MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage)- Diagrams or Videos Needed

Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited April 2017 in Lymphedema

I'm hoping someone can help. I'm 7 years out and dealt with LE several years ago. My aunt is now dealing with LE in both arms. She does not have access to a physical therapist so would like to find some diagrams or videos that can teach her how to do MLD. It has been too many years since I've done any of it and want to make sure to show her the correct way to do it.

She is dealing with a different kind of cancer but her daughter checked with the hospice nurse and she said it may help with some of her pain which is coming from blocked lymph nodes. I also have a LE pump I could provide to her. The women on here were amazing to me as I was going through BC, LE and recon so hoping someone has links to MLD that would be helpful. I know ideally she should be seen by a PT but for various reasons it's not possible. I just want to find a way to help her with her pain. Does anyone have resources they would recommend?

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Comments

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2017

    Hi, Kate,

    Heidi Roe, a PT at Michigan State University, has a series of MLD videos that are very sound and easy to follow. Here's one:

    So glad you'll be helping your aunt out in this way, and I look forward with you to some real pain relief for her!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited April 2017

    Years ago when I had mild lymphedema I found a bunch of videos on youtube and read the lymphedema thread. Ironically the video above helped me as did Binney who was a world of info. Hey Binnie.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2017

    Thank you both! It's nice to see you on here still helping so many, Binney. I remember you helping me as well several years ago. I appreciated it then and now! I will pass on the videos to my aunt.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2017

    Hmm, just re-read your original post, Kate, and I see you say her LE is bilateral. Here's the youtube video for bilateral:

    Perhaps there's a hospice worker or vol who'd like to learn to do it for her? Very useful to know in so many circumstances. You also mention it's a different type of cancer, and if the problem has to do with blockage from tumors MLD is sometimes not very effective. In that case some women have found that a night sleeve, like the ones Solaris makes (either Tribute or Caresia), are especially comforting because of their gentle support:

    http://solarismed.com/products

    Thanks, both, for your comments--I'm gratified to know it's been a help, because LE is a lonely challenge, for sure, unless we can share our experiences!

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2017

    Binney- Thank you so much for the additional link. I passed it on to her. She has non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was already stage IV at dx and decided against treatment. She has hospice and just trying to do anything to bring her some comfort. Not sure MLD would even help but hospice said we could try. They won't provide any assistance though.

    I have a pump but don't know if that would help or hurt. I also have several sleeves and gauntlets. I just hate to see her in so much pain.

    Her daughter is more than willing to learn the MLD so sent her the links as well. Thanks again.


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