 
Kathleen McLoughlin PT |
 
Dr. Vodder Schule - Walchsee |
| Effects of MLD® |
 |
|
|
| Applications |
|
|
| The
effects of Manual Lymph Drainage are numerous and generally
it effects the nervous system, smooth muscles, fluid movement
in the connective tissue and may have an effect on the immune
system (though this has not yet been proven). Through the
pumping and stretching effect on the lymph vessels, the Dr.
Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage stimulates the contraction
of lymph vessels, helping to move the lymph forward and drain
the connective tissue. Scientific research in Europe (Hutzschenreuter,
Mislin, Földi, et al.) has made this a well researched
therapeutic technique.. |
|
Treatment
is performed by certified Manual Lymph Drainage therapists
who have undergone the four week, post-graduate, training
program. Manual Lymph Drainage can be utilized in the treatment
of many different conditions including:
- Primary and Secondary Lymphedema
- Venous insufficiency
- Non-infected inflammatory conditions (e.g. sprains and
strains)
- Ulceration
- Dermatological conditions
- Circulatory disturbances
- Sports injuries
- RSD
- Burns
- Pre- and post- plastic surgery
|
| Lymph Vessel System |
|
|
| The
lymph vessel system carries excess water, proteins and
wastes from the connective tissue back to the blood stream.
During the transportation process the lymph is cleaned, filtered
and concentrated. Many immune reactions occur in the lymph
nodes. If the pathways become congested, blocked, damaged
or severed, then fluids can build up in the connective tissue
leading to edema. Eventually cell pathology may begin. If
there is damage in the connective tissue (e.g. burns, chronic
inflammation, ulceration, hematoma), then the lymph vessel
system must transport the damaged cells, inflammatory products
and toxins away from the area. The quicker this can happen,
the faster recovery will be. |
| History |
|
|
| Emil
and Estrid Vodder, Danish physical therapists practicing in
France, developed Manual Lymph Drainage techniques in the
1930’s. They carried out much investigation on the lymph
vessel system and developed a series of light, rhythmic manipulations
in order to stimulate lymph flow and fluid movement. Encouraged
by their success with patients, they developed a systematic
approach to treatment of the entire body which they called
'Manual Lymph Drainage'. Later, they established the Dr. Vodder
Center in Denmark and began teaching their method throughout
Europe. They designated Hildegard and Günther Wittlinger
in Austria to be their successors and to teach and to train
teachers in this method. In 1971, the Wittlingers established
the Dr. Vodder Schule in Walchsee, Austria – now an
internationally recognized study center for the method. They
brought the Dr. Vodder method to North America in the 1970's
and established the Dr. Vodder method as the premier lymphatic
drainage technique. The Dr. Vodder School – North America
was established in 1994 to meet the growing demand for properly
trained MLD/CDT therapists. The Vodder Center, Denmark and
the Dr. Vodder Schule - Austria have authorized the Dr. Vodder
School - North America as the only school in North America
to teach the original Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage.
The director, Robert Harris, began his training with the Wittlingers
in 1983 and lectures internationally on the Dr. Vodder method
of Manual Lymph Drainage. |
|
