Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLDM)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Gentle Therapy for Recovery and Wellness
Whether you’re seeking swelling reduction, post-surgical recovery, or general wellness, MLDM can help restore balance and improve your overall health.
Time to Work through Deeper Tightness
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Explained
The lymphatic system is a network that supports detoxification, fluid balance, and immunity. Unlike the circulatory system, it has no pump and relies on movement and breathing. Slowed lymph flow can cause edema, puffy eyes, or swollen ankles.
Step above Massage MLDM sessions use gentle, repetitive strokes and light touch, focusing on neck lymph nodes to promote natural fluid flow toward the heart.
How the Lymphatic System Works
Your lymphatic system moves fluid, removes waste, and supports immunity. It has no pump, relies on movement and breathing, slows when inactive, and can congest after surgery, illness, or stress. Manual lymphatic drainage safely stimulates flow and encourages natural movement.
What Happens During a Session
You lie comfortably in a calm, private room, remaining mostly covered while touch is light and slow. During your session, gentle stretching motions follow lymph pathways, and fluid is guided toward lymph nodes. Breathing slows, the body relaxes, and waste movement increases. You may feel calm, warm, or light, with some noticing more bathroom visits as the body clears fluid and waste.
MLDM for Faster Recovery and Better Well-Being
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is effective for both medical needs and overall wellness. We help you recover from surgery, manage chronic conditions, or support your body’s natural functions.
Common applications include:
- Lymphedema management and treatment: Helps with chronic swelling in the arms, legs, or other areas of the body.
- Post-Op lymphatic massage and post-surgical recovery: Reduces swelling in the neck, face, arms, legs, and chest while speeding up healing.
- Cosmetic surgery recovery and aftercare: Supports healing after procedures such as post-liposuction massage, tummy tuck recovery, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), mommy makeovers, and breast surgeries.
- Pain and edema relief: Reduces fluid buildup, eases discomfort, and alleviates puffiness.
- Immune system support: Promotes lymph flow to enhance immune function and help reduce the effects of chronic infections or autoimmune diseases.
- Support for chronic conditions: Includes relief for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lipedema management, post-mastectomy recovery, breast implant illness recovery, and toxic mold recovery.
- Head, neck, and face relief: Addresses migraines, sinus issues, congestion, brain fog, and tension headaches.
- Dermatological benefits: Improves scar tissue softening, supports skin disorders, and helps rejuvenate collagen for healthier skin.
- Special cases: Includes care for preeclampsia during pregnancy, joint replacement recovery, massage services during menopause and perimenopause, and post-op fibrosis treatment.
For Long-Held Tension and Fatigue
Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Our MLDM sessions provide multiple benefits for your body and mind. They can:
Reduce swelling and fluid buildup
Ease pain and support recovery
Improve mobility and range of motion
Promote deep relaxation and stress relief
Enhance cosmetic appearance, smoothing skin and softening scars
By addressing lymph flow and fluid balance, MLDM helps you feel lighter, healthier, and more relaxed.
Support for Chronic Conditions
Manual lymphatic drainage supports swelling, immune challenges, and recovery from surgery or chronic conditions.
Safety: Avoid if you have heart issues, blood clots, infections, or recent cancer treatment. Health history is always checked.
Safety and Contraindications
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is generally safe, but caution is needed for certain conditions: heart failure, blood clots, acute infections, kidney or liver problems, cancer or recent chemotherapy, and recent vaccinations or flare-ups of chronic or autoimmune conditions. We always review your health history to ensure a safe and effective session.
Why Choose Step Above Massage
At Step Above Massage, we combine Vodder-trained techniques, certified lymphatic therapists, and a trauma-informed, body-neutral perspective to provide MLDM sessions tailored to you. Whether you’re seeking post-liposuction aftercare, cosmetic surgery recovery, or general wellness, our skilled therapists ensure your lymphatic massage is safe, effective, and restorative.
You can experience gentle, non-invasive therapy, deep relaxation, and improved immune function with Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Book your session today and let us help you feel lighter, healthier, and fully supported.
What makes our care different:
- Focuses only on lymph health
- Works just under the skin
- Uses skin stretching, not pressure
- Based on structured clinical methods
- Designed for long-term results
- Performed by a certified Vodder-trained therapist
- Customized for your needs
Alana is the certified MLD therapist at Step Above Massage. Training through the Vodder School ensures techniques are done correctly and safely to help your body, not stress it.
Booking and Commitment
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage service is best for those who are serious about long-term health and healing. Consistency leads to progress.
Appointments are available at Step Above Massage. Contact us today to schedule your session and start your journey to better wellness.
When Simple Rest Is Not Enough
Frequently Asked Questions about Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage and how does it help you?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a very gentle type of massage. It helps move lymph fluid through your body. This fluid carries waste and extra water away. When it moves better, swelling can go down and your body can heal more easily. You may feel lighter, calmer, and less puffy after a session.
What does a MLDM session feel like for you?
The touch is light and slow. There is no deep pressure. You lie down in a quiet room and stay mostly covered. Many people feel very relaxed and sometimes sleepy. After the session, you may need to use the bathroom more as your body releases extra fluid.
Who should consider getting Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
You may benefit if you have swelling, fluid buildup, or feel heavy and tired. It is often helpful after surgery, during recovery from illness, or when you deal with long-term conditions like lymphedema or fibromyalgia. You can also choose it if you want gentle support for your immune system and overall wellness.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage safe for you?
For most people, it is safe. However, you should avoid it if you have certain health issues like heart problems, blood clots, active infections, or recent cancer treatment. Your therapist will always ask about your health history to make sure the session is right for you.
How often should you book MLDM sessions to see results?
This depends on your needs. Some people feel better after one session, but lasting results usually come with regular visits. If you are recovering from surgery or managing swelling, consistency helps your body adjust and improve over time. Your therapist can guide you on a schedule that works for you.
