Manual Lymphatic Drainage after C-section: Benefits Recovery
After a C-section, inflammation is part of the natural response for short-term healing and scaring. You may also feel pain and stiffness, however, early hands-on treatment can help you reduce symptoms and heal faster, so you can enjoy more quality time with your newborn. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) after a C-section benefits recovery by stimulating the lymphatic and circulatory system to enhance lymph flow, boost your immune function, while reducing other symptoms and speeding up the healing process. Let´s have a closer look…
What is a C- section?
A C-section (cesarean section) is a major abdominal surgery where different abdominal layers from skin to uterus are cut in order to deliver a baby. This procedure, often necessary for safe childbirth, but also can be chosen and programmed by mothers; as any other surgery, it needs recovery time to ease pain, swelling, stiffness, scarring, etc., but don¨t worry! there is specialised care (MLD) to support healing.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Its a gentle, rythmic and soft massage technique that moves retained fluid by gently pumping it back into the lymph vessels and nodes, reducing the swelling, fluid retention, pain, etc. Without Lymph Massage (MLD) inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of serum). For these and many more reasons, many obstetric surgeons prescribe MLD as part of your post-op treatment.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage after C-section: How it Benefits Recovery?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) after Cesarean section benefits recovery by:
- Stimulate the lymphatic system to enhance lymph flow.
- Reduce post-surgical swelling and fluid retention by moving excess fluid away from the surgical site.
- Decreases discomfort.
- Reduces pain.
- Boost your immune function.
- promotes faster healing.
- Helps improve scar appearance.
- Promotes scar tissue mobility by prevents the formation of adhesions that restrict movement.
- Helps to avoid fibrosis and seromas.
- Improves mood.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Encourages removal of waste, toxins, and excess fluid from tissues.
- Enhance tissue repair.
- Tones the intestine, which helps fight constipation.
- Lowers blood pressure.
Scientific evidence supports these benefits, research showed It supports immune function by helping the lymphatic system clear debris and promotes a faster, more comfortable recovery process. Clinical observations have noted improved scar softness and reduced sensitivity with MLD, along with decreased risk of complications such as seroma formation or excessive scar thickening. Early initiation of MLD, starting a few days to weeks after surgery under healthcare provider guidance, is considered safe and effective in cesarean recovery.
We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like it, please share!
References:
https://openpublichealthjournal.com/VOLUME/16/ELOCATOR/e187494452309192/FULLTEXT/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388121001687
