601 North East Road, Gilles Plains South Australia 5086, Australia
GENTLE, INDIVIDUALISED LYMPHATIC SUPPORT
Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Gilles Plains, Adelaide
A gentle, rhythmic treatment designed to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid through its natural pathways. Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be particularly supportive when you're feeling swollen, puffy, heavy or sluggish, or when you're seeking lymphatic support following surgery.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Your lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance throughout your body. Unlike your circulatory system, it doesn't have a central pump like the heart. Instead, everyday movement, muscle activity and breathing are among the mechanisms that help lymph move through the body.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle, rhythmic treatment designed to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid through its natural pathways. The pressure is intentionally light. Deeper isn't better when it comes to lymphatic drainage.
Many women first come to see me because they simply don't feel quite right in their body. They may describe feeling swollen, puffy, heavy or sluggish, or notice areas where fluid seems to be accumulating. Others may be seeking lymphatic support following surgery or during periods when their usual movement has been reduced.
Every body and every reason for seeking MLD is different, so I take the time to understand what is happening for you and tailor your treatment accordingly.
When might Manual Lymphatic Drainage be helpful?
Feeling puffy, swollen or heavy
You may notice puffiness, fluid retention or a feeling of heaviness, particularly through your legs, feet or other areas of your body.
Long periods of sitting or standing
If you spend much of your day sitting or standing, you may notice your legs or feet feeling heavier or puffier as the day progresses.
Reduced movement
Periods of reduced movement following illness, injury or other changes in your usual activity may be another reason you seek gentle lymphatic support.
Following surgery
Manual Lymphatic Drainage may form part of your post-operative support once your surgeon or treating medical practitioner has cleared you to receive treatment.
Supporting lymphatic flow and relaxation
You don't need to have obvious swelling or a diagnosed lymphatic condition to choose MLD. You may simply be looking for a gentle treatment to support healthy lymphatic flow and relaxation.
What happens during a Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment?
Gentle, individualised and tailored to your body
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is quite different from a remedial or deep tissue massage. The treatment uses gentle, rhythmic movements and light pressure to encourage lymphatic fluid to move through its natural pathways. The pressure isn't so light that you can't feel it, but it is intentionally gentle. Deeper pressure isn't needed for this type of treatment.
For your first appointment, I generally like to work with the whole body rather than focusing only on the area where you may be noticing swelling, heaviness or discomfort. This allows me to support lymphatic flow throughout the body while still tailoring the treatment to what you need.
Depending on your individual needs, your treatment may include your arms, legs, back, neck and face, with abdominal work included where appropriate. I'll explain what we're doing and make sure you're comfortable throughout your treatment.
As oil is used, you'll generally undress to your underwear, just as you would for a massage. You'll remain appropriately covered throughout your treatment in a warm and comfortable treatment space.
Many of my clients tell me they feel deeply relaxed during their session. Afterwards, experiences vary from person to person. Some describe feeling lighter, less heavy or as though a weight has lifted, while others tell me they feel like they're floating. Some notice increased energy, while others simply want to rest.
I'll also encourage you to drink plenty of water following your treatment and give your body some time to respond in its own way.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage after surgery
Supporting you through your recovery
Manual Lymphatic Drainage may form part of your recovery following surgery. I work with clients following a range of surgical procedures, including orthopaedic surgery and procedures such as breast augmentation and abdominoplasty.
Your treatment is always adapted to where you are in your recovery and what your body can comfortably manage.
What to expect after surgery
Your treatment will take into account your stage of recovery, your comfort and any restrictions you have been given. For example, if you are unable to lie on your stomach following abdominal surgery, your treatment can be performed with you comfortably positioned on your back.
Treatment can begin once your surgeon or treating medical practitioner has cleared you to receive it. Manual Lymphatic Drainage does not replace the care or advice provided by your medical team, and I will work within their recommendations.
How many Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatments will I need?
Finding the right rhythm for you
There isn't one set number of Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatments that is right for everyone. How often you may benefit from treatment depends on why you've come to see me, how your body responds and what you're hoping to achieve.
For most new clients, I recommend a second appointment within 14 days of your first treatment. By then, you've had the opportunity to notice how your body felt before your treatment, how you responded over the following few days and whether you noticed any changes in the way your body felt.
At your second appointment, we can talk about what you've noticed, build on your first treatment and start to work out a rhythm that suits you and your body.
For some clients, that means treatments closer together initially before gradually spacing them further apart. Others may choose occasional treatments when they notice their body beginning to feel heavy, puffy or sluggish again.
Post-operative treatment is particularly individual. How frequently I see you will depend on the type of surgery you've had, where you are in your recovery, your medical team's recommendations and how your body is responding.
Some clients may have several treatments relatively close together during their recovery and then no longer need ongoing support. Others enjoy how they feel following Manual Lymphatic Drainage and choose to continue with treatments at longer intervals.
There is no expectation that you commit to a set course of treatments. My role is to help you understand how your body is responding and recommend what I believe may support you, so you can decide what feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about Manual Lymphatic Drainage? You'll find answers to some of the most common questions below. If you're still unsure whether MLD is right for you, you're welcome to contact me before booking.
No. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle treatment and shouldn't feel like a deep or remedial massage. The pressure is light and rhythmic, designed specifically to support lymphatic flow. I'll check in with you throughout your treatment and make sure you're comfortable.
As I use oil during your treatment, you'll generally undress to your underwear. You'll remain appropriately covered throughout your appointment, and I'll explain everything before we begin so you know what to expect and feel comfortable.
I encourage you to keep well hydrated following your treatment. Everyone responds differently, so I also encourage you to notice how your body feels over the following day or two.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be suitable as part of your post-operative recovery once your surgeon or treating medical practitioner has cleared you to receive treatment. Your session will be adapted to your stage of recovery, your comfort and any restrictions or recommendations you've been given.
Every body responds differently. Some clients tell me they notice a difference in how their body feels after their first treatment, while for others the changes may be more gradual. This is one reason I generally recommend a follow-up appointment within 14 days. It gives us an opportunity to talk about what you noticed and decide what support may be appropriate from there.
No. While swelling, puffiness and feelings of heaviness are common reasons people seek MLD, you don't need to have obvious swelling or a diagnosed lymphatic condition to choose this gentle treatment.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Ready to experience Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
If Manual Lymphatic Drainage feels like the right support for you, you're welcome to book your appointment with me at Celestial Aromatics in Gilles Plains.
60-minute Manual Lymphatic Drainage | $125