Lymphatic drainage massages help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain and stress. You can also buy massage packages with multiple lymphatic drainage sessions at a reduced rate. Lymphatic drainage massage, also called manual lymphatic drainage MLD , involves stimulating the body in order to move lymph fluid. The lymphatic system circulates fluid through nodes and removes any waste. Experience: Massage therapists with more training and experience tend to charge more, especially those with training in techniques like the Vodder or Chickly methods.
Location: Massage therapists in larger cities usually charge more due to the higher cost of living. Session length: A lymphatic drainage massage usually lasts about an hour. Longer treatments will cost more than average, and shorter sessions cost less. Packages: Many massage therapists offer discounts if you purchase a package with multiple sessions. Not all insurance policies cover massage therapy. It can also help with the following:.
Many people utilize MLD massage to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process after cosmetic surgery. Lymphatic drainage massages use gentle pressure and specific movements to stimulate the movement of lymph fluids. These include:. Before your massage appointment, be sure to drink plenty of water to encourage lymph flow and avoid ibuprofen or other blood thinners if possible. The massage therapist will start with breathing exercises and then use light movements to massage any non-swollen lymph nodes.
Then, they move on to swollen or blocked nodes, moving the fluid toward larger nodes and then toward the heart. Many people feel energized and experience less bloating after a session. If you have a condition like lymphedema or are going through post-surgery recovery, this massage type can be particularly beneficial. You can get a lymphatic drainage massage at massage studios, spas, med spas, or from independent massage therapists.
Just make sure the studio or spa is licensed and the therapist is trained specifically in lymphatic drainage massage before making an appointment. Your massage therapist may give you specific instructions after the massage, but usually, they recommend:. After surgery or an injury, many doctors recommend 2 to 3 sessions per week until the swelling is reduced. For health conditions that cause lymphedema, a massage therapist may recommend sessions every 1 to 3 weeks to manage chronic swelling.
