Pregnancy brings many wonderful changes, but it can also bring some discomfort as the body adapts to a growing baby. Swelling, heaviness in the legs, water retention, and aching joints are all common. One treatment that is safe, gentle, and highly effective in reducing these symptoms is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Fitzroy North, I provide customised pregnancy lymphatic drainage treatments designed to reduce swelling, support circulation, and help you feel your best during each stage of pregnancy. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits, safety considerations, positioning, and when lymphatic drainage may or may not be recommended. What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Pregnancy? Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system. This improves the movement of lymph fluid, helping the body eliminate unwanted substances, reduce fluid retention, and improve overall well-being. Manual lymphatic drainage is beneficial for pregnant individuals (Cataldo Oportus et al., 2013), particularly for managing swelling, improving circulation, and supporting relaxation. Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage During Pregnancy 1. Reduction of Swelling (Oedema) Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet is extremely common in pregnancy due to increased pressure on the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Lymphatic drainage helps move fluid away from congested areas, relieving discomfort and heaviness. 2. Relief from Pregnancy-Related Back Pain During pregnancy, the increasing weight can affect posture and strain the back. Lymphatic drainage, performed in a comfortable side-lying position, helps reduce tension through its profound relaxation effect. 3. Improved Circulation Changes in blood volume and circulation during pregnancy can cause fluid retention and fatigue. Lymphatic drainage promotes healthy blood and lymph flow, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to both mother and baby. 4. Mental and Emotional Well-being One of the most underestimated benefits of lymphatic drainage is how deeply relaxing it is. Better sleep, reduced stress, and a sense of lightness are very common outcomes. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, I usually deliver pregnancy lymphatic drainage in a seated or semi-reclined position using a hydraulic table, which allows maximum comfort and safety throughout the treatment. FAQ – Pregnancy Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Melbourne Reference Cataldo Oportus, S., de Paiva Rodrigues, L., Pereira de Godoy, J. M., & Guerreiro Godoy, M. de F. (2013). Lymph Drainage in Pregnant Women. Nursing Research and Practice, 2013, 1–3.
Tag Archives: Pregnancy
Blog
Lymphoedema Compression Levels: Understanding mmHg in Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is essential for lymphoedema management, and therefore, is worth it write a blog [...]
Continue readingJan
Blog
Lymphoedema Compressions: Circular Knit vs Flat Knit
Once you have been diagnosed with lymphoedema (also known as lymphedema), you will soon learn that [...]
Continue readingJan
Blog
Face Swelling After Rhinoplasty: What You Should Know
Along with many types of post-cosmetic surgery presentations I get to work with, Rhinoplasty can [...]
1 Comment
Continue readingJan
Blog
Elbow Tendinopathy Rehab: What You Should Know About It?
Elbow tendinopathy, whether it presents as tennis elbow (lateral elbow pain) or golfer’s elbow (medial [...]
Continue readingDec
Blog
Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage vs Vodder MLD
As a therapist who works with Lymphatic Massage in Fitzroy North and post-cosmetic-surgery patients, I [...]
Continue readingDec
Sep
Preeclampsia is a condition that can affect pregnant women. Preeclampsia is a severe condition of pregnancy, most of the time characterised by: high blood pressure protein in the urine severe swelling Most women who suffer from preeclampsia are unaware of this condition, which is why continuous monitoring during pregnancy is so important. There is no cure for this condition, and the only step it can be taken to prevent the death of the mother the baby is to deliver the baby by opting for a C-section birth. What happens during preeclampsia? What does happen during preeclampsia is that the blood pressure increase to a dangerous level. The consequences can be catastrophic for both the mother and the baby. Indeed, the mother’s organs, such as the liver, kidney, heart and brain, are in great danger. The increase of protein in the urine also cand puts the kidney and liver in danger. How can MLD help with a preeclampsia presentation? In this case, MLD would not be applied to reduce preeclampsia. Still, it can be used when the baby is delivered, and there is a need to reduce the swelling postpartum that eventually would build up in the legs and abdominal area after the C-Section. On the other hand, MLD would also help scar healing by moving fluid away from the scar tissue and reducing the swelling around the scar itself. Said so, as you may already read in other blog posts about MLD, liver and kidney failure are absolute contraindications, and condition as high blood pressure too can be a partial contraindications. Indeed, before starting any treatment, the “good to go” from the doctor would be needed in this case. How would MLD be applied after the C-section? In regards to the type of approach needed in this case, the MLD session would start by: Working on the neck and terminus area Applied MLD on the abdominal area to clear off the Cisterna Chyli And finally, MLD along both leg A simple sequence would be used because a wound is still there when doing MLD on the legs. I would not recommend that the client lies in a side position, which could hurt the wound. So when should I come in for my first session? If the doctors reckon that your liver and kidney are functioning at 100% and your blood pressure has decreased since giving birth, you can start receiving MLD immediately. I already had a client, who had preeclampsia, and thanks to the suggestion of the nurses they book in their session just 10 days after the birth. After just one session, they realised how the swelling was reducing. Said so, it can take longer to reduce the swelling down to the desired level. What else can be done in combination with MLD? In combination with MLD, I am walking and staying active help. Also, lots of water is always highly recommended, especially after an MLD session. In conclusion, if you need an MLD treatment due to Preeclampsia or other body swellings, and you have no Liver or kidney conditions or DVT, MLD is the treatment that does for you. Then click here to book your next session. Or click here if you have any enquiries about MLD or Melbourne Massage and Treatment services.
Aug
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that opens into the hand. The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel and gives feeling to the 2nd through the 4th finger (the medial half of it). Carpal tunnel is a condition that affects any gender, and the prevalent of people affected by this condition, are people who do repetitive movements with their hands and arm. Carpal tunnel Symptoms Numbness Pins and needles in the hand Pain, particularly at night Darting pains from the wrist Radiated or referred pain in the arm and shoulder Weakness of the hand The little finger and half of the ring finger are unaffected. Causes of Carpal Tunnel Presentation Occasionally there is no clear cause for Carpal Tunnel. Said so, sometimes there is a combination of factors such as: Arthritis – C.T. is a consequence of inflammation and swelling Pregnancy – During the pregnancy period, given the increase of hormones, the body tends to retain more fluid, which can compress the median nerve and replicate CT symptoms. Genetics – some people can have smaller carpal tunnel Overuse injury – as previously mentioned, repetitive movement and overload of the wrist can lead to CT syndrome Treatment options Along with different treatment options, massage is the first non-invasive approach someone can try for carpal tunnel. As soon as the symptoms show up, it would be wise to go and see a massage therapist. Techniques such as Remedial Massage, Myotherapy can easily address the problem and alleviate the pain. Depending on the presentation and the cause of the carpobual tunnel, even Applied MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) can be an ideal treatment option. Along the physical therapy, rest is highly recommended, and exercises, as often happen, play the main role. To prevent pain from wrist movement, a splint can help. Other treatment options. Surgery is a standard alternative option for Carpal Tunnel. It is a common intervention and can be done on both hands simultaneously. The patient can choose to go for local or general anaesthesia. Surgery for Carpal Tunnel involves a cut along the palm and the wrist. The surgeon then cuts the ligament to reduce pressure on the underlying median nerve. Once the skin gets stitched back, the ligaments heal themselves, and the new scar would not put so much pressure on the median nerve. Even though the surgery is easy, it can have some complications, like swelling and damage to the median or ulnar nerve. Also, if the ligament was not cut completely, it would still apply pressure on the Median Nerve, and a second surgery would be needed.