Treatments
MLD & Primary Lymphoedema
My biggest frustration is that primary lymphoedema is very rarely recognised or diagnosed by a general practitioner. Unfortunately, there is no service provided for primary lymphoedema diagnosis.
Primary lymphoedema may be inherited. Occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg.
The lymphatic system is a network of channels and a lymph-node’s throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid.
Primary lymphoedema begins at the base of the limb, secondary lymphoedema occurs at the source of the operation or infection.
At first, swelling may come and go. It may get worse during the day and go down Overnight. Without treatment, it will usually become more severe and persistent.
Symptoms in the affected body parts can include;
- an aching heavy feeling
- difficulty with movement
- repeated skin infections,
- hard tight skin
folds developing in the skin, - water like growths developing on the skin
- fluid leaking through the skin
Mld is effective in helping to reduce the swelling. MLD treatments will help alleviate some of the symptoms. Usually bandaging is advised to help decongest the limb and then compression garments are prescribed. I like to encourage my client to be as proactive as possible in managing their lymphoedema.
Body brushing, exercise, Epsom salts, essential oils, kinesio tape, nutrition – all these together help in the management of lymphoedema.
MLD & Secondary Lymphoedema
Secondary lymphoedema is usually associated with cancer and having lymph-nodes removed.
Compromises to the lymphatic system can be due to tumours causing blockages in the lymphatic pathways, the removal of lymph-node’s, radiation or chemo therapy.
MLD can help with both lymphoedema prevention and management. Education about what to look for and what to do if you experience any of the signs and symptoms of lymphoedema is vital for all cancer patients.
I am more than happy to teach my clients self lymphatic drainage (SLD ) techniques & exercises to help keep their pathways open.
Statistics about the probability of getting lymphoedema post cancer surgery varies as it is often under-reported or not diagnosed, especially of the lymphoedema presents 5 years or more post surgery.
Mld therapists are trained to re-direct the fluid to another pathway (another part of the body). Repeated Mld encourages the body to form new pathways & encourages fluid in superficial areas to flow in the right direction. This is why it’s vital that you find a therapist who is fully trained & qualified in Mld.
Mld stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This system reduces blood pressure, slows down your heart rate ,relaxes you and reduces inflammation.
Long-term stress has a direct impact on lymphoedema.
MLD & Lipoedema
Lipedema is defined as ‘the abnormal laying down of adipose tissue’. Simply put , the fat is different. It’s not thick & solid, but instead has tiny tunnels where interstitial fluid can escape & hide.
Over time this fluid thickens & goes from a watery consistency to thicken and become gel like. Because of this the affected area will become more swollen and sensitive over time.
Lipodema is hormone driven as well as hereditary. It usually presents itself at puberty during pregnancy, menopause or when there is a surge in hormones, associated with the contraceptive pill.
MLD along with Deep oscillation helps to break down the protein molecules trapped in the fat & encourage lymphatic flow.
Mld is effective in reducing pain, reducing swelling & helping the limbs to feel lighter.
Mld is not a cure all & is needed on a regular basis to help alleviate the symptoms.
Epsom salt baths, essential oils, body brushing, supplements, nutrition, kinesio tape, compression – all these can help towards managing Lipodema
I’m treating more ladies than ever who opt for Liposuction both in the Uk & in Germany. I am happy to discuss this with you if it’s an option you’ve considered.
MLD Post cosmetic surgery
The Majority of surgeons recommend Mld pre & post cosmetic surgery.
It is an important part of recovery. MLD help speed up the recovery process and reduce swelling , scar tissue and seroma . MLD in conjunction with deep oscillation achieves the best possible results And speeds up the healing process.
Preoperative mld helps the patient to relax & encourages lymphatic flow. This then helps prevent excessive post operative swelling & bruising.
How does MLD benefit each particular cosmetic surgery procedure?
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) This area can feel tight & itching can be a problem. Mld is effective in reducing the swelling in this area , once the swelling subsides the tightness will reduce. Mld helps break pain synapses which helps relieve the itching & discomfort.
Reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) and Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) Mld has entire routine dedicated to draining the breast. The routine is gentle & relaxing. The scars endured in this procedure can be extensive. Mld with deep oscillation & low level laser therapy can really benefit recovery from this surgery.
Deep oscillation is effective in breaking down scar tissue. Mld can help get the best possible result from this surgery
Augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) Skin can be really tight & stretched post surgery. As mentioned above, Mld has an entire routine dedicated to treating the breast. Mld will help relieve pain & reduce swelling & bruising.
Liposuction is very popular , thankfully the surgeons are aware of how powerful Mld is post surgery.
Many surgeons send patients for MLD, partly because liposuction is a wet technique, which means that there is more fluid than usual that must be excreted post-surgery. Not everyone uses drains , especially with Vaser surgery. Mld is essential to help get rid of that fluid as well as their own swelling.
The faster the excess fluid is excreted, the quicker the skin can retract, and corrugations and unevenness can be avoided.
All my clients over the past 6 years have commented on how much better they feel after just one treatment. Their pain is reduced, their lymphatics work immediately ( full bladder ) & they feel less stiff. I always use deep oscillation post Liposuction , unless there is a contra indication.
Rhytidectomy/mini-rhytidectomy (face lift) I have treated numerous face lifts over the years. Unfortunately this is a procedure which can take a long time to settle. Mld along with deep oscillation helps encourage lymphatic drainage & significant results are achieved.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) Mld is gentle enough to work over & around the eye area. Swelling , bruising & pain are reduced.
Other Services
As well as manual lymphatic drainage I am fully qualified & insured in other therapies which if appropriate I will combine with Mld or offer as a stand alone treatment
I use this post Mld treatment for clients who have lost their hair during chemotherapy. Usually just 15 minutes is enough to help with relaxation & boosting circulation to promote hair growth. This is offered as an end of Mld treatment.
Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.
I will incorporate this if there is scarring blocking a lymphatic pathway.
My aim is to empower & educate you, help you to understand your condition & encourage you to be as proactive as possible when living with a lymphatic condition
lympdoedema treatment IN CHESHIRE
Discover The Benefits Of MLD
My approach to Mld is professional , holistic & caring. My aim is to give you the best possible service to meet your specific needs. I cover every aspect when treating your condition. I will teach you self lymphatic drainage , how to K-Tape yourself, discuss skin care , exercise & how to be proactive in taking care of yourself.
