Vodder

Vodder is a surname associated with Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid Vodder, Danish therapists who developed manual lymph drainage (MLD) and the Vodder method. The approach emerged in the mid-20th century and has influenced lymphatic therapy worldwide.

The Vodder method is a gentle, rhythmic manual technique aimed at stimulating lymph flow and directing interstitial fluid toward regional lymph nodes. It uses light, multidirectional strokes and a sequence that begins in proximal areas and progresses toward the neck, axillary, and inguinal nodes. Practitioners emphasize patient comfort and the absence of deep pressure, with treatment examples tailored to swelling, immobility, or impaired lymphatic function.

Training and dissemination: The Vodder School International (VSI) and affiliated programs standardize techniques, terminology, and certification. Therapists trained in the Vodder method work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practices around the world. The method is commonly integrated into broader lymphatic care programs and wellness services.

Indications and use: It is most commonly used for lymphedema management (both primary and secondary), postoperative edema, chronic venous insufficiency, and certain inflammatory or immune-related conditions. In cancer care, manual lymph drainage is often part of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) after appropriate assessment.

Evidence and reception: The technique has a substantial clinical presence and an evolving evidence base, including case series and randomized trials for specific conditions. Guidelines typically recommend MLD as an adjunct to compression therapy, exercise, and skincare, rather than as a standalone cure.

Legacy: The Vodder method remains a leading approach within lymph drainage therapy, and the Vodder School International continues to certify practitioners worldwide.