Cove Therapy
Qualified Manual Lymph Drainage and Holistic Massage Therapist, Restoring Wellbeing, Recovery and Balance
Manual lymph drainage (MLD)
Your lymph drainage system is a network of vessels and nodes that
- transports waste products for elimination
- regulates the fluid levels in your body
- helps fight infection
MLD (Vodder School) is a non-invasive and subtle therapy in which the practitioner uses a range of specialised and gentle, rhythmic techniques to move the skin in a way that stimulates the vessels and nodes of the lymphatic system. Encouraging the movement of fluid along the lymph pathways speeds up the removal of excess fluid and waste products from the tissues of the body.
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MLD uses a light, painless pressure with the hands across the skin – where the smaller lymphatic vessels are found superficially in the dermis. It is both preventative and remedial and may enhance a sense of wellbeing.
Amongst many benefits, MLD is very effective in:
- clearing excess fluid and congestion e.g. swollen ankles, sinusitis, puffy eyes
- strengthening the immune system
- post-surgical recovery e.g. knee replacement, aesthetics
- inducing deep relaxation by calming the nervous system
- healing sprains and sports injuries
- easing the discomfort of lipoedema
- easing tired, aching legs
- soothing brain fog, headaches and stress.
What to expect in a session
Together, we will discuss how you’re feeling, record your medical history and agree on a plan for the therapy. You will be made warm and comfortable, the same as for a massage treatment, and you can remove any restrictive clothing. I will not be using oils. Due to the gentle way that the technique stimulates the body’s own processes in as natural a way possible, more than one session is normally required. Benefits are cumulative as each session works to clear the flow along the lymph pathways
For further health information please read here: https://mlduk.org.uk
MLD before and after surgery
There are many reasons why manual lymphatic drainage can help when you are undergoing surgery.
Due to the position of the small lymphatic vessels being directly under the skin surface, they can be damaged during surgery.
This causes fluid to build up in the tissues – leading to swelling and discomfort.
Manual lymphatic drainage encourages fluid to keep moving through the system.
The lymph system is an integral part of our immune system. It contains infection-fighting mechanisms; isolating and destroying harmful germs, it flushes out waste products and transports them for elimination and expulsion from the body. MLD boosts this process. Before your operation the therapy will help to ensure that your system is working efficiently and be strengthened for the recovery ahead.
MLD treatment encourages regeneration of new lymph vessels in the healing tissues.
The lymphatics depend on normal muscle activity to function well. Your mobility is often restricted after a surgical procedure and doctors may prescribe some rest at first to safeguard the outcome. So the muscle pumps are significantly less effective in transporting fluid. MLD will take up and support that function.
About me
I’m Lynne Sheppeard, based in Falmouth and south west Cornwall. My early career background is in Registered General Nursing, before taking time out to raise my family, and later qualifying as an Adult English tutor.
In my forties I was diagnosed with primary leg lymphoedema. I benefited significantly from receiving Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) treatment, not only by an improvement in my physical condition and overall health, but in my confidence and wellbeing too. This inspired me to retrain – gaining further insight and expertise to offer valuable relief to those whose lymph systems need care and support.
Qualifications
I qualified in Holistic Massage level 4 Diploma at the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork in order to train as a MLD practitioner.
I have achieved the Dr. Vodder School Certificate levels 1 and 2 MLD in the treatment of pre- and post- operative and post-traumatic conditions.
I am registered with MLD UK, the Massage Training Institute and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council and I am fully insured to practice.
MLD & Massage 