Why is manual lymph drainage beneficial post-surgery?

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MLD is beneficial after surgery because it gently yet effectively reduces swelling, bruising & pain. MLD stimulates lymphatic system function; accelerating the removal of excess swelling, bacteria, cellular debris & protein out of the effected tissues. MLD techniques transport excess fluid out of swollen areas & away from incisions; decreasing the tissue pressure which improves healing outcomes. MLD techniques reduce swelling without causing more swelling & tissue damage to occur; making it vastly different than traditional massage, body contouring & wood therapy techniques.​

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Why do we swell after surgery?

 

Any damage to the tissues, whether it be caused by a splinter or a surgical incision, elicits an immune response. Blood flow increases in the area; sending clotting factors to stop incisional bleeding & cells that work to fight infection, destroy damaged tissues & prep the area for repair. This process causes an increase in both blood & fluid. The immune response caused by surgery/injuries often creates more fluid than the circulatory & lymphatic system can process in the timely fashion; leading to a backup of fluid in the tissues which causes swelling to be visible. Excess/long-standing fluid in the tissues can interfere with the blood supply; slowing the delivery of immune cells, oxygen and other essential nutrients. Excess swelling can also prevent the body’s ability remove cellular debris & bacteria. Insuring adequate blood flow and fluid elimination are essential for effective healing.

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What precautions are taken to keep clients safe?

 

- Guidelines established by surgeon will always be followed

- Massage table, linens and hands will be cleaned and sanitized before each session

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- Client will be properly positioned on table; ensuring incisions and fat transferred areas are safe

- Surgical gloves will be worn until incisions are fully closed

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- Bodywork will remain 2” away from incisions until fully closed

- Bodywork will be gentle; targeting swelling with hands-on Manual Lymph Drainage only until 1 month post-op

- Fat transferred areas will not be touched until cleared by surgeon

 

- Fluid will be transported out of the tissues via the lymphatic system NOT out through incisions

- Surgical drain removal, suture removal and seroma aspiration will not be performed by me

 

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Is manual lymph drainage painful?

 

It is not. Effective lymphatic bodywork is virtually painless and is know to be quite soothing after surgery. Proper Vodder-style manual lymph drainage techniques stimulate the superficial lymph vessels & nodes located just below the skin level; gentle skin-stretching is all that is required to increase the uptake of post-surgical swelling into the lymphatic system.

 

Deep pressure massage causes tissue damage & stimulates an increase of swelling in the healing tissues. Excess swelling can slow the healing process & cause the tissues to thicken (fibrosis formation).

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How soon after surgery can I receive MLD?

 

The earlier the swelling is treated the better. Typically 2-3 days post surgery. Acquiring clearance to receive MLD from your surgeon is strongly encouraged.

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How often should I receive post-surgical bodywork?

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Recommendations will depend on several factors: the number of procedures and treatment areas, the amount of swelling present, any surgical complications, quality of healing, if there is fibrosis, excess scar tissue, cording present etc.

 

Essential

Week 1: every other day - MLD only

Week 2: twice per week - MLD only

Week 3: once per week - MLD only

 

Ideal

Week 1: every other day - MLD only

Week 2-3: twice per week - MLD only

Week 4-8: once per week - MLD & fascial release techniques as needed

 

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What to expect during a session?

 

The practitioner will arrive to your location 10-20 minutes prior to the scheduled session. The treatment table, sheets and several pillows will be prepared based on the procedures received and stage of healing while you fill out an intake form. The practitioner will leave the room while you get onto the treatment table and position yourself underneath the sheets. The practitioner will insure that you are modestly draped throughout the session.​ MLD, scar tissue work and/or fibrosis techniques will be performed depending on your bodywork needs & stage of healing. When the treatment is completed the practitioner will leave to wash their hands while you get dressed.

 

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How can I prepare for a session?

 

- Remove compression garment thirty minutes prior to scheduled session (wear robe for easy undressing/dressing if available)

 

- Insure skin is free of any oils/lotion

 

- Insure all open/leaking incisions are covered with a bandage

 

- Drink water

 

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What can slow down healing?

 

- Not complying with post surgical instructions established by surgical team

 

- Over-activity before cleared by surgeon

 

- Not wearing properly fitting, medical-grade compression

 

- Unmanaged/longstanding swelling in effected tissues

 

- Lack of proper nutrition (e.g. restricting calories, lack of protein, lack of fruits & vegetables)

 

- Consuming unhealthy products (e.g. processed foods, excess sugar/salt, alcohol, smoking/nicotine products)

 

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What are absolute contraindications for MLD?

 

- Acute infections

 

- Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis

 

- Acute bronchitis

 

- Severe Congestive Heart Failure (unmedicated)​

 

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What are the benefits of foams after surgery?

 

- Creates a protective barrier between skin & compression garment

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- Helps achieve even compression & targets areas with increased swelling

 

- Prevents creasing, indentations & skin irregularities

 

- Prevents fluid accumulation & fibrosis formation

 

- Softens hardened/fibrotic tissues

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When can scar tissue be worked on?

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Techniques can be performed once scars are fully closed, typically beginning 4-6 weeks after the surgical procedure/injury. Newly healed scars require gentle mobilization, whereas fully matured scars can benefit from slightly deeper techniques. The key to successful scar tissue treatment involves a “less is more” approach. Client comfort is priority; bodywork depth & pressure will continually be adjusted to insure the client remains comfortable throughout the session.

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What factors have an impact on incision healing?

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Prolonged swelling, skin tension near incisions, healing complications, genetics, sun exposure, inadequate wound care, poor nutrition, lack of hydration etc. can have a negative impact on the quality & appearance of your connective tissue repair.

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Following your surgeons instructions, managing post-surgical swelling, getting quality rest, avoiding incision tension, preventing infection, insuring proper wound care, avoiding sun exposure, consuming adequate nutrition/hydration & receiving skilled post-surgical bodywork can all have a positive impact on the quality of your connective tissue repair.

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