MLD is a light skin technique developed by Dr Emil Vodder a physiotherapist in the 1930’s in Europe to assist drainage of extra fluid in the body. It is a highly specialised technique using slow and rhythmical movements to help move fluid in the direction where it can be processed.
MLD can be used in many circumstances on a healthy individual it can be used to improve immunity, relieve the pain and swelling of an injury, reduce stress by calming the nervous system. In patients who have a compromised lymphatic system and suffer with lymphoedema following trauma to the lymph nodes it can significantly reduce the swelling with combined decongestive therapy (or bandaging).
