Gentle, rhythmic bodywork for swelling, fluid retention and recovery.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique that works with your lymphatic system — the network that helps move fluid and waste through the body. It is one of the most requested treatments at True Health, and one of the most misunderstood: if you’re expecting deep tissue pressure, MLD is the opposite. The touch is light, slow and repetitive, and most people find it profoundly relaxing.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
How It Works
Unlike remedial massage, MLD doesn’t target muscle. Lymphatic vessels sit just beneath the surface of the skin, so your therapist uses light, precise, rhythmic strokes in specific directions to encourage fluid to move towards the lymph nodes, where it can be processed and cleared. The sequence matters as much as the pressure, which is why MLD is a distinct trained technique rather than simply a lighter massage.
How MLD May Help
- Supporting the reduction of swelling and fluid retention
- Supporting recovery and comfort after surgery
- Easing the heavy, puffy feeling in legs, arms or abdomen
- Supporting comfort during pregnancy
- Supporting your body's natural fluid and waste clearance
- A gentle option for people who find deep tissue work uncomfortable
Pricing
Claim On the Spot
Is MLD Right for You?
- Post-surgical swelling and recovery
- Fluid retention in the legs, arms or abdomen
- Swelling and heaviness during pregnancy
- Puffiness related to sitting or travel
- General sluggishness or feeling run-down
- People seeking a very gentle alternative to deep tissue massage
If you’ve had recent surgery, or you’re managing a diagnosed lymphatic condition, please let us know when booking — there are situations where MLD isn’t appropriate, and we’d rather have that conversation before your appointment than during it.
If you’re under the care of a surgeon or specialist, we’ll work in step with their advice.
What to Expect During Your Session
The first thing most people notice is how light the pressure is — it can feel almost too gentle if you’re used to remedial massage, but that’s exactly the point. Your therapist will explain the sequence, check in on your comfort, and let you know roughly how many sessions may be useful for your situation. Drink plenty of water afterwards, and expect to feel relaxed rather than worked over.
Why Choose True Health?
A Specialist Technique, Properly Trained
MLD at True Health is delivered by Anna Nowak, a qualified remedial massage therapist whose specialties are deep tissue massage and manual lymphatic drainage. Anna speaks Polish and Portuguese in addition to English.
Part of a Bigger Picture
Because MLD sits alongside chiropractic, remedial massage and acupuncture in the one Ormond clinic, it can form part of a broader plan — particularly useful during pregnancy or post-surgical recovery, when what you need tends to change week to week.
