Klose Training Lymphedema 101 Practice Test

When thinking about safety in Manual Lymph Drainage, the highest priority is avoiding treatment during an active infection. An acute infection is an absolute contraindication because moving lymphatic fluid with gentle manual strokes can potentially spread pathogens to regional lymph nodes or into the bloodstream, and the inflamed tissues may be more susceptible to irritation or worsening symptoms. The body is already fighting the infection, and the goal of MLD—to boost lymph flow and immune cell transport—could unintentionally aid dissemination if bacteria are present. Once the infection is treated and resolved, MLD can be resumed as part of a comprehensive lymphedema program. Chronic venous insufficiency or edema driven by venous problems is not an absolute contraindication; MLD can still be used to help improve drainage in many cases. Lymphedema itself is precisely the target for MLD, so it is not a contraindication.