Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, light-touch technique that directs the movement of lymph through the vessels and nodes. This work uses rhythmic and specific movements to support fluid balance, reduce swelling (edema), and support recovery and tissue health.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be effective and indicated before or after surgery, following injury, during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, or for those seeking support with fluid retention.
My education in lymphatics is ongoing and delves further into clinical reasoning, pathologies, and multiple applications.
My studies with both Chikly Health Institute and the Vodder School International include:
Lymphatic breast care
Visceral lymphatic techniques
Fibrotic and scar tissues
Lymphatic approaches to the eyes, ears, and nasal cavities
Intraoral lymphatic work involving the tongue, throat and gums and palate
Sessions are individualized and adapted to your health history, goals, and stage of healing.
For additional information on lymphatic drainage, please refer to the FAQ section below.
Reduced swelling and tissue congestion
Comfort for pain and chronic inflammation
Before and after surgery
Before and after cosmetic surgeries
Frequently Asked Questions
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is an incredibly gentle, relaxing and rhythmic hands-on technique that supports the movement of lymph throughout the body.
Lymphatic drainage may support:
Lymphatic circulation and fluid movement
Reduced swelling and tissue congestion
Pre-surgery preparation
Post-surgical recovery
Tissue mobility and comfort
Relief from feelings of heaviness or fullness associated with fluid retention
Healing and recovery following injury or surgery
Promotion of relaxation and nervous system regulation
Comfort associated with chronic inflammation
Sessions are individualized based on your individual needs, goals, and stage of healing.
Can lymphatic drainage help before and after surgery?
Yes. Manual lymphatic drainage may support both pre-operative and post-operative care by encouraging lymphatic flow, reducing fluid congestion, and supporting tissue mobility and comfort.
Pre-operatively, some clients seek treatment to help prepare tissues and support lymphatic circulation.
Post-operatively, it may help support swelling (edema), comfort, and recovery during the healing process. Clients may seek this work following cosmetic surgery, mastectomy, reconstructive procedures, orthopedic surgery, or injury recovery.
Treatments are always adapted to the stage of healing and provided within appropriate post-surgical guidelines. In some cases, I may request written clearance from your healthcare provider before treatment depending on the procedure, timing, or individual health considerations.
What types of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures may benefit from lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is commonly sought before and after cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including:
Breast augmentation, reduction, reconstruction, or explant surgery
Facelift or other facial cosmetic procedures
Liposuction
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Brazilian butt lift (BBL), including BBL reduction or removal procedures
Body contouring procedures
Orthopedic or reconstructive surgeries
Treatments are always adapted to the stage of healing and provided within appropriate post-surgical guidelines. In some cases, I may request written clearance from your healthcare provider before treatment depending on the procedure, timing, or individual health considerations.
Are there contraindications for receiving manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle and supportive therapy, but there are certain conditions where it may not be appropriate or may require medical clearance.
Absolute Contraindications include:
Acute infections including fever or active illness
Serious circulatory problems such as active blood clots or untreated deep vein thrombosis
Major cardiac issues including unmanaged or congestive heart failure
Active hemorrhaging
Acute anuria kidney failure or severely impaired kidney function
Active or untreated malignant conditions
Your safety is always my first priority.
If you have a complex medical history, are currently under medical care, or are unsure whether MLD is appropriate for you, I encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider before booking. I’m also happy to discuss your concerns to help determine whether this work is a safe and supportive option for you.
Do you treat lymphedema patients?
I work with individuals who have Stage 0 (latent) or Stage I (spontaneously reversible) lymphedema, as well as those seeking manual lymphatic drainage for post-surgical swelling, lymphatic support, tissue mobility, and general wellness within my scope of practice.
At this time, I do not provide treatment for Stage II or Stage III lymphedema.
Individuals with more advanced lymphedema often benefit from evaluation and ongoing management by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT).
If you are unsure whether manual lymphatic drainage is appropriate for you, or if you have questions about your stage of lymphedema, please contact me before scheduling.
What is the difference between Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and “lymphatic massage”?
The term lymphatic massage is used to describe a variety of bodywork approaches, and what you receive can vary considerably depending on the practitioner’s training, technique and the goals of the session.
You may also encounter terms such as Brazilian lymphatic massage/drainage, which is often associated with aesthetic goals such as reducing the appearance of puffiness or temporarily changing the contours of the body.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) refers to specific and gentle techniques designed to facilitate the movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system.
My training includes both the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Chikly Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT).
I offer lymphatic drainage as a therapeutic bodywork. My approach is focused on supporting the management of swelling, promoting recovery and other therapeutic needs when appropriate.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage a weight-loss or body-sculpting treatment?
No. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not a weight-loss treatment and does not remove body fat.
MLD works with the lymphatic system and the movement of fluid through the tissues.
When excess fluid or swelling (edema) is present, moving that fluid may temporarily affect the appearance or circumference of an area. While these changes in fluid can create a less puffy appearance, MLD does not remove body fat or produce weight loss.
My approach is focused on therapeutic lymphatic work to support the management of swelling, edema, recovery and other appropriate therapeutic needs.
If your goal for receiving lymphatic drainage is primarily aesthetic, I’d be glad to talk with you about what you are hoping to achieve and whether the lymphatic work I offer is a good fit.
Do I need to undress to receive manual lymphatic drainage?
Usually the area being treated will need to be accessible. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is generally applied directly to the skin.
You will not necessarily need to fully undress. Depending on the areas being addressed you may remain clothed or partially undressed.
Professional draping is used to maintain your comfort and privacy, and we will discuss clothing and draping during your intake so you know what to expect.