Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) is an award winning reflexology technique which focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes on the feet. The aim is to cause an effect on the lymphatic system in the body. It is a unique sequence that has been researched and developed by Sally Kay BSc(Hons), whilst working in cancer care.
Breast cancer is a very common cancer in the UK and approximately 20% of patients develop secondary lymphoedema of the arm following their breast cancer treatment. Secondary lymphoedema (tissue swelling) can cause pain in the affected area; give a distorted limb shape; impair the function of the affected limb; decrease elasticity and mobility of the skin; cause fibrosis; result in dry skin; and induce acute inflammatory episodes.
At present, the treatments for secondary lymphoedema are remedial exercises, skin care, manual lymph drainage by massaging the affected area, or wearing compression garments or compression bandaging.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage aims to encourage the movement of lymph. It is done via a specific massage of the feet where the corresponding reflexes for the lymphatic system are worked over systematically. This means that neither the wound site or the site of the lymphoedema are touched directly at all.
Sally Kay has researched the beneficial effect of RLD on swelling. Further information about research studies conducted on RLD can be found at www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk The Gallery on this website is particularly worth a look, where swelling before and after treatments can be seen. Reflexology Lymph Drainage may also be useful with other conditions such as ME, fibromyalgia, migraines and arthritis.
Please feel free to call to discuss this specialist treatment further.