What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment?
Manual Lymph Drainage is a highly specialized massage technique performed by physical therapists certified in lymphedema treatment. Although an excellent form of treatment, many patients find the continuous bandaging very difficult. Often the bandaging must be done every day for life once a patient finishes therapy. The treatment has limited coverage from Medicare and Insurance companies. Manual Lymph Drainage uses a specific light-pressure stroking action to stimulate the lymph vessels just below the surface of the skin. Manual Lymph Drainage then works to stimulate the lymph vessels on the “good unaffected side” of the body (trunk region) which then helps suction lymph fluid from the “bad affected side” of the body. The therapist guides the fluid from sluggish lymph areas to various healthy lymph regions that are effective in draining excessive fluid. After the trunk or abdomen is decongested/drained, the upper part of the arm or leg is treated and then is followed the distal part an
