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Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is your body’s drainage system — collecting excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. When it is not working well, waste products can build up in tissues, leading to swelling, discomfort, and fatigue.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised, gentle technique that uses rhythmical movements to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid and support your body’s natural healing processes.

What to expect

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised technique that uses mostly light, rhythmical movements to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid through your body. Unlike regular massage which often focuses on deeper structures like muscles and tendons, MLD is mostly focused on the superficial tissue layers — sandwiched between our top layers of skin and muscle — as this is where most lymph fluid flows.

When performed correctly, MLD can help reduce swelling, ease inflammation, and support your body’s natural detoxification processes. It is especially effective after surgery, where it assists in reducing post-operative swelling and promoting faster healing.

Following lymph node removal, MLD is widely used to help create new pathways for lymph to drain and promote new vessel growth. This may help reduce the chance of lymphatic build-up, which if not managed correctly may lead to lymphoedema. Lymphoedema requires a larger management plan including skin care and compression, and MLD is used as part of this plan, not as a stand-alone treatment.

MLD has a sympatholytic effect, meaning it helps reduce our perception of pain by removing inflammatory mediators in our tissues. The chronic inflammation cycle can be broken by resetting the balance between our tissue and nervous system.

Its soothing effect can help promote improved sleep, reduce pain and post-operative tightness, and provide a deep sense of relaxation. In some cases, MLD may be combined with complementary approaches such as compression therapy, taping, or gentle movement to enhance results.

  • Light, rhythmical movements that support your body's natural drainage and healing

  • Effective for reducing swelling after surgery, injury, or lymph node removal

  • Helps ease pain, inflammation, and post-operative tightness

  • A calming, deeply relaxing therapy that promotes better sleep and recovery

Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Suitable for You?

MLD may help the following conditions: acute inflammatory conditions such as bursitis; chronic inflammatory conditions such as sinusitis and capsulitis; oedema during pregnancy, after caesarean section, or post-acute mastitis; gynaecological disorders; constipation, IBS, and diverticulitis; rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia; stress; neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, migraine and Parkinson’s disease; skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and shingles; autoimmune disorders; respiratory conditions such as bronchitis; and scars.

My role is to adapt each session to your specific needs, ensuring that the pressure, speed, and focus areas are safe and effective for you. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic or complex condition, or simply looking for lymphatic support, MLD offers a calm and therapeutic way to care for your body.

If you are seeking Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Perth, I can support your recovery and help you feel lighter and more at ease.

Kind Words

What My Clients Say

  • I have been seeing Carole for a few weeks after my 2 total knee replacements to help with the swelling and my lymphatic drainage. I have suffered with heavy swollen achy legs and ankles prior to my knee surgery for a very long time. I tried everything to help relieve the pain and swelling but nothing worked. After seeing Carole only a few weeks, I have noticed a big difference with no more achy legs and no swollen ankles. I feel lighter and more confident within myself. Carole makes me feel so comfortable and shows so much kindness. I highly recommend Carole, she is so amazing.

    Fernanda
  • I have been seeing Carole for just under a year. She has helped me enormously with lymphatic drainage massage and more recently with frozen shoulder. Carole is very caring and professional and takes time to ensure she understands your problem so that she can carry out the best treatment for you. I wouldn't go anywhere else for treatment now and highly recommend Carole.

    Susan
  • Carole has an amazing ability to combine effective therapeutic massage, with a truly relaxing experience. The Lymphatic Drainage Massage is also incredible, really helped my bursitis and injury recovery.

    Jolene Pain Management
Faqs

Frequently Asked Questions Manual Lymphatic Drainage Questions

MLD can assist with a wide range of conditions including post-surgical swelling, lymphoedema, lipedema, bursitis, sinusitis, oedema during pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, skin conditions, and more. I will always discuss your individual situation and adapt the session to your needs.

Unlike remedial or deep tissue massage that works into the muscles, MLD uses very light, rhythmical movements focused on the superficial tissue layers just beneath the skin. The pressure is gentle and soothing, making it suitable for sensitive or healing tissues.

This depends on your condition and goals. For post-surgical swelling, it is often beneficial to start with more frequent sessions in the first few weeks, then reduce over time. For ongoing conditions like lymphoedema, regular maintenance sessions are usually recommended. I will discuss a plan tailored to you.

Yes. MLD is a core component of Complete Decongestive Therapy — the gold standard treatment for lymphoedema. It is used alongside compression, skin care, and exercise. I hold Level 3 Dr Vodder International certification in MLD and Combined Decongestive Therapy.

Some health funds offer rebates for remedial massage, which may include MLD sessions. Please check with your individual health fund. Please note: I am not currently listed as a qualified medical practitioner under AHPRA, so I am unable to assist with health care plans.

My Specialities

Complementary Therapies

In addition to my core treatments, I offer a range of carefully selected complementary therapies designed to enhance your results and support your recovery, including Compression Therapy, Myofascial Cupping Therapy, Lymphatic and Musculoskeletal Taping, Therapeutic Electrostatic Oscillation Therapy, and Low-Level Laser Therapy.

These therapies work alongside Manual Lymphatic Drainage, oncology massage, pre- and post-surgery care, and therapeutic remedial massage to reduce swelling, improve circulation, relieve discomfort, and promote healing. Each modality is chosen based on your individual needs and integrated into your treatment plan to provide safe, effective, and holistic support for your bod