Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) - Harper Road Osteopaths

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle type of massage designed to stimulate the lymphatic vessels underneath the skin without causing any friction.

This treatment benefits people suffering from lymphoedema, swelling caused by pregnancy or rheumatoid arthritis, or those wanting a gentle detox to help boost their immune system. A systematic review by Ramirez et al (2021) found that MLD may also benefit those with fibromyalgia.

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition where the lymphatic system has either developed abnormally (primary lymphoedema) or damage has occurred due to surgery, injury, immobility, or infection (secondary lymphoedema). It results in swelling (oedema) in the usually affecting the arms and legs. With no permanent ‘cure’, this accumulation of fluid requires regular management through; movement, a healthy diet and lifestyle, wearing compression garments, and manual lymphatic drainage massage. MLD prevents the build-up of lymph and reduces vulnerability to infection.

So, what exactly is the lymphatic system and why is it so important?

The lymphatic system forms part of the immune system and is a separate network of vessels found throughout the body in which lymph flows. Lymph carries lymphocytes and macrophages that defend the body from invasion from bacteria/viruses and other micro-organisms that don’t belong there. Once the lymph cells have done the job of breaking down and filtering these invaders, toxins, and any large proteins too large to be handled by the smaller less permeable capillaries of the blood stream, it is delivered back into the bloodstream. More simply, lymph carries nutrients and proteins to blood and tissues and collects toxins and harmful substances out of the blood to render them harmless.

What does a MLD treatment involve?

MLD involves very gentle and rhythmic circular movements across the main lymphatic collection areas and the vessels in between them. You do not need to undress as the treatment can be given through light clothing as there are no lotions involved. You should feel a deep sense of relaxation; there is nothing robust or uncomfortable about this treatment.

Why come to Harper Road Osteopaths for MLD?

For many years now, we have been providing Perrin Technique from our London Bridge clinic. Perrin Technique is a treatment which involves lymphatic drainage of the neuraxis (the central nervous system) to treat the symptoms of ME/CFS/Post Viral Fatigue, and more recently Long Covid. Increasingly we have received enquiries from people asking for a preventative or ‘detox’ treatment in the form of MLD.

Osteopathy is a treatment approach which aims to promote the body’s natural healing mechanisms and maximise health. We take a holistic view of health, acknowledging the impact of each system on an individuals overall state of wellbeing. With this in mind, it felt only natural to offer MLD as a separate treatment for our patients.