Questions about MLD

[Gazania]

I watched the self-care for Lower Extremity LE and learned so much more about caring for my leg.

I was wondering if the lymph system would be hurt if MLD was performed more than once or twice a day. Some days, I have a lot of down time, where I am just sitting /waiting for the next thing to do. Since I have it in one leg, and the leg is wrapped, would it hurt to open the valves in my upper body various times during the day, then do the total MLD in the morning and evening?

Also, is it okay to do the massage on the leg that isn't affected, or will that cause the lymph glands to quit working without the MLD?

[Alma]

Dear Gazania,

There is a simple answer to your first question: No the lymph system won't be hurt if MLD was performed more than once or twice a day. On the days that you have a lot of down time, you can perform self massage and open the valves in your upper body and in the other leg a couple of times extra. It won't hurt at all as long as you are doing it light and with intention.

To answer your second question. From research it is known that there is even a reduction of volume when the unaffected leg only is massaged. Feel free to massage the unaffected leg when the affected leg is wrapped, for example. Massaging the unaffected site stimulates these well working nodes to function even better and this creates a suction affect that helps drain the affected leg.

I wish you well,

Alma Vinje-Harrewijn PT CLT-LANA