Lymph Drainage Massage - Mitchell Physiotherapy

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a major body system and the front line in our defence in fighting bodily infections, detoxifying the body and transporting metabolic waste, excess fluid, toxins and bacteria out of the body.

The role of lymphatics include:

Being the bodies waste disposal unit to detox and clear daily toxins.
Assists in maintaining homeostatic fluid volume.
Prevents toxic shock.
Transports immune competent cells to localise infection.
Carries food absorbed from the small intestines to the blood circulation.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

MLD is a very specific massage technique (timing, pressure and direction) which helps to ensure our bodies ability to rejuvenate and establish resistance to all types of stress, it encourages the natural circulation of lymph through the body.

It is not a muscular massage but a harmonious manual treatment using mild mechanical stretching of the connective tissue to facilitate decongestion of the lymph ducts.

The manual manoeuvres are very subtle. Work is generally performed with the flat of the hand using all the fingers to stimulate aquatic, wave like movements.

MLD also allows regenerative fluid to flow and improves circulation and toxin removal as well as carrying vital substances to area where it is needed, this increasing healing times.

MLD Can be used to treat: