​When is Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not suitable

A contraindication is when the treatment maybe detrimental to your health due to an existing health condition. Contraindications can either be absolute or relative. Your GP/specialist can override relative contraindications if they find that there would be no/low risk but an absolute contraindication cannot be overridden. 
These contraindications are in place because MLD treatment increases the flow of fluid around the body and can further aggravate an existing medical problem.

Absolute Contraindications :

• Acute inflammation - caused by an antigen - bacteria, viruses and poisons are contraindicated. Tissues will be red, hot, and painful with congestion accompanied by fever. Lymphatic drainage will push these substances into the lymph channels before the body has a chance to eliminate them. This way one can spread the toxic substances throughout the body. It is best to wait a few days until the condition is not acute and the body has had a chance to clean up the area.
• Acute Phlebitis - inflammation of the vein.
• Malignant tumours/disease – including tumour recurrence or metastases. There is a fear of spreading the cancer. Treated cancers ok to proceed with MLD with oncology and specialists notes regarding treatment received. Note: if palliative then proceeding with MLD to reduce symptoms/oedemas is consented by patient/specialist/GP.
• Acute Thrombosis – can lead to free floating blood clots in the circulatory system. If treated thrombus ok to proceed with MLD
• Congestive heart problems – if the heart is not fully functioning, oedema can be lymphodynamic due to a lack of venous return. Pumping more fluid in the heart it may stress it more than the actual condition.

Relative Indications/Precautions - may require a shortened session first:

• Kidney problems – check with GP before treating.
• Auto-Immune diseases - start with a shortened session first in a remitted state. 30-45 minutes.
• Bronchial asthma – this can stimulate the vagus nerve. Being with shortened treatment 30-45minutes. Sternal treatment omitted.
• Thyroid problems – hypo/hyperthyroidism reduced treatment around the throat.
• Medications – can affect your body needs to increase dosage by draining the interstitial spaces.
• Chemotherapy – increasing the dosage by draining the interstitial spaces.
• First three months of pregnancy – no treatment Ist trimester if history of miscarriage.
• Menstruation/Endiometriosis/polycystic ovaries – assessment as MLD can increase the flow.
• Cortisone Injections - no treatment advised directly following injection.
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)/Diabetes - may require a shortened treatment 30-45minutes.

If you have any concerns regarding MLD treatment, please don't hesitate to contact Lesley at the clinic on (027) 453 6341