EMLD is closely related to the techniques of Manual Lymph Drainage developed for use with human patients and involves specialised ‘massage techniques’ which allow the practitioner to greatly increase the transport of lymph to the nodes for that part of the body, or where these are no longer able to function or the lymphatic vessels are damaged, to move lymph to an area where the system is working healthily. This quickly reduces oedema, aids removal of toxins and the products of inflammation, and aids healing.
EMLD also influences the autonomic nervous system, making a treatment extremely relaxing and soothing, and interrupts the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Many forms of massage stimulate the lymphatic system but do so by increasing blood circulation to the tissues, creating an additional load of waste products for the lymphatic system to carry which forces it to work harder. If the lymphatic system is healthy this is not a problem, but if it is damaged or already overburdened, massage will make this situation worse. In contrast, EMLD does not increase the lymphatic load and speeds up the transport of that already present. Therefore there are situations, for example after injury, where massage is contraindicated, but Manual Lymph Drainage can be beneficial. When combined correctly, other forms of massage can be used with EMLD.
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‘Complex Decongestive Therapy’ (CDT) is used when treating 'Equine Lymphoedema Complex'; Manual Lymph Drainage is combined with a course of compression bandaging, skin care and exercise, to reduce oedema, soften and break down fibrosis, enhance blood and lymphatic circulation, improve skin condition and the general health of the tissues affected. Special supportive compression stockings may be used after this treatment to help maintain the improvement.
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Contraindications:
There are a small number of situations where the use of EMLD is contraindicated:
- It must not be used where there is active infection, but wait until this has responded to antibiotic treatment, as EMLD will open up lymph nodes which have closed to contain infection and prevent it spreading through the body. However when infection is limited to a local area, EMLD can be used in another part of the body.
- EMLD should not be used during an acute allergic attack, again because of the risk of spreading the response throughout the system. However this does not apply to equine purpura haemorrhagica, in which the response is already systemic. (see under Conditions).
- It cannot be used where cardiac insufficiency exists, because of the risks involved in increasing the amount of fluid going to the heart.
- It cannot be used where the horse has cancer, because there may be a possibility of spreading this.
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Note on therapeutic procedures practiced on animals by non-veterinary qualified therapists: It is a legal requirement that these are performed with the approval and/or supervision of your veterinary surgeon, to protect your horse from possible abuse, and as noted earlier, this is sometimes particularly applicable with EMLD because of the nature of the conditions treated and because it is a potentially powerful and effective treatment.
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