Lymphatic drainage Therapy FAQ

 
 

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT), also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a form of massage therapy that specifically targets the lymphatic system to correct imbalances and promote optimal function. The technique involves light pressure applied specifically in the direction of the lymph flow to stimulate increased lymphatic fluid movement throughout the whole body as well as specifically in areas of dysfunction. 

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is known for its ability to help move stagnant fluids from the body.

There are many causes of body fluid stagnation, both chronic and temporary, which Lymphatic Drainage Therapy can treat. The most common of these are post-surgical swelling and chronic Lymphedema, but while the treatment of edema and fluid stagnation may be the most commonly known benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, there are many other benefits to LDT/MLD. These include assistance in detoxing and regenerating tissues compromised by burns, injuries and surgery; stimulation of the immune system; treatment of chronic inflammations such as sinitus and bronchitis; help with symptoms of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and chronic pain; and the promotion of deep relaxation for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and stress. 

Are there any contraindications for Manual lymphatic drainage?

Yes. MLD is not recommended if you have:

  • Systemic Infection (including fever, swelling, or redness)

  • Congestive Heart Failure

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (within the past 6 months)

  • Kidney Failure

If you are unsure whether MLD is safe for you, please consult your healthcare provider before booking.

  • Please read practitioner-specific bios before booking to ensure you are scheduled with the appropriate therapist. Practitioner bios can be found here.

    Please note: Meagan does not currently work with individuals diagnosed with Lymphedema or Lipedema and Lyris does not currently treat individuals with advanced Lymphedema.

  • MLD is generally not recommended during the first trimester. Please consult with your healthcare provider before booking.

  • If your health insurance plan covers massage therapy, then yes.  

    MLD is a form of massage therapy, offered at Wolseley Wellness by a registered massage therapist, and so MLD treatments are eligible for reimbursement through the massage therapy coverage component of your extended health care plan.

  • Every body responds differently to MLD.  Most clients report feeling very relaxed after their first treatment and say that they sleep well the night after their appointment, though occasionally a client will report a burst of energy.  And, of course, most clients report decreased symptoms of the condition they are having treated.

    Approximately 10% of clients will experience some symptoms of a detox reaction, the most common complaint being a headache.  A detox reaction could be more intense, including but not limited to body ache, diarrhea, darker urine, mucous membrane discharge, or skin rash.  Reactions usually last 12 to 48 hours. 

    In our experience clients who are more severely ill, or who have a history of strong reactions to body work, are the most likely to experience a detox reaction.  If you suspect you are susceptible to a detox reaction please schedule a 30-minute appointment for your first appointment and ensure that you drink plenty of fluids the day of your treatment.  

  • This will depend on the purpose for your visit. 

    Most post-surgical clients can expect to come once a week for 3-4 weeks, and then every two weeks for another 4 weeks.  If everything is healing as it should by time you are 8 weeks post-op you should be finished with your treatments.

    If you are coming for other reasons we recommend you book one appointment per week for 3 weeks before we make any longer term recommendations.  Three appointments will allow both you and your  therapist to evaluate how you are responding to the treatment.  This will help in determining when you might need to return for additional treatments. 

    The goal is always to spread the appointments further and further apart while still making progress in the treatment of your condition.  Treatment can either stop when the condition is fully recovered, or, in the case of a chronic condition, we can enter into the regular maintenance phase of treatment.  Regular maintenance treatments varies from individual to individual, and could be anything between one treatment every two weeks to one treatment every 6 months.

  • We can start doing MLD as soon as you are physically able to get into the clinic - for most clients this is one to two weeks post-op. 

    Please let us know when you book if you are unable to lie down so that we can prepare to treat you in a seated position. 

    If you have special pillows or bolsters you use at home please feel free to bring them in to your appointment.

    Please note: Meagan does not currently work with individuals seeking post elective/cosmetic surgical care.

  • Yes, many cancer patients find MLD to be very helpful in managing symptoms of both the disease and treatments, but it is important to check with your doctor if you have an active case of cancer before scheduling.

    MLD can stimulate your body to process the chemotherapy drugs at a faster rate. Given that some chemotherapy doses are very specifically measured we will need to ensure that MLD will not conflict with your chemotherapy treatments.  For example, you may take chemo every three weeks, in which case your doctor may advise that you only receive MLD during the two weeks you do not have chemotherapy. 

    Please note: Meagan does not currently work with individuals who have active cancer.

  • Wait approximately 3 weeks after Botox. Receiving MLD too soon may reduce the effectiveness of the Botox.

  • Wrapping, also known as De-Congestive Therapy, is always advised for Lymphedema patients before they get fitted for custom compression garments. We do not provide wrapping in-house at this time. If you need a recommendation, give our front desk a call.