FAQs

what is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is considered to be the ‘second’ circulatory system of the body, in addition to the cardiovascular system which consists of your heart & blood vessels. Instead of pumping blood, it circulates lymphatic fluid, otherwise known as lymph, which travels along a carefully mapped system. It has a number of roles including:

• Being an essential part of the immune system by producing white blood cells, which have the power to destroy harmful pathogens

• Acts as a garbage collector by filtering out bacteria & toxins that can cause disease

• Aids in the digestive system by absorbing fat & fatty acids from the gut and transporting them back to the bloodstream, making them available as fuel to your cells

• Maintains fluid balance in the body by collecting, purifying, and draining excess fluids so your tissues don’t swell.

• Regulates the inflammatory response by influencing drainage of extravasated fluid, inflammatory mediators & leukocytes.

By improving lymphatic health, other systems of the body such as the digestive (your gut & digestive organs), nervous (cognitive/neurological & emotional aspects of your brain) and respiratory systems (the way you breathe) can also benefit due to the interconnectedness of the bodily systems.

what can lymphatic drainage help with?

Because the lymphatic system connects with every other bodily system and covers almost every region of the body, MLD can benefit a wide range of presentations:

Specific issues include:

• Pre- & Post operative recovery (cosmetic, orthopaedic surgery)

• Sinus Congestion & Allergies

• Headache

• Earache, tinnitus, Meniere’s Disease

• Anxiety

• Puffy eyes

• Energy & Mental Clarity (more about the glympatic system soon!)

• PMS (incl. swollen breasts before periods)

• Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Chronic pain, CRPS, fibromyalgia

• Recovery from athletic injuries involving swelling, especially ankle sprains & knee effusions (commonly after an ACL/meniscus rupture)

General benefits include:

• Decongestive - reduction of oedema (swelling)

• Improved digestion (incl. bloating & constipation)

• Reduced inflammation (Schwager & Detmar, 2019)

• Improved immunity (Hodge et al., 2007)

• Improved pain tolerance (Keser & Esmer, 2019)

• Aesthetics - can give slimming effect as fluid balance in the interstitial tissue is improved

• Glowing skin

• Relaxes the nervous system(Schingale & Esmer, 2021)

is there anyone who shouldn’t receive mld?

Contra-indications are conditions or factors that serve as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment. Due to the effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in accelerating lymph flow, there are a number of health concerns that do not allow individuals to receive MLD.   If you are experiencing any of the following situations please discuss these with a therapist prior to receiving any treatment:

• Untreated Malignant Diseases

• Acute Inflammations

• Recent Thrombosis

• Cardiac Insufficiency

• Renal Failure

There are also certain conditions that may require an initial shorter treatment time in order to build tolerance to receiving the benefits of MLD. These include hjyper/hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue and diabetes. If you have any of these conditions, please let me know prior to commencing treatment.

If you have also been down with a cold, please ensure you have fully recovered before receiving MLD.

Post-cosmetic surgery MLD may also commence immediately after you have consulted your cosmetic surgeon after surgery.

rATES

Initial session (45-60mins): $120

Follow-up session (approx. 45 mins): $110

What is manual lymphatic drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment technique that assists in lymph flow and drainage of tissues. It was developed in 1932 by Emil and Estrid Vodder who were working as physiotherapists in France. Many of their patients came to them for help with swollen lymph nodes and sinus problems due to frequent colds and flu. They developed systematic techniques to facilitate draining lymph pathways, and discovered that their method consistently cleared tissue stagnation and aided immunity.

How does lymphatic drainage work?

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a primary pump like the heart to move the lymph around the body. It relies on the pulsing of nearby arteries, muscle contractions and breathing instead to move the lymph along. However, due to factors such as stress, an unhealthy diet, exposure to toxins, sedentary lifestyle, surgery of any kind and genetic factors can cause the lymph to become congested. MLD aims to assist these areas of poor lymph flow with light movements performed at a certain, pressure and speed. This treatment technique moves the lymph towards the lymph nodes, where harmful bacteria and toxins are filtered before it returns to the bloodstream and is eliminated through urinary or bowel movements.

Julie is qualified as an Applied MLD therapist, which uses lymphatic techniques to address a wide range of pathologies. However this does not yet include conditions with lymphedema. Individuals with lymphedema should seek a qualified Complete Decongestive Therapist (CDT) on the ALA or Vodder website. Please do not hesitate to contact her should you have any questions.

What can I expect during a Lymphatic drainage session?

Having an MLD treatment is similar to receiving a massage, however the pressure is light as we are affecting the lymph structures just under the skin. Depending on what you are receiving the treatment for determines what clothes need to be removed during the session. The first two treatments clear waste products from your body, and the third treatment starts activating your lymphatic system.

How many sessions will i need?

Because each individual’s lymphatic systems vary with the number of lymph nodes and vessels. the number of sessions you will need will depend on how effectively your lymphatic system was functioning prior to treatment. This takes into account your health history - surgeries, medical procedures, medications, age, food additive consumption, injuries, stress and if have a sedentary lifestyle

MLD is a ‘series of treatments’ and best results are achieved with an initial treatment plan - then further weekly/monthly treatments may be recommended if a management treating plan is required.