Manual Lymphatic Drainage Contraindications
Please review the following and notify the therapist before your session if you have any conditions listed below:
Absolute Contraindications (MLD is not safe at this time)
Acute infections: Fever, chills, inflammation of the skin, or other illnesses like flu. MLD may exacerbate symptoms.
Renal failure: kidneys not functioning properly.
Cardiac edema: there is no therapeutic benefit of MLD/CDT in the treatment of swellings caused by decompensated cardiac insufficiency.
Acute Bronchitis: the parasympathetic effect of MLD may make symptoms worse by causing bronchial contractions.
Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis: local contraindication of MLD on the affected limb, and also the abdominal area.
Malignant tumors/disease: requires close cooperation with the referring physician, and is appropriate for palliative care.
Hypertension: MLD /CDT may be applied if cardiac functions are monitored.
Local absolute contraindications for neck area
Carotid-sinus syndrome: hypersensitivity of pressure receptors may cause cardiac arrhythmia.
Hyperthyroidism: manipulations on the neck may accelerate release of thyroid hormones and/or medications into the blood.
Age: patients older than 60 may have an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Local absolute contraindications for abdominal area
Pregnancy
Diverticulitis
Ileus
Dysmenorrhea
Aortic aneurysm
Recent abdominal surgery (less than 1 year)
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Inflammatory conditions of the small and large intestine (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis)
Radiation fibrosis, radiation cystitis and radiation colitis
Unexplained pain
Children under age 12
Relative Contraindications/Precautions:
Kidney problems: get approval from your General Physician before receiving treatment.
Bronchial asthma – Bring inhaler to treatments, which will start at 20 minutes each and increase by 5-10 minutes per session.
Chemotherapy – will need physician referral as it may drain interstitial spaces of treatment.
First three months of pregnancy – no treatment 1st trimester if history of miscarriage.
Endometriosis/polycystic ovaries – will need physician assessment as MLD may increase the flow.
Hypotension (low blood pressure)/Diabetes - may require a shortened treatment 30-45 minutes.
Menstruation - Caution recommended as MLD may increase the flow.
&npsp;