Post Operative and Injury Recovery Edmonton
In Step Physical Therapy Centre uses the application of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) techniques together with therapeutic massage to treat post-operative orthopedic and plastic surgery procedures, chronic pain, motor vehicle accidents, and general injury recovery
Stimulation of the lymphatic system increases the rate at which the body removes waste, dead cell particles, and inflammatory agents from our tissue. Accelerating the lymphatic flow has been demonstrated to reduce swelling and bruising in the injured region. Studies indicate that as the volume of fluid at the injury site is reduced rehabilitation time may be shortened.
At the core of our treatment is a specific massage technique known as Manual Lymph Drainage. MLD is a gentle rhythmical massage that acts on both the lymphatic and nervous systems. It has been shown to increase lymph flow in the lymphatic channels by up to ten times normal levels – channeling the fluid into an effective drainage route. In addition to acting on the lymphatic system, MLD reduces sympathetic nervous system activity allowing the parasympathetic system to be predominant. Parasympathetic nerves innervate smooth muscle in the body. As the lymph pre-collector and collector vessels are wrapped with smooth muscle, the Manual Lymph Drainage MLD technique can thereby stimulate these muscles to contract further increasing lymph flow.
Due to MLD being such a gentle technique, treatment sessions can safely begin within the first 24 hours following an injury. Early treatment increases the likelihood of reduced swelling, bruising and pain, and therefore may improve the rate of healing.
Absolute & Relative Contra-Indications
Contra-indications are conditions or factors that serve as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment. Due to the effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in accelerating lymph flow there are a number of health concerns that do not allow individuals to receive MLD. If you are experiencing any of the following situations please discuss these with a physiotherapist prior to receiving any treatment:
- Untreated Malignant Diseases
- Acute Inflammations
- Recent Thrombosis
- Cardiac Insufficiency
- Renal Failure
