It's Your Journey - Toni Creevy
MLD
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
MLD is slow, rhythmical, gentle, relaxing Body & Face massage, performed in lying position, stimulating the lymphatic system improving waste removal. lymphatic drainage massage helps:
Immune System - Strengthens
Detox - Stimulates the lymphatic to remove waste products.
Reduces – fatigue and depression.
Chronic Conditions : It may improve
Sinusitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Acne and other skin conditions
Promotes Healing - Fractures, Torn Ligaments, Sprains, Wounds, Burns, Stretch marks and Lessens pain.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage can also help control lymphedema
Enhance Wellbeing - It is both preventative and remedial and can enhance your wellbeing. It is a deeply relaxing treatment.
Treatment 1hr -
Upminster £75
Brentwood £75
Burnham-on-Crouch £65
Treatment 1hr20 -Add £10
Toni - 07940017404
Lymphoedema
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
I have been treating lymphoedema for 5 years. I use a range of MLD techniques alongside this I use Bowen Lymphatic they are both gentle techniques to encourage the lymph flow, aid in the reduction of swelling and pain .This body or face massage is normally mainly concentrated at a certain problem area.
I treat the whole person at the end of each treatment I include a facial point massage to further promote a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
Treatment 1hr -
Upminster £75
Brentwood £75
Burnham-on-Crouch £65
Treatment 1hr20 -Add £10
Toni - 07940017404
MLD & Lymphoedema Information
Lymphatic System
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Help?
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Help?
Our body’s ‘sewerage system.
It maintains fluid levels in our body’s tissues by removing fluids that leak out of blood vessels.
The lymph nodes monitor the lymph flowing into them and produce cells and antibodies which protect our body from infection and disease. It is part of the immune system
Lymph is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system and surrounds all tissues.
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Help?
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Help?
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Help?
Lymphatic drainage is a specialised, gentle type of massage designed to stimulate the lymphatic system. It helps lymph fluid drain through the healthy lymph vessels. The massage, Slow, rhythmical, gentle movements, are performed in lying position, you may need to remove some clothing.
You cannot have MLD if you have heart problems.
Chronic Conditions - It may also improve many chronic conditions: sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, acne and other skin conditions
Promotes Healing - MLD promotes healing e.g. fractures, torn ligaments, sprains, wounds, burns, stretch marks and lessens pain.
Enhance Wellbeing - It is both preventative and remedial and can enhance your wellbeing. It is a deeply relaxing treatment.
Reduces – fatigue and depression.
Immune System - MLD may strengthen the immune system as part of “detox” treatment.
Lymphoedema - MLD is an effective component of the treatment and control of lymphoedema (which may occur after burns, infection, disease or cancer treatment). Unaffected areas are treated first. The aim is to encourage the lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area, finding new pathways, so it can drain away from the swollen area.
Deep Breathing Exercises
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Help?
Deep Breathing Exercises
- help lymphatic drainage. It allows lymph to flow into the lymph system in the chest away from the area with lymphoedema.
Deep breathing is helpful for all types of lymphoedema, it works by changing the pressure in your tummy (abdomen) and chest. This encourages lymph to flow back into the blood system.
Deep breathing can also help you to relax.
Sit upright in a comfortable chair, or lie on your bed with your knees slightly bent.
Relax your shoulders and upper chest. Rest your hands on your ribs.
Breathe in -Take slow, deep comfortable breaths in through your nose, move the air down to your stomach (abdomen). You will feel your stomach rising under your hands.
Breathe Out - slowly by sighing the air out through your mouth. While breathing out, let your abdomen relax inwards again. The outward breath should be slightly longer.
5 times - Do the deep breathing exercise five times.
Rest - before getting up, to avoid feeling dizzy.
Lymphoedema
Resting/ Sitting position- to help drain lymph
Deep Breathing Exercises
Lymphoedema - occurs when the lymphatic system does not function properly. The lymph fluid does not drain away which results in long term swelling of one or more parts of the body, this swelling is referred to as Lymphoedema most commonly occurs in the arms and legs and can appear soon after damage to the lymph system or it can occur months or years afterwards. It can lead to a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the area, if allowed to continue, the areas of swelling may increase and harden and may become painful.
Help Control - LYMPHOEDMA
Healthy lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema, and may also help control the condition if you already have it.
Therapies that may help...
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Bowen
RLD
Acupuncture
Resting/ Sitting position- to help drain lymph
Resting/ Sitting position- to help drain lymph
Resting/ Sitting position- to help drain lymph
Arm Lymphoedema - raise your arm to a comfortable level by putting it on a cushion or a pillow, but not above the height of your shoulder.
Leg Lymphoedema - don't sit with your legs down instead put your leg up on a stool or chair. Make sure you fully support your leg with a cushion or pillow under the knee.
Head and Neck Lymphoedema - sleep/rest with 2 or 3 pillows to raise your head and help the fluid drain.
Eating A Healthy balanced diet
Resting/ Sitting position- to help drain lymph
Resting/ Sitting position- to help drain lymph
Weight - Maintain a healthy weight
Water - drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, increasing your fluid intake in hot weather or very dry conditions
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are mild diuretics and reduce the levels of body fluids
Salt – Some studies show that it may be beneficial to cut back on salt because sodium increases fluid retention in the body. Greater fluid retention raises blood pressure, and it can make the swelling symptoms of lymphedema worse.
Foods- Eat; leafy greens e.g. kale, healthy fats e.g. nuts, salmon, low sugar foods, avocados, berries, seeds and herbal teas. Avoid; packaged foods, fast food and fructose,
Skin Care
Compression bandages and garments
Compression bandages and garments
Moisturising - the skin daily to keep it supple
Sunscreen - high sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent sunburn
Heat - avoiding very hot baths and showers – the heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds may increase the swelling
Cuts - Skin infections can also damage your lymphatic system and cause lymphoedema to develop. Any cuts in your skin can allow bacteria to enter your body and may quickly develop into an infection. The part of your body affected by lymphoedema is more vulnerable to infection.
Shaving - Use an electric razor to reduce the risk of cutting yourself
Insect Bites - Use insect repellents to prevent
Anti – Fungal powder - to prevent fungal infections in your skin or feet if your lower limbs
are affected
Antiseptic cream - Treat cuts and scratches immediately
Contact a GP - as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of a possible skin infection. These symptoms may include redness or a feeling of heat in the skin.
Compression bandages and garments
Compression bandages and garments
Compression bandages and garments
Compression bandages or garments, such as sleeves, gloves, stockings or tights, fitted over affected limbs act as a counterforce to muscles, to stimulate lymph flow.
Exercise & Compression garments - encourages the fluid to move out of the affected limb.
After MLD Massage - Compression garments applied after a massage to prevent fluid accumulating in the limb again.
Velcro wraps may be used instead of compression garments.
Bexters Soda Crystals – using wraps they can assist with swelling by drawing out fluid
Oils- Caster oil helps improve flow and movement of lymph fluid
Soak a flannel in cold pressed castor oil
Place over affected organ or area
Put a hot water bottle on top of them
Compression pumps
Mechanical compression pumps 'squeeze' a swollen limb in a sleeve or boot which inflates and deflates at regular intervals.
Soften Tissue - may soften the tissue of a limb.
Lymph moved quickly - from a limb quite quickly but it may collect in the trunk of your body causing discomfort. Lymph may also return to the limb quickly when the pump is removed.
Excercise Regulary
Compression bandages and garments
Excercise Regulary
– gentle activities that involve the whole body e.g. swimming, cycling, walking. Try and do some exercise every day. The lymphatic system does not have its own pump by moving we help the system to move the lymph fluid.
These exercises shouldn't be painful. You might have a feeling of stretching as you do them, this is normal.
Stop doing the exercises if you have any pain.
Do the exercises slowly and gently, don't rush them.
This is information I have collated and researched. I have used the cancer research web site for exercises for lymphoedema. It is for informational purposes only and should not replace you seeking medical advice.
Lymphoedema Exercises
Arm Lymphoedema Exercises
Head /Neck lymphoedema Exercises
Arm Lymphoedema Exercises
– Sit upright in a chair with your arm comfortably on your lap
Deep Abdominal Breathing - Start
Massage - Slow and gentle circular massage in the armpits for 30 seconds to empty nodes
Neck exercises
Tilting - tilt your head towards one shoulder, hold for 3 seconds and return your head to the centre and then repeat on the other side. Keep your shoulders still while doing this exercise.
Turning - turn your head to look over you should as far as you can, hold for 3 seconds, return to face forward then do the same over the other shoulder. Turn your head not your body.
Chin to chest - bend your neck down as far as you comfortably can so your chin is on your chest, hold for 2 seconds and then slowly bring your head back up so you are looking forward again.
Shoulder exercises
Shoulders up and down - relax your shoulders, bring them up to your ears, relax then drop them back down
Shoulder rotation - rotate your shoulders forward, and then rotate them backwards
Arm exercises
Combined movements - with your hands touch your knees then touch your shoulders and lift your arms as much as possible without pain.
Pretend breast stroke swimming - stand or sit on the edge of a chair then cross your arms in front of your chest and swing them out to your sides, if this is too difficult try it at waist height. You can also do a pretend backstroke.
Exercise with a ball - press the ball between your hands, pressing slowly.
Wrist exercises
Wave -Rest your arm on a cushion with your hand hanging off the end. Bend your wrist down until you feel a stretch, hold for 5 seconds and slowly relax. Then bend your wrist up until you feel a stretch again and hold it for 5 secs and then relax.
Circles - rest your arm on a cushion with your hand hanging off the edge. Turn your wrist in clockwise circles and then anti clockwise.
Hand exercises
Clenches - your hand to make a fist and then open and spread your fingers out wide.
Thumb to finger - using your thumb touch each finger one at a time, as it becomes easier you can start doing it faster.
Bend and extend - bend your fingers at the knuckles, keeping your fingers straight.
Fingers - Hold your hand out with fingers together then spread your fingers out, then close your fingers together again.
Leg Lymphoedema Exercises
Head /Neck lymphoedema Exercises
Arm Lymphoedema Exercises
Deep Abdominal Breathing - Start
Massage - Slow and gentle circular massage in groin to empty nodes x 30 seconds.
Place hands on abdomen above belly button. Take a slow deep breath in, relax and breathe out as you gently press on abdomen with hands x3
Marching - you can march on the spot or do this sitting down, lift one knee and then put it down, then lift the other knee and put it down.
Hip rotations - bring your foot forward and draw a semi-circle, keep your other knee slightly bent, hold on to a stable surface if you need help with your balance
Curl your toes -up and then stretch them out.
Knee exercise - sit on a chair and do marching
Lift your foot -off the floor then straighten and bend your leg.
Ankle raises - raise your heels off the floor so you feel a squeeze in your calf muscles, relax down so your feet are flat on the floor then repeat.
Point Toes - With your heel on the floor point your toes away from you then pull your toes towards your chin, you can do this sitting in a chair or lying in bed.
Circles -Lift your foot off the floor or bed, then circle your ankle clockwise, then anticlockwise.
5 to 10 times – repeat each exercise
Deep Abdominal Breathing - Finish
Head /Neck lymphoedema Exercises
Head /Neck lymphoedema Exercises
Head /Neck lymphoedema Exercises
Deep Abdominal Breathing - Start
Massage - Slow and gentle circular massage in the armpits for 30 seconds to empty nodes
Neck exercises
Head turns - turn your head to look over your shoulder as far as you can, hold for 2 seconds. Slowly go back to the start position. Repeat on the other side. Keep your shoulders still while doing this exercise.
Head tilt - tilt your head towards one shoulder until you feel a stretch on the opposite side. Hold for 2 seconds then straighten up. Repeat on the other side. Keep your shoulders still while you're doing this exercise.
Chin to chest - bend your neck down as far as you comfortably can so your chin is on your chest, hold for 2 seconds and then slowly bring your head back up so you are looking forward again.
Shoulder exercises
Shoulders up and down - relax your shoulders, bring them up to your ears, relax then drop them back down. Repeat.
Shoulder rotation - rotate your shoulder forward, then rotate them backwards.
Mouth exercises
Open and close your mouth.
Blow kisses, blow out imaginary candles.
Smile - an exaggerated one
Vowels -Say the vowels in an exaggerated way - a, e, I, o, u.
5 to 10 times – repeat each exercise
Deep Abdominal Breathing - Finish