Deakin Wellbeing House
Our specialised equipment helps you manage your lympoedema
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a specialized massage type that gently assists the lymphatic system in maintaining the body’s fluid balance, blood circulation, and immune mechanisms. The system’s network of vessels and nodes contains lymph, a mixture of water, proteins, immune system components, waste products, and other remnants of cell metabolism. Lymph nodes, which filter out the debris, are found throughout the body, with especially large groups of them in the neck, armpits, and groin. These major collections of lymph nodes ensure that the lymph passes through as many nodes as possible before it returns to the circulatory system.
During a lymph drainage massage, the therapist uses a series of gliding, compressing, stretching, and cupping motions over the client’s body. The light rhythmic movements, applied without massage oil, stimulate the lymphatic system without compressing the vessels – allowing lymph to move easily through the tissues and lymph nodes. MLD follows a specific sequence over the body so lymph isn’t trapped anywhere, making sure every area is treated with care.
What are the proposed effects MLD can have on the lymphatic system and health?
The rhythmic & repetitive nature of this technique reduces sympathetic activity (aka fight or flight) even more effectively than remedial massage therapy. The specific techniques activate mechanoreceptors in the smooth muscle around the lymphangion. This causes it to contract and refill at an increased rate increasing lymph uptake from Loose Connective Tissue (LCT) actively reducing inflammation & breaking inflammatory cycles in our bodies.
Stimulation of these mechanoreceptors also serves to activate the ‘gate mechanism’ which stops pain messages being sent to the brain and is beneficial at reducing the amount of pain felt.
Softening of fibrosis and scar tissue in the body.
Change the thixotropic state of LCT – which basically means the lymphatic system is able to pick up excess fluid and biochemical waste from the LCT with greater ease.
Who could benefit from receiving MLD? (& what can be treated)
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Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
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Chronic pain
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Headaches and migraine treatment
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Arthritis
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Assist in the management of rheumatic disease and inflammatory autoimmune conditions
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Acute injuries or sprains
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Elite athletes, incorporated into active recovery plans
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Assist post-surgery recovery by reducing inflammation and expediting the removal of biochemical waste products from the tissue.
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Pregnancy-related inflammation and swelling
Oncology Massage
What it is
Massage involves moving (manipulating) muscles and rubbing or stroking soft tissues of the body. There are many different styles of massage. Oncology massage therapists are specially trained to adjust pressure, speed, duration and direction of strokes to provide a safe session for a person with cancer at any stage of disease.
Some types of massage can reduce lymphoedema (swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid). This is called manual lymphatic drainage.
Why use it
All styles of massage aim to promote deep relaxation in tissue by applying pressure to the body’s muscles and pressure points. This helps to release both muscular and emotional tension. The style of massage used for people during or after cancer treatment will depend on the treatment they’re having.
Over the years, there has been a general concern that massage can increase the risk of cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body. However, there is no evidence that this happens.
What to expect
Massage usually occurs in a warm, quiet room. It can be given while you either lie on a massage table or sit in a chair. The therapist uses a variety of strokes on different parts of the body. When performing massage on a person with cancer, therapists may need to adjust their pressure and avoid certain areas of the body.
Some styles of massage are done with you fully clothed; others require you to undress to your underwear so the therapist can use oil to move their hands over your skin more easily. The therapist may place pillows under different parts of your body so they’re supported. Let the therapist know if you need anything to feel more comfortable, such as a change in pressure or another blanket. You may like to close your eyes during the massage.
Evidence
Many scientific studies have shown that oncology massage is effective in reducing symptoms such as stress, pain, anxiety, depression, nausea and fatigue in people who have had chemotherapy or surgery for cancer.