Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a modality of massage therapy that is used to specifically stimulate the lymphatic system. The Dr Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy is a four-week, post-graduate course. The method was developed by Dr Emil and Estrid Vodder in Europe during the 1930s. Along with the manual aspect of the therapy, they also included short stretch bandaging to compliment the drainage. The combination of the two can greatly affect the condition of lymphedema (chronic swelling due to challenges in the lymphatic system). The Vodder school requires that its certified therapists re-certify every two years to stay current with the therapy and research.
The lymphatic system is a one-way system that starts in the tissue just under the skin then through a vessel systems that eventually leads back to the blood system. The lymphatic system dumps its lymphatic load into the blood system near the neck. The lymphatic system moves 2-4 litres of fluid a day, thus it is very important to our health.
Primary lymphedema is lymphedema that occurs due to a defect already present in the body. It may present itself at birth, but most likely it will develop sometime later on in one’s life. There is no real way to tell if you are at risk. Usually, one leg/foot is more affected than the other, and the legs/feet are more commonly affected than the arms and hands.
Secondary lymphedema is lymphedema that occurs due to a secondary reason. Surgical damage, injury, poor circulation, and obesity are some examples of secondary reasons. Most commonly diagnosed, but not the sole reason, is damage from cancer surgery and treatment. There is also no way to determine risk of lymphedema, but after cancer surgery, lymph node dissection (removal), and radiation treatment (any combination), one is at a lifetime risk of lymphedema. However, with education and awareness, lymphedema can be very manageable.
The lymphatic system is a one-way system that starts in the tissue just under the skin then through a vessel systems that eventually leads back to the blood system. The lymphatic system dumps its lymphatic load into the blood system near the neck. The lymphatic system moves 2-4 litres of fluid a day, thus it is very important to our health.
Primary lymphedema is lymphedema that occurs due to a defect already present in the body. It may present itself at birth, but most likely it will develop sometime later on in one’s life. There is no real way to tell if you are at risk. Usually, one leg/foot is more affected than the other, and the legs/feet are more commonly affected than the arms and hands.
Secondary lymphedema is lymphedema that occurs due to a secondary reason. Surgical damage, injury, poor circulation, and obesity are some examples of secondary reasons. Most commonly diagnosed, but not the sole reason, is damage from cancer surgery and treatment. There is also no way to determine risk of lymphedema, but after cancer surgery, lymph node dissection (removal), and radiation treatment (any combination), one is at a lifetime risk of lymphedema. However, with education and awareness, lymphedema can be very manageable.