Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Certified manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) by a specialist lymphotherapist at MEDIKAP Pardubice, performed under the medical supervision of MUDr. Natálie Kaplanová. Manual lymphatic drainage uses very light, rhythmic skin-stretching strokes in the direction of lymphatic flow to stimulate the superficial lymphatic collectors and facilitate fluid transport from congested peripheral tissues. Unlike conventional massage, MLD avoids deep tissue pressure — the lymphatic capillaries lie just under the dermis and require gentle, repetitive stretching rather than force. Available for lower limbs (750 Kč) or face and neck (900 Kč); primarily indicated for lymphoedema and post-operative swelling, but also used for facial puffiness and sinus congestion.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) at MEDIKAP is performed by a certified lymphotherapist working within a medical dermatology practice — a distinction that matters for patients seeking MLD for a medical indication (post-mastectomy lymphoedema, post-surgical swelling, lipoedema) rather than relaxation. The technique was developed by Danish physiotherapist Emil Vodder in the 1930s and systematised into several clinical schools (Vodder, Földi, Casley-Smith). At MEDIKAP, the certified lymphotherapist performs treatment according to clinical training, with the exact protocol adapted to the indication. MLD uses exceptionally light, repetitive strokes — typically applying only 30–40 mmHg of skin pressure — in a proximal-to-distal clearing sequence before returning to the distal affected zone. This order ensures the receiving lymphatic collectors are unloaded before the peripheral tissues are encouraged to drain. The superficial lymphatic capillaries that MLD targets are only 1–2 cell layers thick; heavy pressure would compress rather than stimulate them. The lymphotherapist typically begins each session by clearing the cervical lymph nodes and trunk collectors before working down to the affected limb. Sessions covering the lower limbs take 30–45 minutes; face and neck sessions take 30–40 minutes. Face and neck MLD (900 Kč) is indicated for facial oedema (e.g., post-procedure swelling, sinus-related puffiness, post-rhinoplasty), post-facial surgery recovery, and as an adjunct to aesthetic procedures. Lower limb MLD (750 Kč) addresses lymphoedema, post-surgical lower limb swelling, lipoedema, venous oedema, and heavy legs. MLD is frequently combined with the Lymfoven machine drainage for intensive treatment phases: MLD is performed first to decongest the proximal lymph nodes; Lymfoven then assists distal propulsion. In complex lymphoedema management, MLD may also be combined with compression bandaging and skin care. Contraindications include active infection in the drainage area, active malignancy in the region, acute cardiac failure, acute DVT, and recent abdominal/pelvic surgery without medical clearance.