Information on Lymphoedema and Lymphatic Drainage Massage
for Doctors & General Practitioners

The following information is extracted from 'Lymphatic Drainage Massage' (Posniak S., 'Principles and Practice of Opthalmic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery', W.B. Saunders & Co. 1996, Chapter 62).

Lymphatic drainage massage (LMD), commonly known as the Vodder Method, is a physical technique that assists the movement of lymphatic fluid in the body tissue. It was developed in the 1930s by Drs Emil and Estrid Vodder when they observed that individuals with lymphadenopathy secondary to upper respiratory infections could benefit from gently massage of these swollen lymph nodes.

The best description of the function of the lymphatic system has been provided by Ryan (Ryan, T.J. Lymphatics of the Skin. In Jarret A. (ed): The Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Skin, Vol 5, London, Academic Press, 1978, p 1756).

'The lymphatics are the drains that take away the debris and excesses of daily wear and tear in the tissues. While there are incinerators everywhere in the form of macrophages, even these need a disposal system for their ashes. The lymphatics, by draining into lymph nodes, ensure that any kind of peripheral pollution is monitored and adequately dealt with by the mobile team of specifically programmed cells. The lymphatics are essential channels for the return of protein and cells from the tissues into the blood stream.'

MLD has long been used in Europe but is not so common in other parts of the world. Although not a panacea, it is a useful treatment modality that deserves serious attention.


TABLE 62-1

Indications for Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

• Trauma induced swelling
• Injuries such as sprains, strains, hematomas and bruises
• Postsurgical edema, particularly postmastectomy lymphoedema
• Edema of the extremities, radiation edema

Chronic inflammatory disorders

• Arthritic swellings, bursitis, tendinitis
• Cellulitis
• Scar tissue

Dermatologic conditions

• Acne
• Noninflammatory atopic dermatitis
• Rosacea

TABLE 62-2

Contraindications for the use of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

• Any acute inflammatory condition
• Metastatic carcinoma
• Cardiac edema
• Thrombosis
• Certain metabolic disorders such as thyroid disease

Useful Links

For more information about Manual Lymph Drainage and the Vodder method, please visit Dr Vodder's site, www.vodderschool.com .

For more information on Australian research into the lymphatic system, including the DVD, The Vital Essence: Understanding the Lymphatic System in Health and Disease', please contact Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia.

Telephone: 618 8204 4951
Fax: 618 8204 5596
Information Link: www.flinders.sa.gov.au/lymphoedema


Christina Pfitzner is a Certified Therapist in Dr Vodder's Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy. She is an Accredited Member of AAMT, ATMS, AVTA, a Certified Remedial Therapist, and holds an Associate Diploma of Aromatherapy. She offers professional MLD treatment using the Vodder method from her clinic in Glen Waverley, Melbourne.

If you are a doctor, clinician or GP and would like to find out more about how MLD can benefit your patients, please contact Christina by completing the contact form.

Phone: (03) 9560 8036 Mobile: 0409 054 476 or use my Contact Form

'We are all meant to be well'