Manual Lymph Drainage

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Wilsie2
Wilsie2 Member Posts: 441
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I just got a notice that the Support Center at the hospital where I am being treated is offering Manual Lymph Drainage from Massage Therapy, 30 and 60 minute sessions.  I am not sure how this works, does anyone know about this?  I certainly could use some relief!

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  • GottaloveNED
    GottaloveNED Member Posts: 211
    edited July 2012

    If my medical center offered MLD (manual lymph drainage - massage to move lymph fluid away from the swollen areas) on an as needed basis like a regular massage, I would be thrilled. The only way I can get a professional to do MLD on me is as part of a treatment plan with my therapist, which is expensive and insurance won't cover it on an ongoing basis. My therapist has shown me how to perform MLD on myself, and I am supposed to do it morning and night but I have a hard time being consistant with it. If you're dealing with LE, it may be worth looking in to. Just make sure that whoever is offering it is trained in doing MLD because if they do it wrong or offer incorrect advice your LE could get worse. It's not the same as a regular massage, there are certain techniques specific to LE. I would check into it and get more info.

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  • Wilsie2
    Wilsie2 Member Posts: 441
    edited July 2012

    I have appointment this Friday at 9am for one hour massage (its in the breast care support department) and I will let you know how it goes.  Thanks for your response.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2012

    Wilsie, ask the therapist about her/his training. Here are guidelines for knowing who's trained to do this:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Are you dealing with lymphedema, or is this being offered prophylactically? Great idea! Please do let us know how it goes.

    Be well,
    Binney

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited July 2012

    I went to a massage therapist for LE care last week. First time and it was great. I have followup appointments for after surgery next week.

    Not covered by insurance which is a bummer but there is flexibility in scheduling and she's closer to home. She isn't certified yet but trained on Vodder which is the basis for her massage. I think she trained at Foldi and believes in using what works best for each client. Not sure what that all means but I know my arm is happier this last week than it has been for months!

    She will also offer discounts to patients with repeating LE appointments - nice. Her mother had LE so she is understands.

    I put a bug in her ear that the local hospital is considering an LE clinic. I have referred three BC people to her. Just thrilled with the results as I sit here looking at my hand and can see the wrinkles coming back! Who would have thot wrinkles make you smile?

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2012

    Ohio, what a great find! From your description it sounds like she's fully trained (at least 135 hours of specifically LE training), but just hasn't taken the LANA certification test. That test is voluntary and many fully-trained therapists opt out of it. It's pricey and doesn't matter to insurance, plus some (like my own therapist) don't want to be listed on their site because they already have long lists of LE patients waiting for treatment and they don't want more.

    Hooray for wrinkles! While other women try all sorts of potions to get rid of theirs, we celebrate ours!LaughingCool You are READY for tomorrow, and we're all right there with you! Hugs and prayers,
    Binney

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  • Wilsie2
    Wilsie2 Member Posts: 441
    edited July 2012

    My appointment was changed to Aug 3, so that gives me time to do the reasearch on their training.  Yes,Binney,  I have lymphodema which has worsened since my treatment for BC recurrence and Abraxane treatments.  My right hand hs neuropathy also, so I am doubly "blessed" on that side.  Its a wonder I can still type!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2012

    Wilsie, bummer!Frown I use a FrogPad left-hand-only keyboard. Took about a month to relearn to type on it, but now it's as fast as I used to be two-handed. Just a thought.

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • Wilsie2
    Wilsie2 Member Posts: 441
    edited August 2012

    I had the massage, and really can feel no difference.  Am going back in 2 weeks anyway, it was pleasant.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012

    Wilsie, when you go back in two weeks will you then start going every day for a while? MLD massage needs to happen at least several times a week initially in order to move the fluid out.

    So glad it was a pleasant experience, though! That sure counts for something!Wink

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited August 2012

    I have been having regular Lymphatic Massage by a Lymphedema Specialist.  Fortunately, my insurance covers it under Occupational Therapy.  The massage has been so helpful to me as my arm has gone back down to normal.  She has taught me so much how to do self-massage, how to wrap, etc.

    I feel I have control over my LE now, it doesn't have control over me.  The hospital where I had radiation, also provided (FREE) additional lymphatic massage for women who had LE.  So I had 2 per week.  It was great!

    I am down to 2 per month now.

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited August 2012

    Denise, that hospital simply rocks!  Wouldn't it be grand if that happened everywhere women are being treated for BC?

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