Manual Lymphatic Drainage - 90 min

Service Description

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised, gentle massage that supports the natural movement of lymphatic fluid around the body. Unlike traditional massage, it uses light, slow and rhythmic movements rather than deep pressure. This is traditional therapeutic MLD and is different from Brazilian MLD or body-contouring treatments. MLD may be suitable for: * General wellbeing and relaxation * Feelings of puffiness, heaviness or fluid retention * Lymphoedema * Lymphoedema following cancer treatment, surgery, lymph-node removal or radiotherapy * Lipoedema * People who find deeper massage uncomfortable, i.e fibromyalgia, CFS For clients with lymphoedema, treatment is adapted to encourage fluid away from congested areas and towards functioning lymphatic pathways. We can support clients who have completed cancer treatment and are living with cancer-related lymphoedema, although medical consent may sometimes be required. For people with lipoedema, MLD may help manage feelings of swelling, tenderness, tightness and heaviness. It cannot remove lipoedema fat or cure the condition, but it may be a helpful part of ongoing symptom management and self-care. MLD should not be painful. Because the lymphatic vessels are close to the surface of the skin, only light pressure is needed. Treatment may include areas away from where you notice swelling, as the appropriate drainage pathways must be encouraged first. Every appointment begins with a consultation so that treatment can be tailored to your medical history, symptoms and individual needs. When might MLD not be suitable? Treatment may need to be postponed or require medical approval if you have: * An active infection, fever, cellulitis or acute illness * A suspected or diagnosed blood clot * Unexplained or rapidly increasing swelling * Uncontrolled heart or significant kidney problems * Superior vena cava obstruction * Active cancer * An undiagnosed lump or change in symptoms * Recent surgery without your surgeon’s approval * Broken, infected or weeping skin in the treatment area Having previously had cancer does not automatically prevent you from receiving MLD. We can work with post-cancer clients, including those with cancer-related lymphoedema, when treatment is appropriate. However, we do not treat clients with active cancer. If you are unsure whether MLD is suitable for you, please contact us before booking.