Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Lymphatic drainage therapy (often called manual lymphatic drainage or MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique designed to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid through the body.
These light movements help to:
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Encourage the removal of metabolic waste, toxins, and excess fluid.
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Reduce swelling (edema) and inflammation.
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Boost the immune system.
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Improve circulation.
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Calm the nervous system, promoting deep relaxation.
At Panacea Massage Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) within the scope of Massage Therapy practice. This treatment will be billed as a Massage Therapy treatment and may be eligible for coverage under Massage Therapy insurance.
Our MLD Training & Approach
At Panacea, our therapists hold different levels of certification following the internationally recognized method, the Vodder Method:
Level 1 (Basic Sequences): Our foundational training, perfect for general wellness and the common applications listed above.
Level 2 (Advanced Applications): For more complex conditions involving chronic pain, neurological components, and systemic issues.
All of our therapists are trained in Level 1 MLD for general wellness and post-operative recovery.
Our RMT, Michael Le, has Level 2 training following the Vodder Method, allowing him to provide advanced care for complex or chronic lymphatic conditions.
How Can MLD Help You? (Common Applications)
Below is a general guide to how MLD can be applied based on different areas of the body and common concerns:
Neck
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Relieves tension & headaches
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Supports swollen lymph nodes & torticollis
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Assists with whiplash recovery (Level 2)
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Helps with osteoarthritis-related stiffness (Level 2)
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Reduces ear congestion and pressure (Level 2)
Face & Head
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Reduces puffiness & tired eyes
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Relieves sinus issues, allergies, TMJ tension
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Improves skin conditions: acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis
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Supports headaches, migraines, tinnitus, Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
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Promotes mental clarity and supports neurological & mental health conditions (Level 2)
Legs
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Reduces swelling & discomfort during pregnancy
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Supports varicose veins, restless legs, shin splints, growing pains
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Helps pre- and post-surgery recovery
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Relieves muscle soreness, contusions, DOMS, phantom pain
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Supports osteoarthritis, sprains, strains, Achilles/calf injuries (Level 2)
Arms & Hands
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Eases swelling, bursitis, burns, Raynaud’s syndrome
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Supports palsies, compartment syndrome, scleroderma
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Helps sprains, strains, carpal/cubital tunnel, frozen shoulder, tendinopathy, Thoracic outlet syndrome, CRPS/RSD (Level 2)
Back & Nape
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Relieves muscle sprains & tension
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Supports scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, disc issues
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Helps with shingles & insomnia
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Supports multiple sclerosis (MS) (Level 2)
Buttocks & Hips
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Improves circulation & healing post-athletic events or falls
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Supports trochanteric bursitis, piriformis syndrome, stretch marks, pregnancy, decubitus ulcers
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Eases sciatica and hip discomfort/pathology (Level 2)
Chest
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Relieves breast pain, cysts, fibrotic tissue, gynecomastia
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Supports mastitis (no infection), post-partum recovery, breastfeeding
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Pre- and post-surgery support
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Helps with costochondritis, pectoralis strain, seatbelt trauma from MVA, COPD recovery (Level 2)
Abdomen
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Gentle rhythmical massage supports pre/post-natal care
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Improves sleep
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Supports digestive issues including constipation and IBS (Level 2)
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Pre-surgery preparation
General Benefits
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Supports healing from bruises, hematomas, arthritis
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Pre-operative care for orthopedic & cosmetic surgery (as close to surgical date as possible)
Conditions that Michael cannot treat for:
Medically diagnosed lymphedema
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Primary or secondary lymphedema (post-surgical, post-cancer, etc.)
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Requires full CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy) training — including bandaging and exercise protocols.
Post-cancer and oncology-related swelling
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Post-mastectomy, radiation fibrosis, or lymph node removal cases.
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These clients need medical clearance and specialized training in oncology MLD.
Venous or circulatory disorders
Active infections or inflammatory conditions
Congestive heart failure or severe cardiac edema
Kidney failure or severe renal conditions
Acute or unstable medical conditions
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Uncontrolled high blood pressure
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Active cancer (unless cleared and under oncology MLD therapist care)
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Fever, flu, or systemic infection
Deep abdominal or pelvic work post-surgery
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Unless healing is complete and cleared by a physician.
