Manual Lymphatic Drainage in York

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, specific movement of the skin to aid lymphatic drainage. This treatment is highly beneficial for management and care of Lymphoedema, Lipoedema, other chronic swelling issues and bloating or water retention. 

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a way of reducing swelling (lymphoedema) caused by fluid build up. Lymphoedema can sometimes develop due to cancer or cancer treatment. It is also effective for the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME/Fibromyalgia/Long Covid. This treatment helps boost the immune system, eliminating toxins, bacteria, germs and excess fluid from the body. MLD is also very beneficial for post-surgical recovery (liposuction, lymph node removal, fibrosis).

If you have cancer or are recovering from surgery you must speak to your healthcare provider and make sure that the treatment is suitable. Only once you have been cleared by a medical professional can you have manual lymphatic drainage. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Anyone can have Manual Lymphatic Drainage, those who may benefit the most are people who want to boost their immune system, manage swelling, have lymphoedema/lipoedema, ME/CFS or wants to try a deeply relaxing treatment.

    It is a very relaxing and gentle treatment.

    It is designed to be safe for individuals after cancer treatments, surgery, or injuries that damage lymph nodes. It can also be beneficial following cosmetic procedures or top surgery by increasing the speed of recovery, reducing inflammation, swelling, and the formation of scar tissue.

  • When you have MLD, you will feel a very light pressure. The skin-stretching movements are very light, slow, and rhythmic. This manually stimulates lymphatic flow and drainage.

    The aim of MLD is to guide fluid from the swollen area into a place where the lymphatic system can drain it more efficiently.

    Your therapist will begin by treating unaffected lymph nodes. This frees up space for fluid from the affected area to drain into. It might seem strange to have skin movements on your, e.g. chest and neck, if you have lymphoedema in your arm but it means that the fluid has somewhere to drain to when the therapist treats e.g. your arm.

    They then work down the limb/ further away from the main drainage points to empty out those areas. And finally back to the main drainage nodes to clear lymph fluid away.

    They will use some very light pressure and slow, rhythmic movements. Your therapist may ask you to do some breathing techniques during the treatment to help stimulate the lymph nodes in your diaphragm.

  • Quite the opposite. The pressure used is extremely light and gentle. It should be pain free and is often deeply relaxing.

    If you’ve recently had surgery or have chronic pain, your therapist will check with you to make sure it is not uncomfortable.

  • After the treatment you may feel lighter, more flexible and may need to pee more for the next day.

    Make sure you drink lots of water so you don’t get dehydrated and to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

    Your therapist can also show you how to do a simple version of MLD at home or between sessions, using a type of self-massage called simple lymphatic drainage (SLD).

  • Lymphoedema/lipoedema - These are chronic conditions so Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not a cure but is key to managing symptoms and preventing complications. Your therapist can teach you how to do techniques at home.

    Post cosmetic surgery - Always check with your surgeon that it is safe to have Manual Lymphatic Drainage. They may create a treatment schedule for you. It is usually recommended to have around 4-8 sessions straight after the surgery, then a maintenance phase, but it depends on the type of surgery and the individual’s healing rate.

    After lymph node removals - Always check with your medical team that you are cleared to have Manual Lymphatic Drainage. They may create a treatment schedule for you as the number greatly depends on the individual’s specific needs and varies person to person.

    For managing symptoms of chronic conditions (ME/CFS, rheumatoid arthritis, sinus issues, fibromyalgia, etc.) - That depends on how it fits into your life and for how long you feel the benefit of each treatment. Some people get treatments during flare-ups, whilst others get maintenance ones.