The lymphatic system is an essential component of the body’s immune system. When the body experiences any form of illness, stress or recovery from surgery, the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
As a bodyworker or massage therapist, you can employ gentle and proven methods to assist your clients in their healing journey. One effective option to relieve discomfort and support recovery is Myofunctional Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Myo MLD).
Myo MLD can be beneficial for many patients by:
- Easing muscle and joint pain
- Reducing stress
- Improving the immune system
- Reducing fatigue
- Supporting the cardivascular system
However, while many patients may benefit from Myo MLD, these are some risks and situations that you, as a practitioner, must be aware of before, during and following treatments.
What Must You Be Mindful of When Treating Clients?
Illness and health challenges can affect people throughout the body. Your clients may suffer from various health concerns during and following their recovery from a range of conditions.
Some ways that bodily functions may be impacted in the long term include:
- Reduced lung function and blood oxygen levels
- Cellular damage caused by immune system response
- Prolonged inflammatory reactions
There are also some dangerous, even life threatening, complications that should be carefully considered by therapists, including:
- Coagulopathy and hidden blood clotting
- Acute liver injury
- Heart problems
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Vulnerability to stroke
Given the severity of these possible side effects, you must be mindful of the therapies, including Myo MLD, that you choose for each client.
As each client’s experience and body response to illness can vary greatly, it is essential to uncover any related symptoms, treatments, or medications while tailoring their bodywork treatment plan.
But Myofunctional Manual Lymphatic Drianage can play a supportive role in the life of someone recovering from health challenges.
How Can You Use Compassion to Assist Your Clients
One of the key outcomes for therapists who train in Myofunctional Manual Lymphatic Drainage is compassionate intention, which can be integral to the successful treatment of clients.
When we have a compassionate mindset, our brain releases oxytocin, which then activates dopamine and serotonin, leading to happiness and optimism.
When we are in this state of mind, we can better cope with the negative and traumatic experiences clients may experience. A compassionate state of mind is incredibly helpful when working with clients as they may be struggling with the emotional impact of their experiences.
When we are empathetic, our brain taps into our pain centres, allowing us to feel what the other person is feeling. When we are in this state, it can be more challenging to approach a client mindfully.
In comparison, when we approach a situation with compassion, we can “step back” from the pain and offer strength, love and assistance.
In particularly challenging cases, your patients can benefit significantly from Myo MLD treatments performed by a genuinely compassionate practitioner.
Apply now for our next online training and become an approved Advanced Myofunctional Manual Lympahtic Drainage practitioner in just 8 weeks.
