Manual Lymph Drainage - What's The Evidence?

Dr Toby Murcott, former BBC science correspondent
The Times, Body & Soul
27th March 2004

Can MLD reduce lymphoedema? Emphatically, yes. The technique is widely used all over the world to help reduce the swelling caused by lymphoedema. MLD is one of the four elements of the conventional treatment for the condition, known collectively as decongestive lymphatic therapy. It consists of skincare, constriction bandaging, MLD and exercise - all designed to encourage the fluid that causes the swelling to flow back into the body and ultimately to return to the blood.

How common is lymphoedema? Up to one in four women who have had surgery for breast cancer develop lymphoedema and it is also common after other types of cancer treatment. Cancer cells are often found in lymph nodes so surgeons remove them to be sure of getting rid of the cancer. However, this can damage the lymph system, which is no longer able to drain fluids from the tissues so it gathers and produces the swelling of lymphoedema.

What else is MLD good for? Some practitioners claim that MLD can help a large number of different conditions, but the evidence is far less clear. However, just because the research hasn't been done does not mean that MLD is ineffective.

Could it work for other conditions? The lymph system is part of the immune system. The lymph system also carries waste products away from the tissues, so encouraging good drainage could help our cells function better, but again this is fairly speculative.

Are there other effects of MLD? MLD is a sophisticated type of massage and it is well established that massage can reduce stress. This effect may be partly responsible for any improvements in health as a result of receiving MLD. And never ignore the feeling of wellbeing produced by a good massage.