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Wisdom to Be Massaged Volume III, Issue 1
March/April 2008
Lymphedema and Combined Decongestive Therapy, by Betsy Webb, BA, RMT In this issue...
Manual Lymph Drainage
Betsy Webb, BA, RMT
What is the Lymph System?
MLD
MLD can help people with conditions such as:
What is Lymphedema?
What is Combined Decongestive Therapy?
People and Times to Avoid MLD
Betsy's Training in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymph Drainage
Betsy Webb, BA, RMT
 What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a hands-on treatment consisting of specific, gentle, rhythmic techniques designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and decrease swelling. It is beneficial to people with many conditions involving congestion or swelling. After recent injuries MLD can reduce swelling and thus shorten the distance between blood vessels and cells. Nutrients and oxygen can then diffuse faster, enabling quicker healing. All pictures in the newsletter are courtesy of H. Weissleder, Dr. Vodder School.
What is the Lymph System?
 The lymph system aids the circulatory system in returning fluids and metabolic wastes to the venous system, as well as helping with immunity. The lymph system is throughout the body, helping drain the spaces between each cell.
MLD
- Increases lymph flow
- Relieves pain
- Promotes healing from recent trauma e.g. sports injuries and surgery.
- The techniques are soothing and relaxing with no side effects.
- They are gentle, rhythmic massage-like precise movements.
- They require a well-trained therapist to obtain good results.
MLD can help people with conditions such as:
- Inflammation from a recent or chronic injury,
- Acute whiplash,
- Scar tissue,
- Burns,
- Venous stasis ulceration,
- Skin conditions such as rosacea,
- Arthritic conditions,
- Menieres syndrome,
- Migraines,
- Lymphedema
What is Lymphedema?
 Lymphedema is a condition of excessive, protein-rich swelling in one or more areas of the body. It can be the result of cancer treatment and lymph node removal (secondary lymphedema). It can be a naturally occurring process for some people (primary lymphedema). It can also be the result of other conditions, particularly ones involving the circulatory system (also secondary lymphedema).
What is Combined Decongestive Therapy?
Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a combination of MLD, compression bandaging, skin care and remedial exercise therapy. It is designed for people with lymphedema, either primary or secondary. It can also help with certain venous edemas.
People and Times to Avoid MLD
- If you have chronic congestive heart failure.
- If you have an infection.
- If you have had a recent thrombosis.
- During an acute allergic reaction.
- Areas with malignancies.
Betsy's Training in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Betsy Webb has completed a 160 hour intensive training with certification in the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Completion of this intensive training program makes Betsy Webb one of approximately 1000 certified therapists in North America currently certified to practise this specialized technique. There are 10 certified therapists in Nova Scotia (March, 2008). See http://www.vodderschool.com
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