Patricia Sutton specifically offers Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) to treat both primary and secondary lymphoedema and lymph related disorders.

MLD consists of very light, rhythmic and calming hand movements to stretch the skin and stimulate the lymphatic system.  The aim of MLD is to redirect fluid away from swollen areas towards the healthy lymphatic’s where it can be drained by normal routes back into circulation.

 
 Management of Lymphoedema has a Holistic Approach:

The International Society of Lymphology recognises Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as the treatment of Lymphoedema.  CDT is divided into a Decongestive Phase (Phase 1) and Maintenance Phase (Phase 2).

 

Decongestive Phase 

Manual Lymph Drainage - to stimulate the lymphatic system by moving fluid away from the swollen areas of the body towards the healthy regions.

 

Bandages

Manual Lymph Drainage is followed by compression therapy with bandages, which are applied to the limb after the MLD is completed and the system as been stimulated to move fluid.  The bandages are applied to create a gradient of pressure so there is more pressure at the far end of the limb and gradually lessening pressure at the upper end of the limb.  This gradient encourages fluid to move in the correct direction out of the congested region and into the central regions of the body which have been prepared by MLD to receive the fluid.

 

Skin Care

As Lymphoedema stretches the skin and other factors cause stress on the skin it is really important to maintain the integrity of the skin by regular use of a pH-neutral cream that does not contain alcohol or perfume.

Exercise

Exercises are given as part of the CDT program to promote active motion of the body regions affected by swelling.  The movement of the limb while bandaged increases the uptake and removal of fluid from the swollen area.

Maintenance Phase

 Varies slightly from the decongestion phase but order of importance is different

 

 -   Skin Care

-   Compression Stockings

-   Exercise

-   Manual Lymph Drainage

 

Manual Lymph Drainage is used to treat:

• Primary & Secondary Lymphoedema (stages, I, II, III)
• Post Cancer Treatment (Lymphoedema)
• LLipoedema Treatment
• It assists in conditions arising from venous insufficiency
• Pregnancy related swelling respond well to MLD
• Chronic inflammatory conditions such as sinusitis, Acne and acne rosacea can be improved with the application of MLD
• Pre & Post Surgery - Stimulation of the lymphatic system increases the rate at which the body removes waste, dead cell particles, and inflammatory agents from our tissue.

 

                                                                            

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                 ....... and breathe