New Jersey State Board Esthetics Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, specialized technique aimed at promoting lymph flow and reducing edema. However, there are certain conditions where this treatment is not recommended, known as contraindications. An important contraindication for MLD is inflammation related to diseases such as arthritis.

When tissues are inflamed, as often occurs with arthritis, stimulating lymphatic flow can aggravate the condition rather than help it. Inflammation may lead to increased pain and discomfort, making MLD inappropriate as it could exacerbate the symptoms.

While skin sensitivity, sunburn, and dry skin can pose issues during treatment, they do not carry the same level of risk as systemic inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Skin sensitivity might require modified techniques, sunburn could necessitate postponement to avoid discomfort, and dry skin may benefit from hydration but does not contraindicate lymphatic work. Thus, when considering the overall health and safety of the client, the presence of arthritis is a significant factor that should lead professionals to avoid MLD treatment.