MLD for Lymphodoema and Decongestive Lymph Therapy
Lymphodoema is a form of swelling occurring commonly in the arms or legs, though it can be found anywhere in the body. It refers specifically to a build-up of fluid, proteins and toxins in an area surrounding a part of the lymphatic system that isn’t functioning, either because it is under-developed or because of damage or blockage. Lymphoedema is characterised by a dryness and discolouration of the skin, and the swollen limb will feel heavy and will be likely to ache. There is a distinction between its two classifications, as either primary or secondary:
Primary lymphoedema
Congenital, resulting from an inherited genetic abnormality in the functioning of the lymphatic or venous systems. It may also occur spontaneously, developing typically in young adulthood, with no discernible trauma to the body as its cause.
Secondary lymphoedema
Occurs commonly after damage to, or removal of, lymph nodes and lymph vessels, for example in radiation therapy, surgery, treatment for cancer, trauma, burns or recurrent infections.
When lymphatic functioning is compromised in this way, fluid in the body stagnates, and this build-up can worsen if left untreated, leading to related complications such as cellulitis (an infection of the deeper layers of the skin) alongside changes in the skin surface.
MLD will encourage the redirection of fluid from the swollen area into an area where the lymphatic system is working normally, i.e. to the nearest healthy lymph node.
Please note, initial MLD consultation for lymphoedema takes place at your first appointment, meaning you will need to allow for a full one hour. All subsequent appointments will be 45 minutes, and a course of sessions is recommended depending on the assessment of your individual needs, in order to allow the body to maximise the benefits of the treatment programme.
DLT Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy.
DLT is performed in two phases, Phase I is labelled as the Intensive Phase and Phase II is as self-management/ Improvement phase 1 of DLT
Phase 1 Intensive or Decongestive phases
Administer on a daily basis until the effected body part is decongested, reaching the end of Phase 1 – DLT result of measurement of the body part when the measurement reaches the plateau of Phase 1
Phase 2 Self-management / Improvement of Phase 1
Ongoing, when the patient assuming responsibility in maintaining and improving the treatment result achieved in Intensive phases.
Dosing:
Optimal the treatment should be performing daily 5 days a week with compression at0 the weekend, until the reduction of the body part.
- 5 times a week for a minimum of 2 weeks in Phase 1 of DLT
- 3 times a week until the patient can be measured for compression garments
Special Therapy Packages
Special pricing is available for clients or patients with frequent therapy needs, if you are in need of daily therapies please contact me.
Aftercare advice
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