Self-Care with Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

Manual Lymph Drainage is a hands-on technique designed to enhance lymphatic flow and can be customized to re-route flow away from or around areas of the body where flow is reduced.

Scar tissue, radiation fibrosis and/or lymph node removal can cause limited drainage in the early and late stages of oncology treatment. To address these issues, MLD is an effective way to reduce symptoms of heaviness, skin tightness and other sensations that cause discomfort.

MLD provided by a practitioner with CLT-LANA credentials ensures specialty training and high-quality care, especially when therapeutic interventions are needed. The experience of MLD can help reduce symptoms you may have post operatively or those that occur if you have lymphedema.

By encouraging the natural drainage of lymph, MLD can help reduce swelling (edema), improve circulation, and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Beyond its therapeutic use, MLD promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being, making it a powerful tool not only for physical recovery but also for emotional and mental balance. MLD helps the nervous system switch into “rest and digest” mode which is important for calming, stress relief and pain reduction.

Beyond just giving a hands-on treatment, A CLT-LANA practitioner can design and teach you a self-MLD program for you to do at home, too. Self-MLD should be personalized to meet your needs and can be performed as part of your daily routine. As an OT, CLT-LANA therapist, I teach the following techniques that can be utilized if you have had one-sided lymph node and/or breast surgery.

Instructions for Self-MLD (single arm with re-routing):

Set yourself up in a relaxing place
Start with deep, diaphragmatic breathing
Use light pressure and slow, rhythmic, repetitive strokes
Each stroke should take about 1.5 seconds
Avoid any areas where pain is present

The pictures that follow demonstrate the steps of self-MLD to promote decongestion of the upper quadrant when lymphatic back up is present. It’s optimal when a CLT-LANA practitioner demonstrates and personalizes a program to meet your needs, but you can try the steps on your own:

Final Instructions

Feeling relaxed now? Great! You are stimulating lymph flow.

Don’t have time for the whole sequence? It’s ok to “spot massage” a stubborn area. This might not be as effective in stimulating whole body lymph flow, but this can help.

Remember, deep breathing stimulates the lymph system. This can be done anytime, anywhere. Use your breath. To read more, see the post titled: The Power of Diaphragmatic Breathing

On another note, exercise is a fantastic way to stimulate the lymph system—any exercise works! To read more, see the post titled: Strength After Breast Cancer (ABCs)

Online Video Demonstrations of Self-MLD

https://klosetraining.com/resources/self-care-videos/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfcTMO8xxpU

Having a symptom flare or want MLD for health and wellness?

If you live near Evanston, IL click the link to be directed to the business website and contact us for an appointment today:

Katherine Jackson Occupational Therapy, PLLC

Flow Better. Feel Better. Live Better With Lymphatic Care.