Manual lymphatic drainage
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Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of manual manipulation of the skin, not to be confused with
Medical use
Studies show mixed results regarding the efficacy of the method in treating lymphedema, and further studies are needed.[3] A 2013 systematic review of manual lymphatic drainage with regard to breast cancer–related lymphedema found no clear support for the effectiveness of the intervention in either preventing limb edema in at-risk women or treating women for the condition.[4]
History
Manual lymphatic drainage was pioneered by the Danish doctors Emil Vodder and Estrid Vodder in the 1930s[2] for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and other immune disorders. While working on the French Riviera treating patients with chronic colds, the Vodders noticed these patients had swollen lymph nodes. In 1932, at a time when the lymphatic system was poorly understood, they began to develop light rhythmic hand movements hoping to promote lymph movement. In 1936, they introduced this technique in Paris; following World War II, they returned to Copenhagen to teach other practitioners to use this therapy.[5]
References
- ^ Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage; Ramona Moody French; Delmar/Cengage; 2004
- ^ ISBN 978-0323052559.
- ^ "Manual Lymph Drainage Combined With Compression Therapy for Arm Lymph- edema Following Breast Cancer Treatment" (PDF). Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2013. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
- PMID 23347817.
- ISBN 9780737300987.
