YOUR GUIDE TO: MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE - Meadows Wellbeing (2025)

YOUR GUIDE TO: MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE - Meadows Wellbeing (1)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (sometimes referred to as Oncology Massage) is a brand-new addition to our range of therapies at Meadows Wellbeing via our therapist Carrie Edwardes.

It’s gentle, calming, deeply relaxing and has numerous health benefits.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (or MLD for short) is such a fascinating therapy, so we’ve provided a ‘deeper dive’ into what it is, how it works and how it can help, by asking Carrie some popular questions!

So Carrie…..

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Major lymph nodes are in the chest area, in the armpits, the groin, behind the knees and the neck. The Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage begins by stimulating the lymph nodes first.

Then, by using small light circles and hand brushing on the skin, the massage gently stimulates the flow of lymph, moving the lymph back to the lymph nodes and then onwards to be drained by the body naturally – therefore easing the swelling in the tissues.

The Lymphatic system does not have a ‘pump’ as such compared, for example, to how your cardiovascular system works where the heart pumps blood around your body. Lymph fluid only flows and moves from the movement of your muscles and by breathing. This is why Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is so valuable and even more important when the Lymphatic system is compromised by lymph node removal or damaged tissues.

How does Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage work?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is used to support your immune system, reduce swelling and is extremely helpful following surgery.

The Lymphatic system has three main functions;

– It returns excess fluid and proteins from the tissues that cannot return through the blood vessels. Most of the fluid that reaches the tissues returns through the veins and capillaries. However, about 10% travels through the Lymphatic system. Sometimes this fluid, known as “lymph”, can collect and not be processed properly, resulting in Lymphoedema (which is swelling of the tissues in the body usually in the arms and legs).

– As well as removing excess fluid, the Lymphatic system also assists in transporting fat and fighting infections.

– Your lymph nodes are there to defend your body from infections. When infection enters the body, the Lymphatic system produces white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes travel through the Lymphatic system. When they reach the lymph nodes, they are exposed to bacteria or viruses that may have entered the body. This encourages them to start to defend the body by forming antibodies. They can also produce antibodies from memory if they have come into contact with a particular pathogen in the past.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage good for?

MLD is extremely helpful following cancer surgeries such as breast cancer including and especially when lymph nodes have been removed. It is also a very gentle form of massage suitable for many oncology patients so long as their consultant oncologist or care team gives written approval.

It is an extremely important part of aftercare following cosmetic surgeries such as abdominoplasty and liposuction. Without MLD the chances of fibrotic tissue forming lumps and bumps is much more likely which is far from ideal after going through surgery for aesthetic reasons.

For those suffering with autoimmune conditions such as RA, post viral fatigue, ME, Long Covid, Fibromyalgia, MLD can be extremely helpful, increasing feelings of wellbeing and keeping a sluggish immune system from being overwhelmed.

Can anyone experience Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

You can enjoy and experience the benefits and relaxation of an MLD massage for general wellbeing without having specific needs to address too.

MLD is suitable during pregnancy once you have passed your first trimester. If your pregnancy is considered high risk, then written permission from your consultant will be required. It is very valuable in helping to reduce the swelling which can occur in the lower limbs as pregnancy progresses, especially when managed from the early signs of Lymphoedema.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is typically considered safe and low-risk.

However, Lymphatic drainage is not safe for people with health conditions that can move Lymphatic fluid back to the heart or kidneys, including heart conditions, liver or kidney conditions, blood clots or stroke. if this applies to you, please let us know before booking a treatment so that further guidance can be provided.

YOUR GUIDE TO: MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE - Meadows Wellbeing (2)

However, Lymphatic drainage is not safe for people with health conditions that can move Lymphatic fluid back to the heart or kidneys, including heart conditions, liver or kidney conditions, blood clots or stroke. if this applies to you, please let us know before booking a treatment so that further guidance can be provided.

Can you do Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage on yourself?

You cannot give yourself a full body MLD massage very easily, but there are worthwhile techniques for Self Lymphatic Drainage Massage, which can support you between sessions, these include dry brushing. Just ask about this during your consultation if you’d like to know more.

Which parts of the body are treated during Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

A full MLD massage includes your limbs and torso as well as your neck and face. MLD is done without any oils or lotions.

How much does Manual Lymphatic Drainage cost?

Prices vary according to the therapist and location. At Meadows Wellbeing it’s £65 for a 75 minute initial consultation and MLD massage. Follow-up standard sessions last 60 minutes and are priced at £60.

What to expect during a MLD massage

During your first consultation I will discuss your previous history, any symptoms and what you would like to achieve from your MLD sessions.

You will then have privacy to get ready and lie on the couch with sheets as you would with any other massage.

I will stimulate the lymph nodes using extremely gentle pressure and a mixture of circling and stroking motions on the skin to move the lymph fluid and help it to drain. Unlike other forms of massage, deep pressure is not applied, it is not uncomfortable and yet it is still extremely relaxing and calming.

It is possible to receive an MLD treatment wearing loose clothing if preferred but best results are achieved with direct skin contact.

If you are receiving treatment for cancer you will need to have written permission from your consultant or care team, this is usually easy to obtain.

If you are seeking MLD for post operative cosmetic surgery in the last 6 months you will also need written permission from your consultant. MLD is very often advised by your surgeon following cosmetic surgery as it enhances the outcome of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction procedures.

What are the after-effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Most after-effects of MLD are mild. Increased urination and some tiredness are usually the most associated but headaches, emotional release and mild aching can also occur.

How often would you need or wish to have a MLD massage?

You can receive MLD very regularly, especially in the case of Lymphoedema, when fluid will need extra help to drain.

For other symptoms, anything from weekly to monthly. I like to trial spacing sessions out until my clients feel the best results for their particular symptoms and then the frequency of sessions needed becomes evident – it’s a very tailored approach.

Reviews for Carrie...

“Carrie understood the issues I had post-surgery following a lumpectomy and lymph node removal because of breast cancer and was very thorough understanding my needs. The massage itself is very gentle but very effective. A lot of numbness and tingling I had in my arm pre-treatment has now resolved. Highly Recommended”.

“Carrie has looked after my health and wellbeing for 20 years now. She has a natural passion and skills that help and heal. Now officially diagnosed with both Lipodema and Lymphoedema the MLD treatments Carrie undertakes are invaluable at helping where my body fails me. The massage is gentle and subtle yet the outcomes are amazing, helping me get on with daily life. After an MLD session the pain is less, swelling reduces, my movement improves and I feel immediately lighter. For anyone in need of MLD, seeing Carrie is a must.”

“I would just like to say how amazed I am with the recent results with my ankle, after the lymphatic drainage massages. As you know I have struggled with the swelling around my ankle over the last four months after the recent fracture of my ankle. The following morning after the MLD, the ankle had reduced back to its normal size, which to say was nothing but amazing is quite an understatement. I would like to thank you for the time and effort you have put through your care, and massage and look forward to seeing you for my next appointment. Keep up the good work.”

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YOUR GUIDE TO: MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE - Meadows Wellbeing (2025)
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