CLT Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Who developed the original Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) technique in the 1930s?
- Robert Lauche
- Emil and Estrid Vodder (Correct answer)
- Hildegard Wittlinger
- Michael Foeldi
Correct answer: Emil and Estrid Vodder
Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid developed MLD in France in the 1930s based on their observations of patients with chronic sinusitis and swollen lymph nodes.
Question 2: What is the correct pressure range used in Manual Lymphatic Drainage strokes?
- 50–100 mmHg (deep tissue level)
- 30–45 mmHg (moderate pressure)
- Approximately 30–40 g/cm² (very light skin-stretching pressure) (Correct answer)
- No measurable pressure — purely contactless
Correct answer: Approximately 30–40 g/cm² (very light skin-stretching pressure)
MLD uses approximately 30–40 grams per square centimeter, a very light pressure sufficient to stretch the superficial dermis and stimulate initial lymphatics without compressing them.
Question 3: In the Vodder MLD technique, which basic stroke is applied in a circular, skin-stretching motion on the lymph nodes themselves?
- Pump technique
- Rotary technique
- Stationary circles (Correct answer)
- Scoop technique
Correct answer: Stationary circles
Stationary circles are applied directly over lymph node groups to stimulate node activity before treating the surrounding territory.
Question 4: Why must MLD always begin proximally (near the trunk) before treating the distal extremity?
- To warm up the therapist's hands
- To clear space in proximal collectors so distal fluid has a pathway to flow into (Correct answer)
- Because distal tissue is more sensitive
- To assess for contraindications in the limb
Correct answer: To clear space in proximal collectors so distal fluid has a pathway to flow into
Starting proximally empties the receiving lymph node regions and collectors, creating a pressure gradient that draws fluid from the distal congested area.
Question 5: The Foeldi MLD method's 'effleurage' finishing strokes differ from opening strokes in that they are applied in which direction?
- Distal to proximal only
- Proximal to distal as gentle gliding strokes (Correct answer)
- In random circular patterns
- Perpendicular to lymph flow
Correct answer: Proximal to distal as gentle gliding strokes
Finishing effleurage strokes in MLD move proximally to distally to soothe the tissue after deep MLD work, though they do not drive lymph flow.
Question 6: During MLD of the upper extremity, which node group is treated first after the neck nodes?
- Epitrochlear nodes
- Axillary nodes (Correct answer)
- Infraclavicular nodes
- Wrist nodes
Correct answer: Axillary nodes
After clearing the neck and supraclavicular region, the axillary nodes are activated next before working distally down the arm.
CLT Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques 1
Who developed the original Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) technique in the 1930s?