The Importance of Manual Lymph Drainage in Cosmetic Surgery
The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is crucial to our body's ability to drain fluids, filter out toxins, regenerate healthy tissue and maintain a sound immune system. The lymphatic system is a highly complex system composed primarily of a vast network of lymph capillaries, vessels, and nodes working together to accomplish these tasks.
Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the heart to pump and circulate blood flow, the lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular lymphangious contracting throughout the body to move the lymph. These tiny pumps enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (toxins, hormones, fatty acids, proteins, immune cells) to the lymph nodes. This process can be impaired or stopped, however, due to fatigue, stress, infections, chemicals, lack of physical activity, age, or substantial swelling. When the lymph circulation is hindered, fluids and toxins accumulate and stagnate, and cellular function is significantly compromised. This slows the healing process, opens the way to physical disorders and may hasten the aging process.
How M.D.L. Therapy is Performed
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a hands-on massage technique designed to activate, stimulate, and cleanse the lymphatic system. M.L.D. applies subtle manual wavelike movements to aid in the recirculation of lymphatic fluid flow. The pressure applied is very light and gentle; generally around five grams. Trained M.L.D. therapists are able to detect the specific rhythm, depth, direction, and quality of lymph flow. With this knowledge they can use their hands to assess the lymphatic circulation and determine the best pathways for draining and stimulating lymph flow.
The Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage -Pre and Post- Surgical Applications
Regeneration of lymphatic vessels:
Begins after 24 hours
Maximum regeneration attained on day 14, by comparison maximum venous regeneration occurs by day 12.
Local lymphedema may occur in the wound during and after scarring.
Pre-Surgery Benefits of M.L.D. Therapy
One to five M.L.D. sessions are recommended.
Prepares tissue for surgery, alleviates existing edema, allowing surgery to be scheduled sooner, detoxifies tissue, stimulate the immune system: accelerates production of lymphocytes, induces a state of relaxation, promoting parasympathetic responce.
Post-Surgery Benefits of M.L.D. Therapy
Performed as soon as 24 hours after surgery.
Alleviates post-surgery edema, helps stimulate temporary rerouting of lymphatics, reduces pain, alleviates spasms, detoxifies; helping reverse buildup of toxins secondary to effects of medication and immobilization, stimulates immune system and helps prevent post-surgical infections, improves skin regeneration and wound healing, and optimizes the searing process, may help to prevent the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scars.
History of Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an original massage technique developed by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930's in Cannes, France. First used on patients suffering from chronic sinusitis and acne, Dr. Vodder found that by manually applying precise amounts of pressure on the skin and lightly massaging it in rhythmical spiral-like movements, the symptoms resolved. Encouraged by these successes, Dr. Vodder compiled a systematic series of precise massage movements for all parts of the body calling this method "Manual Lymph Drainage."
At the beginning of World War II the Vodders returned to their native Denmark and started the Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 1971 a Dr. Vodden School was founded in Walchsee, Austria, under the direction of Guenthre & Hildegard Wittlinger, who were designated personally by Dr. Vodder as his successors. They established the Wittlingers Alphenbad Clinic in 1971 for the treatment of lymph edema patients throughout Europe. The clinic is still in practice today.
Today lymph drainage therapy is employed as standard scientific practice throughout Europe and continues to gain recognition in the United States.
Donna Verfaillie, L.M.T.
Ms. Verfaillie graduated in 1976 from Amould Taylor Therapy College in London, England. She earned her certification in massage therapy from Lindsey Hopkins Massage School in Miami, Florida in 1978. Ms. Verfaillie has over 28 years of clinical and supervisory experience in a variety of medical practices.
Ms. Verfaillie's postgraduate studies include: Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Schule); Traditional Chinese Medicine; Neuromuscular Massage; Cranial-Sacral Therapy; Thai Massage, Pre-Natal - Post-Partum Massage and Aquatic Therapy.
Ms. Verfaillie developed the first Manual Lymph Drainage (M.L.D.) protocol for post-operative and cancer patients on the Treasure Coast.
Donna enjoys an active lifestyle that includes; yoga instructor, Tai Chi Chuan and Qugong practitioner, Trans-America bicyclist, massage instructor, and wellness educator.
Donna strives to provide a holistic approach to rehabilitation, combining the wisdom of Eastern medicine with traditional massage and physical therapy.
