18 Questions
What is the primary aim of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
To redirect lymph fluid away from swollen areas towards the healthy lymphatics
Which of the following is NOT a contraindication for receiving MLD treatment?
Acute injuries
How long does a typical MLD session last?
30-60 minutes
Which of the following areas of the body can MLD be particularly useful for when swelling is present?
Abdomen and genitals
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of MLD?
Increasing swelling in the treated area
Which of the following is NOT a key component of lymphedema management?
Radiation therapy
What is the primary mechanism by which manual lymph drainage aids in fluid removal?
It stimulates superficial lymphatic vessels to remove excess interstitial fluid
Which of the following is NOT a component of complete decongestive therapy (CDT)?
Liposuction
What is the purpose of manual lymph drainage in the context of complete decongestive therapy?
To improve fluid removal from congested areas where lymphatics are not working properly
During the Phase I (Reductive) stage of CDT, how often is treatment typically performed?
Daily (5 days/week)
Which of the following statements about manual lymph drainage is NOT true?
It is performed by untrained individuals
What is the second mechanism by which manual lymph drainage aids in fluid removal?
It moves fluid through subepidermal channels formed when lymphatics are damaged
What is the main purpose of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) in the context of lymphedema?
To measure the resistance to electrical current in the limb
What is the purpose of tonometry in assessing lymphedema?
To evaluate the degree of firmness or fibrosis in tissues
How does lymphedema affect skin texture according to the text?
It leads to skin inflammation and hardening
What does Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for lymphedema consist of?
Initial reductive phase followed by a maintenance phase
Which method is used to determine if more fluid exists in a limb compared to its counterpart?
Bioimpedance Spectroscopy
What is the primary goal of Phase I in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?
Improving skin texture and reducing limb size
Study Notes
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- A component of lymphedema management, often used with skin care, compression garments, exercise, and multi-layer lymphedema bandaging (MLLB)
- Not a cure, but part of a treatment program
- Involves light, rhythmic, and pumping hand movements to stretch skin and stimulate lymphatic system to drain more efficiently
Goals of MLD
- Redirect lymph fluid away from swollen areas to healthy lymphatics
- Useful for areas where compression garments can't be worn (e.g., armpit, breast, chest, back, abdomen, genitals, head, and neck)
- Reduce hardness of tissues (fibrosis)
- Improve scar condition
- Help reduce pain/discomfort
Contraindications of MLD
- Active cancer treatment (e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
- Acute infection or recent history of thrombosis, tuberculosis, or untreated heart problems
- Chronic Heart Failure
- Fever
- Local infection
- Swollen lymph glands
- Red streaks from infection site to lymph nodes
- Acute inflammation
- Acute injuries
- Recent surgery
- Rash
- Skin infections
- Open wounds
MLD Treatment Duration and Frequency
- Individual sessions vary, but generally take 30-60 minutes
- Goals of treatment:
- Decrease swelling
- Increase lymph drainage from congested areas
- Reduce skin fibrosis and improve skin condition
- Enhance patient's functional status
- Relieve discomfort and improve quality of life
- Reduce risk of cellulitis
Components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
- Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
- Compression Bandaging
- Compression Garments
- Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy (IPC)
- Lymphatic Exercise
- Skin Care
- Aquatic Exercise
- Education in Lymphedema Self-Management
Phases of CDT
- Phase I (Reductive): Daily treatment (5 days/week) until fluid volume reaches a plateau (3-8 weeks)
- Phase II: Self-management program including self-lymph home lymphatic exercises, skin care, and compression garments or bandages
Effect of CDT
- Reduce fluid volume
- Improve skin condition
- Enhance functional status
- Relieve discomfort and improve quality of life
- Reduce risk of cellulitis
Learn about manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) as an aspect of lymphedema management, which involves light, rhythmical hand movements to stimulate the lymphatic system. Understand how MLD works in combination with other treatments for lymphedema.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
