Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by a buildup of lymph fluid, leading to swelling, usually in the arms or legs. It can also affect the abdomen, chest, or genital area. It may result from cancer treatments (like mastectomy or radiation), surgery, or genetic factors (primary lymphoedema).

What are the differences between primary and secondary lymphoedema?

Primary Lymphoedema is genetic and occurs due to an inherited malfunction in the lymphatic system. Secondary Lymphoedema develops due to external factors like surgery (e.g., mastectomy), radiation therapy, trauma, or infection.

How can lymphoedema be managed?

Lymphoedema is a degenerative condition, meaning it worsens over time if untreated. However, proper management through Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), compression garments, skin care, and exercise can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

MLD is a gentle, specialised massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to improve lymph flow, reduce swelling, and activate alternative lymphatic pathways (anastomosis) when the main vessels are damaged.

What is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?

CDT stands for Combined Decongestive Therapy and is about applying compression to the limb affected by lymphoedema to get the fluid in exceed to keep moving post MLD therapy.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes! I offer lymphoedema patients a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss symptoms, treatment options, and how I can help.

Where is the clinic located?

Melbourne Massage and Treatment Lymphoedema clinic is conveniently located at 1/175 Holden Street, Fitzroy North, 3068, Victoria, Australia.

Can lymphoedema be cured?

While lymphoedema is a chronic condition, proper management can significantly reduce swelling, discomfort, and the risk of complications. Early intervention and consistent therapy are key.

Is compression therapy necessary for lymphoedema?

Yes, compression garments or bandages are essential in CDT to maintain pressure on tissues, prevent fluid re-accumulation, and support long-term management.

Can exercise help with lymphoedema?

Yes! Gentle, guided exercises can promote lymphatic drainage and improve mobility. Giovanni can recommend safe exercises tailored to your condition.

How often should I get MLD or CDT treatments?

The frequency depends on the severity of your condition. Some patients benefit from weekly sessions, while others may need maintenance treatments less often. Giovanni will create a personalised plan for you.

Does private health insurance cover lymphoedema treatments?

Some private health funds may cover part of the cost under myotherapy or lymphatic drainage therapy. Check with your provider for eligibility.

MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) | MLD Melbourne

Did you just have a surgery and you want to improve your recovery, or do you feel bloated, or do you just want to deeply relax? Manual Lymphatic Drainage is the treatment you need for any of those.

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What is MLD

MLD stands for Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a manual technique developed in Europe in the early 20th century by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Dr. Estrid Vodder, that aims to boos the lymphatic system.

Manual lymphatic drainage is a pain-free, non-invasive technique.

Compared with Deep Tissue work, MLD doesn’t use deep pressures that aim to reproduce the ache sensation, even though it is highly relaxing.

What can MLD help with?

Thanks to the gentle touch that MLD is characterized by, it can be used for many presentations where any other hands-on therapy is banned due to reproducing pain or risking damage to the skin.

Dermatological such as: • Eczema • Acne • Skin Burn • Scar Therapy • Swelling
Musculoskeletal Presentations such as: • Acute injuries • Arthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis • Hip/Shoulder chronic conditions • Neck Pain • Pain Management • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) • Fibromyalgia
Health Conditions such as: • Lymphoedema • Lipedema • Sinusitis - frontal/maxillar • Hay fever • Rhinitis • Tinnitus (Ear) • Meniere's Disease (hearing/balance) • Puffy eyes

Here is a link to a study published on www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov that discusses how MLD in Vodder Style can help reduce hand oedema after a distal radius fracture.

How MLD does Actually work?

Before commencing treatment, Giovanni will guide you on what to expect from your MLD treatment and how MLD works. But here is a brief rundown about it:

MLD consists of light touch, slight skin stretching, and skin release.
The Lymphatic System is directly affected by this skin stimulus and starts working harder and faster by collecting more waste around the body.
The Lymphatic System then releases the collected liquid into the bloodstream at the upper clavicle area; therefore, the cervical area is the first Lymphatic System body area to get stimulated.
As lymphatic fluid is displaced in the bloodstream, the kidneys and liver process it for final filtering.

To maximise its effect, it is suggested not to put any cream or oil on your skin before the treatment, as it would be difficult for Giovanni to apply a stretch to it and stimulate the lymphatic system.

Myth and Fact about Lymphatic System and MLD

When patients come in for their lymphatic drainage massage, I often have to clarify some facts about MLD. Here are some of the most common topics.

Fact 1

The Lymphatic System and Immune System works together to keep your body in homeostasis (Which means, maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes).

Fact 2

Any physical activity can boos your Lymphatic System. This is possible because of the muscles contraction, does stimulates the capillary of the Lymphatic System to work harder.

Fact 3

The lymphatic system is where Omega 6 or also known as Long Fatty Chain Acid , get collected. The more of those you eat, the more inflammatory response your immune system (within the lymphatic system) would generate.

Myth 1

MLD can boost your immune system. Lymphatic system and immune system do collaborate, but one can not make the other work faster or harder. To be clear, you would not want your immune system to be boost, as this is what a immune disease actually act.

Myth 2

Someone tells you: "You have a sluggish Lymphatic System." No one, unless you had a lymphoscintography, can with the touch or via a blood test diagnose a sluggish lymphatic system. And if you do so, you would suffer from severe swelling (Lymphoedema).

Myth 3

You are going to experience head ache or nausea after an MLD session. Feeling unwell post MLD is often due to lack of water intake post treatment.Indeed, after your session is done, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrate, as you would loose more liquid then normal post treatment.

Giovanni's Manual Lymphatic Drainage Qualifications

Giovanni started studying MLD during its Remedial Massage course with RMIT in 2021. In November 2021, he earned a certification from the Vodder Academy for Applied MLD and a certification in Lymphoedema and management in October 2024.

Thanks to boths this certifications, Giovanni is entitle to work with patient who has an intact lymphatic system or who may have a non intact lymphatic system and needs extra care.

MLD Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

• Acute inflammation with infection
• Untreated thrombus
• Untreated Cancer
• Congestive heart failure

Relative Contraindications

• Chronic inflammation
• Treated thrombus
• Treated Cancer
• Asthma
• Hypo/Hyperthyroidism
• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• Nevus
• Hx of tuberculosis
• Hypertension/Diabetes

MLD Prices

The length of the appointment is dictated by the presentation we need to treat. Here you can find a simplified breakdown of the appointment length per presentation:

• Work that involves leg treatment – 60 mins

• Treatment that involves arms – 45 mins

• Facial or only Abdominal area – 30 mins

This time frame does not cover surgery presentation, which may require more treatment time.

If you suffer from Long Covid or Chronic Fatigue, we may start with a 30-minute appointment, evaluate your body response, and take it from there.

MLD Client's Feedback

Giovanni is very knowledgeable and skilled and helped me understand the lymphatic system a lot more. I went in for the MLD massage and felt great during and afterwards. I will definitely return and recommend to others.

I saw Giovanni for Manual Lymph Drainage after batting a (recurrent) sinus infection. After a round of antibiotics and other medications I was still feeling congested and suffering sinus pain. Immediately following my treatment my head was feeling much clearer, and one day after the congestion and sinus pain is almost non-existent.

I went to see Giovanni for post surgery fluid with Lympthatic drainage massage and are very happy with the results. Very knowledgeable and has healing hands. Highly recommended

I highly recommend Giovanni for MLD Manual Lymphatic Drainage, after my first visit I saw and felt an immediate difference. He is very knowledgeable, providing me with excellent education on my symptoms and treatment. I have never had a massage in my life and he made me feel very comfortable, I am so grateful to have found him. I would recommend anyone who suffers from swelling from air travel (like I do) or swelling from post surgery. If you needing MLD don't hesitate to make a consultation, you won't regret it, you will be in safe hands.

MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) | MLD Melbourne

What is MLD

What can MLD help with?

How MLD does Actually work?