What is the main cue to maintain appropriate pressure during Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)?

• A. Skin blanching indicates appropriate pressure.
• B. The tissue should remain soft with a light tactile feedback.
• C. The tissue should feel firm and cause mild pain.
• D. Pressure should be as light as possible to avoid any change.

Answer: (B)

In Manual Lymph Drainage, you’re looking for a touch that moves lymph without compressing tissues. The best cue is that the tissue under your hands stays soft and yields easily, providing a light, tactile feedback. This gentle, pliant sensation confirms you’re applying a superficial, non-occluding pressure that encourages lymph flow along the vessels without causing resistance or damage.

If the skin blanches, that signals you’re pressing too hard and should ease off. If the tissue feels firm or painful, you’re applying excessive pressure or targeting deeper tissues, which is not the goal in MLD. Conversely, pressing so lightly that nothing changes won’t effectively stimulate lymph movement. So the soft tissue with light tactile feedback best indicates the appropriate level of pressure.