Self Lymphatic Drainage (SLD)
What is SLD?
Self Lymphatic Drainage (SLD) can be a helpful tool in the successful management of lymphoedema.
It is used to assist draining the congested lymphatic fluid to an area it can flow easier. SLD usually forms part of your daily lymphoedema management but not everyone needs this. If fact, if you don’t need it and you are happy with the size of your lymphoedema as it is now, we suggest don’t do it!
For those what want improvement of your lymphoedema, SLD assists in controlling the fluid levels and draining the lymph away.
It is important that you discuss your treatment with your health care professional supporting your lymphoedema management.
To get the most efficient SLD regime, we suggest a bespoke treatment plan which can be received via www.lymphvision.com through receiving lymphofluoroscopy imaging or ICG imaging. This maps your personal drainage pathway to saves you time with your SLD.
The hand movements used in SLD may seem similar to a massage but with the intention of moving fluid away from obstructed areas to the lymph nodes, where it can be drained away by emptying them. The technique used here is based on ‘filling’ the nodes and ‘flushing’ oedema away, this is called the ‘Fill and Flush’ method (Belgrado Fill & Flush method). The pressure should be enough to stretch the skin but not cause redness or pain and repeatedly emptying your associated node area will ensure that move lymph can drain into them. Take a look at our videos.
