Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) has been shown through research to decrease the post-healing phase of surgery. MLD massage is beneficial to the healing process when used both before and after your surgical procedure. MLD works to activate your fluid circulation and stimulate the functions of both the parasympathetic nervous system and the immune system.

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Benefits of MLD to clients undergoing surgery

Bruising reduction: Cells transported by the lymph system are moved away 10 times faster with MLD.  Bruises heal in a fraction of the time, allowing clients to resume activities of daily living quicker without having to hide bruises.

Edema reduction: MLD re-routes lymph fluid to collateral and viable pathways untouched by surgery to allow for accelerated drainage, as opposed to the slow trickle of tissue fluids in the operative site.

Pain management: As pressure of lymph fluid decreases around nerves, pain and discomfort are relieved and require less pain medication.

Scar tissue prevention and fibrosis reduction:  Lymph fluid left to build-up below incisions or sitting in interstitial space can solidify, causing the formation of scar tissue and fibrotic tissue.  These tissues are often felt as ball-like substances below the skin surface.  MLD prevents lymph fluid build-up and solidification, for a seamless scar.

Infection prevention: Post-surgical MLD is important when considering that stagnating lymph fluid can become infectious material and warrant antibiotics and/or artificial drain insertion.

Rids toxins: MLD can help remove leftover anesthetic toxins and their effects from surgery by improving fluid flow through the body to get rid of wastes.

The following Pre- & Post-Op MLD protocol can provide you with a guideline in scheduling your services.  

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Pre-Op  

By receiving MLD pre-operatively, the system is at peak performance prepared to handle the swelling, bruising, and scarring that would normally take place.  You should schedule and receive manual lymphatic drainage 1 week before your surgery.  You should not receive MLD the day before your procedure when you are not eating or drinking.  Having your MLD session(s) the week before prepares your body for surgery while your lymph vessels are intact.  

Lymphatic Drainage can make a difference in your recovery not only in the reduction and prevention of edema (swelling) but in the appearance of bruising and scars.

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Post-Op  

The typical side effects of post-op surgery can be significantly reduced with MLD, minimizing downtime and discomfort. Post-operatively, MLD keeps the healing cells flowing to accelerate healing processes by eliminating swelling and bruising.  In turn, this leads to less pain, less down time, better scar formation and return to daily living in a fraction of the time. During your post-op MLD session you can remove your compression garment(s). The general recommendation is 4-6 sessions following your surgical procedure.  Depending on the type of procedure or if you have had multiple procedures your need may decrease or increase depending on how your body responds to the procedure(s) and the MLD.  You can begin to receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage 48-72 hours post-op.

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Preserving the benefits of your manual lymphatic drainage

• Be sure to follow all directions provided by your surgeon and the surgical center. 

• Eat healthy and make sure you are drinking enough water to remain well hydrated.

• Wear your physician ordered compression garment

Following your Pre- and Post-Surgical MLD series you can move to the MLD Maintenance level with the general recommendation of 1 therapy session every 3-4 months.