Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) was developed by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid Vodder, in the 1930s. Dr. Vodder was a Danish massage therapist, and he initially developed this technique to address issues related to the lymphatic system and its impact on health.
The story goes that Dr. Vodder and Estrid noticed the presence of swollen lymph nodes in some of their clients. At the time, the conventional medical understanding was that these swollen nodes should not be touched or manipulated, as it was believed that doing so could worsen the condition. However, Dr. Vodder and his wife were curious and decided to investigate further.
Through their careful observations and experimentation, they discovered that gentle and rhythmic movements on the skin could stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid. This contradicted the prevailing belief at the time, but the Vodders believed they had stumbled upon an important discovery.
They continued their research and refined the technique over time. Eventually, they introduced Manual Lymphatic Drainage as a therapeutic treatment for various conditions related to the lymphatic system. Their work gained recognition and popularity, and MLD became an established therapy for lymphedema and other related conditions.
The Vodders' contributions to the field of lymphatic therapy were significant, and their technique has been further developed and adopted by other therapists and medical professionals worldwide. Today, MLD is recognized as a valuable therapeutic approach for managing lymphatic-related issues and has been integrated into various healthcare practices, including physical therapy, oncology, and post-surgical recovery programs.