How does Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) help with lymphedema?
Lymphedema has been called a hidden epidemic in the United States. An estimated 2.5 million Americans may be at risk from secondary lymphedema and 2 million from primary lymphedema. Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) is the noninvasive treatment of choice for lymphedema patients in the USA. CDP is one of the most common and successful treatments applied for lymphedema. It is recognized and reimbursed by a growing number of national insurance companies. The emphasis of the manual component of CDP is to create alternative pathways for lymph and interstitial fluid. Manual techniques to accomplish this are used daily in lymphedema clinics. Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) is a safe and noninvasive manual technique that may more accurately help identify alternate pathways in lymphedema patients. This can help reduce treatment time and invasiveness of lymphedema treatment. About 1,000 therapists have been trained in MLM in the USA. Many experienced therapists treating lymphedema with CDP
