Traditionally people with fibromyalgia have often been advised to work with a massage therapist as part of a holistic approach to their treatment. This involved the deeper manipulation of the muscles under the skin’s surface, including, in some cases, a true deep muscle massage.
More recently there has been increased interest in another type of manipulation for the patients. This therapeutic option, known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is very different than massage but is producing positive results for a great number of patients. There are also studies on the use of MLD demonstrating it provides relief from chronic pain and stiffness, improves sleep quality and results in higher levels of overall health and well-being.
What Is MLD?
As mentioned above, MLD is a manipulation of the skin, through specific movements to slightly stretch and release just the surface of the skin. This allows for stimulation of the lymphatic system, increasing lymph flow in the area, and the movement associated with the particular stroke used directs the lymph along the lymph system.
This approach relieves the pain and swelling of the limbs or the trunk of the body, reducing the pain and stiffness caused by the condition. As it is not massage, the tenderness and pain associated with the deep muscle manipulation is not an issue for patients, allowing them to participate in the therapy without any associated discomfort.
To compare the difference think of massage as kneading bread. It is often a very similar movement, and it requires considerable pressure from the hands of the therapist. When undergoing manual lymphatic drainage the pressure applied is just a light stroke, about the same as you would use to caress a newborn.
Other Conditions
In addition to fibromyalgia, other chronic types of painful conditions and syndromes are also good candidates for the use of manual lymphatic drainage. These can include migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and chronic infections of the ear, nose, and throat.
MLD can be used as part of a holistic approach to healing when there is swelling present and problems with the natural flow of lymph through the body. The trained professional will carefully select the right technique of stroke to stimulate the lymph system in the affected area of the body. With more research and increasing awareness of this therapy, it is more commonly recommended as a treatment for an ever increasing range of chronic and acute health conditions.
