2 1 Anatomy and Physiology of the Circulation of the Blood A Theoretical Basics of Manual Lymph Drainage Blood 4.5-6 L Cellular components ±45% Plasma ±55% Erythrocytes Leukocytes Thrombocytes Water Proteins Ions, glucose, enzymes, hormones, creatinine, urea 4.6-6.2 million/mm3 4.2-5.4 million/mm3 4000- 9000/mm3 18 000- 32 000/mm3 Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) A specialized "skin touch" therapy focused on improved function of the lymphatic system. Manual stimulation of the lymphatic vessels encourages the natural flow of lymphatic fluid that has been interrupted due to damage, structural compromise or excess accumulation causing edema in various areas of the body. This 2015 review of six studies of manual lymphatic drainage for breast cancer-related lymphedema is about as on-point as we can hope for if we want to know if MLD works. BCRL is the indication for treatment. Manual Lymph Drainage was performed by a certified therapist of the Dr. Vodder School according to standardized treatment protocols for lymphoedema patients (Kasseroller 1998, Wittlinger, 1998). Only one 45-minute treatment session was used on each patient. Results A randomized study comparing manual lymph drainage with sequential pneumatic compression for treatment of postoperative arm lymphedema. Lymphology. 1998; 31:56-64. Johansson K, Albertsson M, Ingvar C, Ekdahl C. Effects of compression bandaging with or without manual lymph drainage treatment in patients with postoperative arm lymphedema. components of self-management, which include self-manual lymph drainage (self MLD, or simple MLD), a skin care regimen, home exercises, and the application of compression garments (and bandages). The self-manual lymph drainage techniques are relatively easy to perform and therapists generally teach one or two MLD strokes that can be learned and Self Lymphatic Massage of Arm X21458 (Rev. 05/11) ©AHC Lymphedema continued Self massage of arm 1. Clear nodes at neck This can be done most effectively one side at a time, using the palm of your hand and gently stroking (1a). This can also be done using both hands simultaneously in a "choke" type hold (1b). To understand self-massage strokes, pay close attention to the instructions provided by your therapist. Those described here are the similar in sequence, and strokes, as used by in manual lymph drainage. Self-massage is a gentle technique taught to the patient by the therapist and the resulting massage should never hurt or make the skin red. (This article appeared in the December 2008 issue of MASSAGE Magazine.) Bruno Chikly, M.D., D.O. (hon.), is the developer of Lymph Drainage Therapy, a ligh-touch approach to navigating the lymphatic system with the use of lymphatic mapping, and the first modality to teach students how to work directly with the lymphatic rhythm. Self Manual Lymph Drainage for Lower Extremity Simple and easy to perform manual techniques are an integral part of the self-management program. In this stage, the