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?
🌿Surgical Recovery
Reduces swelling, seroma & bruising after surgeries such as liposuction, tummy tuck, knee and hip replacement, face lift, hernia repair.(See: Post-Surgical MLD)
🌿Managing a Health Condition
eg lipoedema, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraine, Lyme disease, 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)
🌿Improving Skin Health
Smooths skin irregularities & complements scar-tissue reduction therapy. (See: Scar 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 MLD 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, persistent issues such as long-standing swelling, or post-surgical oedema management, typically require a series of sessions in close succession to jump-start lymphatic flow and achieve noticeable results over several weeks. 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:
-
Untreated malignant disease such as cancer, including tumours or metastases
-
During viral or bacterial infection or allergic reaction
-
Cardiac insufficiency
-
Acute phlebitis or thrombosis (e.g. DVT)
Other conditions (eg asthma, thyroid issues) 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.
Current Pricing for MLD at the Practice (NB: pricing adjustments are scheduled for the end of 2025)
MLD for Medical Conditions, Post-Surgical Clients & with Scar Therapy
Support for lipoedema, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme detox, sporting injury, or post-surgical recovery (e.g. after liposuction, tummy tuck, facelift, joint replacement).
First Appointment – £110 (80 mins, includes consultation & first treatment)
Follow up Treatments - see below
MLD for Wellbeing
Suitable for relaxation, immune support, stress & anxiety management, reducing water retention, facial decongestion, improving digestion & sleeping patterns.
First Appointment – £90 (70 mins, includes consultation & first treatment)
Follow up Treatments - see below
MLD for Lymphoedema
For medically diagnosed primary or secondary lymphoedema management.
⚠️ Please contact Nina before booking this.
-
Please see prices on the MLD for Lymphoedema page
All Follow Up Appointments
-
60 mins – £80
-
70 mins – £90
-
90 mins – £120
-
120 mins – £160
👉 The therapist will recommend the most suitable follow-up length during your consultation.
MLD Packages
-
Packages of 10 MLD Follow Up appointments are available at a 6.2% discounted rate (and must be paid for in full by bank transfer, in advance of your first follow up visit).
-
Packages are available by special arrangement only and cannot be booked online.
-
Please contact us directly for further details and terms & conditions.