MLD has a decongestive effect and can treat most body swelling (except heart and kidney-related) by increasing the lymphatic vessels to pump and drain waste up to 20 times faster. This treatment helps to reduce swelling and restore normal tissue condition when lymph pathways are impaired.
The treatment involves very light, rhythmic stretching movements applied to specific areas of the body to encourage lymph flow. It is quite different from a massage; the pressure used in MLD is much lighter.
Specialised techniques are applied on the skin to enhance the movement of tissue fluid into the lymphatic system. This system, known as the superficial lymphatic system, transports the fluid into a deeper network, referred to as the deep lymphatic system, before it is finally drained into the subclavian vein at the base of the neck. Each treatment is adapted to the individual’s needs and condition.
Generally, the first few treatments remove waste products from the body, and further treatments activate the lymphatic system.
An initial treatment plan will be discussed on the first visit, and further weekly/monthly/yearly treatments may be recommended.
MLD has received scientific validation as a component of decongestive therapy in managing lymphoedema (chronic swelling) and other forms of oedema. Additionally, manual lymphatic drainage shows promise in treating and benefiting a broader range of health conditions and injuries, including:
Consultation and first treatment
Each additional treatment
$120
$110
Prepayment required for packages below:
3 treatments
5 treatments
$280
$470
Booking Terms:
Payment is required on the day of treatment or by prior arrangement. A 50% cancellation fee applies for no-shows and cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment.
* Consumables are not included in treatment prices.
Acute inflammation - Tissues will be red, hot, and painful, with congestion accompanied by fever. Lymphatic drainage will push these substances into the lymph system before the body has a chance to identify and eliminate them.
It is best to wait a few days until the condition is not acute and the body has had a chance to clean up the area.
A prime example of acute inflammation is cellulitis, a serious bacterial skin infection that presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness. If you have symptoms of cellulitis, seek immediate medical attention.
Acute Phlebitis - inflammation of the vein.
Acute Thrombosis - due to the risk of blood clots being released into the circulatory system. If the thrombus is treated, it’s okay to proceed with MLD following the GP/specialist’s consent.
Malignant tumours/disease - including tumour recurrence or metastases. There is a fear of spreading the cancer. If the cancer is treated, it is okay to proceed with MLD with oncology and specialist notes regarding the treatment received. Note: if palliative, then proceeding with MLD to reduce symptoms/oedemas is okay if consented to by the patient/specialist/GP.
Congestive heart problems - if the heart is not fully functioning, it can lead to fluid overload in the venous system. Therefore, pumping more fluid to the heart from the lymph system is contraindicated. If treated under GP supervision and with their consent, it’s okay to proceed.
No, this is not advised unless it is a compression garment, such as a wrap or compression night sleeve, that has been prescribed for you by your lymphoedema therapist and is helpful in reducing the limb size.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues. Symptoms include redness and swelling of the affected area, which is often accompanied by a general feeling of being unwell. The skin of the face, neck, arms, and legs is most often involved, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
If you have the above symptoms and think you have cellulitis, seek medical help immediately.
Everyone has a unique lymphatic system. It is mapped differently, with a variation in the number of nodes and vessels. The functioning of the lymphatic system before the commencement of treatment will also depend on your age, surgeries, medical diagnosis, lifestyle factors, medications, and stresses.
For the best results, it’s recommended to have three initial treatments: The first and second treatments are spaced 48-72 hours apart, and the third treatment is five days later. This is followed up by weekly treatments and then monthly treatments. The timing and duration are discussed at the time of your first consultation.
You may feel a tingling/drawing sensation under the skin, decreased swelling/puffiness/bloating, increased joint movement, tiredness/irritability (24-48hrs varies) or increased energy, lighter, decreased pain/ache, and clearer eyes.
Note: The benefits of MLD continue for up to 48 hours after treatment has finished. Therefore, the results may not be noticed until the following day or after 2-3 treatments, as every individual responds differently. No two lymphatic systems are the same!
Medical Lymph Taping involves applying specialised elastic tape to the skin in specific patterns to support lymphatic flow. The tape gently lifts the skin, creating channels that help guide excess fluid toward functioning lymph vessels and nodes.