Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is one of main component of complex decongestive physical therapy, which is known as a standard therapy of lymphedema. However, the single effect of MLD on the reduction of lymphedema is not clear. This study aims to summarize the efficacy of the MLD reported to date and to establish the basis for MLD treatment in lymphedema patients. Analysis of the articles published so far suggests that the combination of compressive treatment may increase the therapeutic effect of MLD. This effect is obtained when a skilled therapist treats it. MLD is expected to be more effective in the patients with mild to moderate and early lymphedema than severe one. However, a larger number of patients and well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the effect of MLD.
Sang Hee Im (Thu,) studied this question.