Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is an advanced massage therapy method that is intended to support and enhance the lymphatic system. Most lymphatic structures that the specialist targets, are directly under the skin. An MLD therapist will use light, gentle, rhythmic techniques to increase the flow of lymph and its return to the circulatory system. This treatment has relaxing, pain relieving and immunological effects. Although MLD Therapy is very comfortable and non-aggressive, it is highly specialized and cannot be compared to any other techniques a therapist has learned. The tactile input and required proficiency to perform it effectively is essential. Strategy‘s based on symptoms and palpable findings, lay the groundwork for success. Unfortunately, many massage therapists offer MLD but have little training and lack the appropriate skills. Be assured all the MLD Therapy specialists at Hands On have worked diligently, to perfect their skills, have the appropriate qualifications and have been trained and mentored directly with Marla Kaplan, Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT). Marla has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1998 and has thousands of hours of continuing education behind her. She has been a CLT since 2006 and has the experience and expertise necessary to oversee the Hands On MLDT Program.
At Hands On, we use a total body balance approach, whereas both internal and external swelling is effectively addressed. We do not necessarily even need to know exactly where the stagnation is located! We prepare the body to promote whole body (systemic) drainage. The goal is to show the body how to self-correct and move any stagnant fluid that may be having a negative impact on the body. We call on the lymph nodes to pump and filter! We call on the skin to get the motors running directly underneath it, engaging those lymph collectors to get moving! We take advantage of the natural ability of the lymphatic network of vessels to work together! Yes, we can call on one part of the body, to help other parts! It may seem strange that we address your lymphatic system under your arm to move the lymph out of your leg, but that is exactly what we do and why it works! This may all sound very dramatic and even somewhat extreme, but that is how we get your lymphatic system working better and more efficiently! And yet, our methods are all done with a very light touch. Again, less is more when it comes to Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy!
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy has been proven to increase the speed of lymph flow by 10 x’s when done correctly! Movement is the recipe for success! What does success look like? Less pain, pressure, fatigue, swelling and overall, a feeling of “lightness.”
Treatment duration and frequency depend on the severity of the problem and the individual. Be assured that our goal is to have you come in for treatment and have you discharged as soon as possible. Visit us for relaxation massages, gift certificate purchases, etc.!
There are many factors that come into play when determining the right number of sessions for you. Lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress level, work environment, past health issues including surgeries, scars, disease, infections, etc. are all factors that can affect your outcome. Intensive treatment lays the groundwork for a successful outcome. This may involve consecutive days of treatments or weekly sessions. We can only determine this once you have had a treatment and once, we see how you are responding. Our general recommendation is to plan on 2-3 sessions. Sometimes once is enough, sometimes more are needed. Post-surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage will always require more. Your doctor may have her/ his own recommendations.
