Manual Lymph Drainage in Hospice Care

"Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a useful intervention employed in hospice and palliative care. It is comprised of the four Vodder strokes (stationary circles, pump technique, scoop stroke, and rotary technique) and is an exceptionally gentle experience for patients, while simultaneously being a functional clinical modality. It has the potential to effect a powerful change in the lives of hospice patients coping with various disease-related swellings.

Beyond decreased fluid retention, MLD has secondary benefits that include decreased pain, improved ambulation efficiency and respiratory effort, renewed socialization, assistance in the healing of situational depression, the soothing of anxiety, elevated body image, cessation of infectious portals, and engaging of trust in medical personnel."

Source: Massage and Bodywork