape is an elastic adhesive tape that was originally developed in Japan to help treat muscle and joint problems.
It is also now used in the treatment of lymphoedema, lipoedema and chronic oedema.
When applied to the skin in a specific way it encourages lymphatic fluid to travel from a congested swollen area to an uncongested area, where it can drain naturally back into the circulation
Laser is a relatively new and innovative treatment for lymphoedema in the UK, however, it is well established in other countries.
Recent studies in the UK have found that patients with lymphoedema have reported increased softening and reduced tightness in tissues and improved range of movement.
When delivered as an additional therapy, it has been found to enhance the effect of manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy.
The Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist holds the handheld laser to the affected area during treatment.
It is not painful and treatment sessions will take 20 to 30 minutes and are scheduled over a number of weeks according to your needs.
Tumescent liposuction is a surgical technique in which fluid is infused into the tissues and a vibrating microcannula is inserted through small incisions to remove fat.
It can be used to remove excess fat from an affected limb to help reduce its size. It is important to be aware liposuction does not correct poorly functioning drainage systems. It should only be undertaken by an expert surgeon with knowledge of lymphoedema, lipoedema and the lymphatic system.
Access to liposuction for lymphoedema and lipoedema is not generally available in the NHS, although individual funding requests can be made for NHS treatment.
Patients who may be considering private treatment should discuss this with their Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist.
There are other relatively pioneering microsurgical treatments such as Lympho-venous anastomosis. This is where a lymphatic vessel is joined to a venule (small vein) in order to improve drainage.
Another surgical procedure is lymph node transplantation this is where healthy lymph nodes are harvested along with tissue and transplanted into the non-functioning area.
In some cases, these procedures are used in conjunction with each other.
Access to micro-surgical procedures for lymphoedema and lipoedema are not generally available in the NHS, although individual funding requests can be made for NHS treatment.
Please talk to your Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist for further information on any of these surgical procedures.
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