What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage ("MLD")?
MLD was developed in the 1930s to stimulate the lymphatic system to work more efficiently thereby boosting the immune system, clearing blockages, improving circulation and increasing metabolism. If the system does not function efficiently it leaves us feeling sluggish and more susceptible to illness.
MLD is especially useful for individuals who seem to suffer regularly from common illnesses like colds and flu, those who lead sedentary lifestyles, or those who want to reduce puffiness or swelling. It has been cited as having a positive effect on cellulite, problem skin, dysfunctional respiratory systems and people with low energy.
MLD is carried out by a specialist practitioner using a very light pressure combined with soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes, and doesn't cause any discomfort. MLD can also be used in conjunction with kinesiology taping. A treatment can take anywhere from 30 minutes focused on one area and up to two hours if working on the whole body.
What is Oncology Massage?
Massage for people living with cancer (inaccurately labelled Oncology Massage) is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Many of the changes that will be made to your session may be imperceptible to you (and others may be quite obvious), but they are essential to safety and the proper support of your well being.
You should avoid general massage therapy to your arms or legs if they are swollen because of lymphoedema, which is a build up of fluid due to the lymphatic system not draining properly. This might be a result of surgery to remove the lymph nodes, or damage to the lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels from radiotherapy as part of cancer treatment.
Essential aspects of the therapist's skill set for this treatment are an informed understanding of cancer itself and the many ways it can affect the human body; the side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation; and the ability to modify massage techniques in order to adapt for these side effects, as well as for the condition.
These treatments can have many benefits including:
MLD should not be used by people with HIV / Aids, malignant tumours, thrombosis and major heart problems. Because of its effect on the immune system, people with cancer, diabetes, thyroid or kidney problems, asthma or epilepsy should seek medical advice before treatment. We also advise you not to have treatment while menstruating.
The simple answer is NO. For years the fear that massage could spread cancer prevented therapists from working with clients with cancer and cancer histories. “Massage of a solid tumour site should be avoided, but there is more to a person than a tumour site,” according to oncology massage specialist Tracy Walton. Medical research backs this up with evidence, with researchers and patients reporting multiple benefits of oncology massage treatment.
Yes! A properly trained oncology massage therapist can provide safe and effective massage for any person at any stage of their cancer journey: during and after treatment, in remission, cure or at the end of life. Oncology massage is a complementary therapy (not meant to replace conventional medical care, but to work along side it).
There is no scientific evidence that massage can treat cancer. But it is commonly used to help people feel better, and to reduce some cancer symptoms and treatment side effects. People with cancer should avoid very deep massage, gentler types may be safer. Some people worry that having a massage when you have cancer may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body, but no research has proved this to be true. Always talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse before using any type of massage therapy. Avoid massaging any area of your body where you are having radiotherapy to. And don’t have massage to areas where your skin is broken, bleeding or bruised.
You should avoid general massage therapy to your arms or legs if they are swollen because of lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a build up of fluid due to the lymphatic system not draining properly. This might be a result of surgery to remove the lymph nodes, or damage to the lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels from radiotherapy.
There is a specific type of massage used for lymphoedema called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). This is a very specialised treatment and people who need MLD are referred to a lymphoedema specialist by their doctor or specialist nurse.
A patient living with cancer should always consult their doctor when considering oncology massage, but there is a second step of finding the right massage therapist. Just because a doctor has given permission does not mean that any massage therapist is right for the job, and we believe it is essential to be specially trained in Oncology Massage.
Even with a doctor’s consent a client should only see a trained oncology massage therapist who will know the appropriate questions to ask to make safe adjustments to the massage and who will often include the doctor in the massage care plan conversation.