After an injury or surgery, swelling and discomfort can slow recovery and affect mobility. Managing this inflammation safely and effectively is essential for healing. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, our Myotherapists use Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), a specialised therapy designed to reduce swelling, support the body’s natural detox process, and promote faster tissue repair.
Key Takeaways
- MLD promotes fluid drainage and reduces swelling naturally
- It’s beneficial for post-surgical, sports, and chronic edema recovery
- Gentle techniques improve circulation and reduce pain
- MLD supports immunity and tissue repair
- Professional treatment ensures safe, effective results
Understanding the Lymphatic System
Before diving into Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) itself, it helps to understand what the lymphatic system actually does.
The lymphatic system is part of your body’s immune and circulatory systems. It’s a vast network of vessels, nodes, and ducts that transport lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, and waste materials, throughout the body. Its main jobs are to:
- Remove waste and toxins from tissues
- Maintain fluid balance
- Support immune function by fighting off infections
Unlike the heart, which pumps blood, the lymphatic system relies on muscle movement, breathing, and body motion to move fluid around. When this system slows down, due to surgery, injury, or illness, lymph can accumulate in tissues, causing swelling (oedema), discomfort, and restricted mobility.
That’s where MLD comes in.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, rhythmic therapy that stimulates the lymphatic system, a vital part of your immune and circulatory network. This system helps remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from tissues. When it becomes sluggish due to injury, surgery, or illness, fluid can build up, leading to swelling, pain, and delayed healing.
MLD works by guiding lymphatic flow through light, precise movements that improve circulation and encourage drainage. It’s particularly effective for:
- Post-surgical swelling
- Sports or soft-tissue injuries
- Chronic edema or lymphedema
- Post-infection or inflammation recovery
How MLD Helps Reduce Swelling and Oedema?
Oedema (sometimes spelled edema) occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues, leading to puffiness, tightness, and sometimes pain. It can happen after an injury, following surgery, or from chronic conditions like lymphoedema or venous insufficiency.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage can help by:
- Encouraging Lymph Flow: MLD gently pushes stagnant lymph fluid toward the lymph nodes, where it can be processed and eliminated.
- Reducing Fluid Build-Up: It helps drain excess water and waste products from the affected area, easing swelling and pressure.
- Improving Circulation: By supporting the lymphatic and venous systems, MLD boosts overall blood flow, which promotes healing.
- Relieving Discomfort: Many people report a lighter, less tense feeling after just one session.
For those dealing with post-surgical or post-injury swelling, MLD can make a huge difference in reducing that tight, swollen sensation and in speeding up recovery.
MLD Supporting Post-Injury Recovery
After an injury, whether it’s a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or bruising, the body naturally triggers inflammation. While this is a normal part of healing, too much fluid in the area can cause pain and slow down recovery.
MLD supports post-injury healing by:
- Reducing Inflammation: Gentle stimulation of the lymphatic system helps clear out excess inflammatory fluid and waste.
- Minimising Scar Tissue: Encouraging healthy fluid flow can improve tissue regeneration and reduce fibrous scar formation.
- Improving Mobility: Less swelling means better joint movement and less stiffness.
- Enhancing Tissue Repair: With better circulation and nutrient delivery, the body can heal more efficiently.
For athletes, MLD can also help speed up muscle recovery after intense training or competition. By flushing out lactic acid and metabolic waste, it can reduce body muscle fatigue and soreness, helping you get back to your sport sooner.
Benefits of MLD After Surgery
Post-surgical swelling is one of the most common reasons people seek out MLD. It’s frequently recommended by surgeons and physiotherapists after cosmetic or reconstructive procedures, joint replacements, or lymph node removal.
Post-operative benefits of MLD include:
- Reducing fluid build-up and swelling
- Decreasing bruising and inflammation
- Promoting tissue healing and comfort
- Supporting scar recovery and reducing tightness
Because MLD is so gentle, it can be safely performed even when the surgical area is tender or healing, as long as it’s cleared by your doctor.
What to Expect in an MLD Session?
During your first MLD session, your therapist will assess your condition, medical history, and any areas of swelling or discomfort. You’ll typically lie comfortably on a massage table while the therapist performs a series of light, rhythmic strokes and pumping motions across specific parts of the body.
Unlike other massages, MLD doesn’t involve oil or deep pressure, it’s designed to stimulate the skin and underlying lymph vessels, not the muscles. Most clients find it deeply relaxing, often drifting off to sleep during the session.
A single session may last 45–60 minutes, though chronic or post-surgical cases may require a series of treatments to achieve lasting results.
After your session, your therapist might recommend:
- Gentle movement or stretching to encourage ongoing lymph flow
- Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins
- Compression garments or wraps, if needed for oedema management
Is MLD Right for You?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is safe for most people, but there are a few conditions where it may not be suitable, such as acute infections, untreated heart failure, or blood clots. That’s why it’s important to see a qualified therapist who can assess your suitability and adjust the treatment accordingly.
If you’re recovering from surgery, managing swelling, or dealing with chronic fluid retention, MLD can be an excellent complementary therapy alongside medical or physiotherapy care.
Who Can Benefit from MLD?
MLD is ideal for individuals recovering from:
- Orthopaedic or sports injuries
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
- Chronic conditions like lymphedema or lipedema
- Swelling following infection or immobility
- High-intensity training or repetitive strain
At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we customise each Manual Lymphatic Drainage session based on your medical background and current symptoms.
Aftercare Tips for Best Results
Supporting your lymphatic system doesn’t stop after therapy. You can enhance results by:
- Staying Hydrated – Water helps flush toxins and reduce fluid build-up.
- Gentle Movement – Walking or light stretching stimulates natural lymph flow.
- Following Post-Care Guidance – Your myotherapist will provide tailored advice.
Conclusion
Swelling and discomfort don’t have to define your recovery. With the right care, the body can heal efficiently and naturally. Manual Lymphatic Drainage offers a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to restore balance and assist recovery after injury, surgery, or chronic swelling. Contact us today to experience how MLD can help you regain comfort and confidence in your body’s healing process.
FAQs:
A: Yes. MLD is safe when performed by a qualified professional. It’s often recommended by surgeons to manage post-operative swelling and support healing.
A: The number of sessions depends on your condition. Acute swelling may need 2–3 sessions, while chronic or post-surgical cases often benefit from a structured series over several weeks.
A: No. MLD involves gentle, rhythmic motions that don’t cause pain or bruising. It’s a soothing therapy that’s safe even for sensitive areas.
A: Absolutely. MLD is one of the most recognised treatments for managing chronic lymphoedema, helping improve mobility and reduce heaviness in affected limbs.
A: You can book online through the Contact page, or call Melbourne Massage and Treatment directly to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled therapists.
Giovanni La Rocca
Giovanni moved to Melbourne, Australia, from Italy in 2008 and became a citizen in 2017. He started studying massage therapy in 2016, then completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy in August 2024. During those years, he also specialised in Thai Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage for presentations like Lipoedema and Lymphoedema. Nowadays, he runs his clinic in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, where he integrates movement therapy into his practice to enhance overall well-being. He also values meditation, having completed several Vipassana courses. Committed to continuous learning, he aims to share his expertise in integrated therapies to help others achieve balance and resilience.