After undergoing surgery, your body needs time to heal and recover. One aspect of this recovery process that is often overlooked is the lymphatic system, which can become sluggish or even blocked after surgery. This can lead to swelling, discomfort, and other complications. That’s where manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) comes in.
MLD is a type of massage therapy that is specifically designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote lymphatic flow. It involves gentle, rhythmic movements that help to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and enhance the immune system’s ability to heal and repair the body.
Here are some of the key reasons why MLD is important after surgery:
- Reduces swelling: After surgery, the affected area can become swollen and uncomfortable. MLD can help to reduce this swelling by promoting lymphatic flow and clearing away excess fluid from the affected area.
- Improves circulation: MLD can also help to improve circulation to the affected area, which can promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
- Enhances immune function: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the immune system’s ability to fight infection and disease. By promoting lymphatic flow, MLD can help to enhance immune function and improve the body’s ability to heal and recover.
- Reduces pain and discomfort: Surgery can be painful, and MLD can help to alleviate some of this pain and discomfort by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the affected area.
- Speeds up recovery time: By promoting healing and reducing swelling, MLD can help to speed up the recovery time after surgery, allowing you to return to your normal activities more quickly.
Overall, MLD is an important part of the recovery process after surgery. By promoting lymphatic flow and reducing swelling, it can help to enhance immune function, improve circulation, and speed up the healing process. If you’re planning to undergo surgery, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about incorporating MLD into your post-surgical recovery plan.