Which signs indicate a potential adverse reaction after MLD?

• A. Mild tingling that resolves in minutes.
• B. Temporary numbness that improves with rest.
• C. Increased redness, warmth, fever, spreading swelling, dizziness, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
• D. Improved edema within minutes.

Answer: (C)

Recognizing potential adverse reactions during MLD means noticing symptoms that suggest something may be worsening or out of the ordinary and needs prompt attention. The signs described—redness that becomes more intense or warmer, fever, swelling that spreads, dizziness, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath—are indicators that the body may be reacting in a way that could affect systems beyond the local area being treated. Those symptoms can signal inflammation, infection, or cardiovascular or respiratory strain, all of which require stopping the therapy and seeking medical evaluation.

In contrast, mild tingling that resolves in minutes and temporary numbness that improves with rest are commonly transient sensations that can occur with massage or lymph flow adjustments and are not typically dangerous. Seeing edema improve within minutes is a positive response to treatment, not a warning sign of an adverse event.