Therapeutic Manual Lymphatic Drainage (or MLD) is a modality that assists the body in reducing pain, removing excess fluid (swelling/edema) and waste byproducts. Lymphatic drainage is typically recommended for pre and post operative procedures such as orthopaedic and plastic surgeries to potentially improve outcomes and healing times. It can also help low grade lymphedema (especially post lymph-node removal) and increase overall immunity as it stimulates white blood cells.
Therapeutic Manual Lymphatic Drainage is NOT massage in the traditional sense – there is no rubbing or deep manipulation of soft tissue as the lymphatic system is a delicate matrix of vessels that lie superficial to musculature as well as visceral within the organ cavities. The modality is very light and most people find it is relaxing. Therapeutic Lymphatic Drainage is also NON-INVASIVE, meaning there is no excision into the skin to physically remove excess lymphatic fluid. Instead, this form of treatment helps influence lymphatic flow and re-routes it to the proper channel for drainage through and out of the body by its normal elimination processes.
Post-operative MLD has recently been most popular for plastic surgery procedures and is typically recommended after a minimum of 1 week, or when drains are removed. Your doctor’s written clearance is required if this modality is desired within 72 hours post-op (there is still a risk for post-operative bleeding) or prior to drain removal. The treatments are recommended bi-weekly for the first 2 to 4 weeks, tapered down to once a week until the body has regained proper lymph routing and drainage patterns. This is not a single-session type of treatment, nor can it be scheduled intermittently during the post-op phase if it is to be done correctly. The type of surgery and the number of areas affected, as well as individual factors are components in the amount of treatment sessions.
Post-operative MLD for orthopaedic procedures is recommended after a minimum of 72 hrs. or one week post-op with session frequency depending on individual variables and type of surgery performed.
Therapeutic Lymphatic Drainage sessions range from 45 minutes to 75 minutes in length, depending upon how well the body responds at the time of treatment. Session rate begins at $300 for 3 sessions and is due at the time of treatment. Single one-off sessions do not yield results and are therefore not offered.

To book a MLD session, please text Cheri Van Atta at 850-206-6817.