Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique that encourages movement of lymph fluid out of a swollen area, using soft skin-stretching movements rather than the deeper pressure of a typical massage.

Your therapist usually starts on an unaffected part of the body, clearing a path so fluid has somewhere to drain from the swollen area. The movements — stretching, light compressing, gliding, gentle cupping — are done without oil, at a slow, rhythmic pace.

How many sessions you need depends on what you're treating; some plans run a few weeks, others longer for more significant swelling.

You'll lie down for treatment while your therapist works in slow, rhythmic strokes. It's much gentler than you might expect — mild soreness for a couple of days afterward is normal, and needing the washroom more than usual is actually a sign the technique is working.