MLD is extraordinarily helpful in the acute stage of injury.  It’s an extremely effective treatment in this stage of injury.  

What happens in the acute stage of an injury?
In the acute stage of an injury, there is much swelling and inflammation of the affected area.  This is usually from trauma to the tissue, such as contusions, lacerations, burns, blisters, ulcers, and surgical procedures.  The inflammation and discolouration of the affected area is due to broken blood and lymph vessels.  Fluid from these vessels spills out into the affected area and causes congestion which prevents the damaged tissue from receiving the nutrition it needs to heal. The more swelling occurs, the longer it takes to heal.  

The usual treatment for an acute injury is RICE.

R-rest
I-ice
C-compression
E-Elevation

How can MLD help in the acute stage?
1.    It is very gentle and helps with pain management
2.    Calms the sympathetic nervous system and encourages the parasympathetic nervous system to help the body enter into a regenerative mode.
3.    Decongests the affected area. Removing the wastes, dead cells, and excess protein rich fluid using healthy lymph vessels leading away from the affected site. Thus, decreasing the swelling and clearing the area for repair.  
4.    Greatly accelerates healing allowing nutrient rich fluid (blood) the opportunity to reach the area that needs to regenerate and repair.

What are results?

1.    Accelerated healing
2.    Less scar tissue build up
3.    Pain is controlled or disappears
4.    Healthier tissue
5.    Normal colouration returning to skin

Is MLD applied over the affected area?
No.  MLD is not applied directly over the wounded area.  It is applied proximal (adjacent) to the affected area.  It facilitates the surrounding healthy lymph vessels to pump with increased frequency and greater amplitude.  The chain reaction of pumping will stimulate the lymph vessels located at the affected site to decongest the damaged tissue.

by Rachel Shiu RMT, MLD Therapist