Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Gentle therapy to reduce swelling, optimise fluid balance, immune function, and help you manage a host of chronic condition symptoms.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Lymphatic Drainage is a manual bodywork therapy designed to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. Originally developed by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s, this technique helps clear blockages in the lymphatic system, supporting detoxification, reducing swelling, and enhancing immune function. Unlike traditional massage, MLD focuses on light, precise movements that stimulate lymph flow and aid the body in eliminating toxins and excess fluid more efficiently.
How Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage Help You?
🌿Managing a Health Condition
eg lipoedema, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraine, Lymes, sinusitis, endometriosis etc.
🌿Detoxification & Immunity
Encourages natural waste removal, reduces fluid retention & bloating, boosts immune resilience.
🌿Relaxation & Stress Relief
Deeply calms the nervous system and promotes deep relaxation.
🌿Managing Lymphoedema
Reduces fluid levels in affected areas of the body. (See: MLD for Lymphoedema)
🌿Surgical Recovery (See: Post-Surgical MLD)
Reduces swelling, seroma & bruising after surgeries such as liposuction, tummy tuck, joint replacement, face lift, hernia repair.
🌿Improving Skin Health
Smooths skin irregularities & complements scar-tissue reduction therapy.
What does Manual Lymphatic Drainage feel like?
Vodder Technique Lymph Drainage is exceptionally gentle and soothing. It involves slow, rhythmic hand movements that lightly stretch the skin, targeting the lymphatic vessels just beneath the surface. This precise technique encourages the natural flow of lymph fluid down into the lymph vessel network without applying pressure to the surrounding muscles. Clients often describe the sensation as calming and nurturing—so much so that many feel deeply relaxed and even fall asleep during the session.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of MLD sessions you'll need will depend on the nature of the issue being treated. While a single session can be beneficial for relaxation, more persistent issues such as long-standing swelling, or post-surgical symptom management, typically require a series of sessions in close succession to jump-start lymphatic flow and achieve noticeable results. Your response to the MLD will depend on factors like the cause and severity of your condition and how consistently home care guidance is followed. You're welcome to ask about an approximate schedule in advance, but an optimal treatment plan will be detailed for you after your Consultation.
A Vodder-Trained MLD Therapist
Our therapist is highly trained in the Dr. Vodder method and holds full membership with MLD UK. Certified as a Decongestive Lymphatic Therapist (DLT), she is qualified to work with clients with medical conditions such as lymphoedema, lipoedema and after cancer treatment. She also specializes in Surgical Recovery.
Given the unregulated nature of the massage industry, it’s important to choose a certified MLD professional if you have serious health conditions or a lymphatic disorder. This blog post explains why.
For a list of properly qualified and registered MLD therapists and more information on Lymphatic Drainage, visit the MLD UK website.
Is MLD Safe for Everyone?
While MLD is generally very safe, there are some conditions where it should not be performed:
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Untreated malignant diseases such as cancer, including tumors or metastases
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Acute inflammation caused by infection, allergic reactions, or other factors
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Cardiac insufficiency
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Acute phlebitis or thrombosis (e.g. DVT)
Other conditions may require modifications to lymphatic drainage treatment. Your therapist will review these during your consultation appointment basing discussion on the contents of your Health Information Form.
Pricing for Treatments at the Practice
First MLD Appointment (for clients without lymphoedema)
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70 minutes £90, which includes consultation, aftercare advice & 60 mins of treatment
First MLD Appointment (for Lymphoedema)
If you need treatment for lymphoedema, please get in touch before booking to clarify whether you will require a 70 or 90 minute First Appointment (£130).
Follow up Appointments
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60 minutes £80
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70 minutes £90
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90 minutes £120
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120 minutes £160
The therapist will outline during consultation (or if you get in touch before booking), how long your follow-up appointments should be, but broadly speaking longer appointments are required if you have had liposuction to multiple body areas, if you have lymphoedema in more than one limb, or if you are seeking very deep relaxation.
MLD Packages
Packages of 10 MLD appointments are available at a discounted rate (6.2% less than paying-as-you go).
For example:
£760 for 60 min treatments, or £844 for 70 min treatments.
Package rates are by special arrangement and are not available through the online booking system. Please get in touch to be sent further details and the applicable terms & conditions.