What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a specialized, hands-on technique designed to support your lymphatic system — the network of vessels and nodes that removes fluid and waste from tissues. When lymph flow becomes compromised (often after surgery, injury, or due to lymphatic conditions), swelling, heaviness, discomfort and other symptoms may appear.
Recommended For
- Lymphedema management after Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) — gentle, ongoing support for primary or secondary lymphedema, including post-mastectomy swelling, once the initial condition has been stabilized.
- Post-surgical swelling — reduces bruising, pain, and fluid buildup while supporting healthy scar tissue formation following joint replacement, cosmetic procedures, or trauma.
- Inflammatory conditions — symptom relief for RA, fibromyalgia, MS, lupus, and chronic sinus inflammation.
- Immune support — promotes healthy lymph flow to support immune function and the body's natural processing of environmental stressors (mold, heavy metals, pollutants, allergens, etc.)
- Migraine management — helps reduce head, neck, and facial congestion and supports symptom management, with emerging research showing potential benefits for attack frequency, pain levels, and overall quality of life.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome — encourages healthy fluid movement, reduces tissue stagnation, and supports parasympathetic regulation, with research findings suggesting potential benefits for energy levels, pain, and overall comfort.
The Vodder Method
Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder and Estrid Vodder, the Vodder Method is a structured, medically informed system of manual lymphatic drainage that uses:
- Rhythmic, circular, skin-stretching movements
- Extremely light, precise pressure
- Specific sequences that follow lymphatic anatomy
- Techniques designed to stimulate lymph vessel activity and reroute fluid
It is not massage in the traditional sense — it's a specialized clinical technique.
The Vodder Method is the original, gold-standard form of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) — the one every other lymphatic technique is compared against, and is still the most medically trusted approach almost 100 years after its creation. This technique is widely used in hospitals, cancer centers, and post-surgical clinics because it is safe, non-invasive, and highly effective for conditions involving swelling, inflammation, congestion, or lymphatic impairment.
Your Treatment Plan
MLD is most effective when structured as a series of sessions. Your initial consultation includes:
- Assessment of lymphatic condition and affected areas
- Discussion of your condition, goals, and expected timeline
- Customized treatment plan with recommended session frequency
- Progress tracking and documented outcomes
Pricing
60 minutes: $130 | 90 minutes: $185
Effective April 1, 2026. Returning clients automatically locked in at previous rates through April 1, 2027.