Question 1

What is Lymphatic Drainage, is it for me?

Accepted Answer

Your lymphatic system is responsible for transporting white blood cells and clearing cellular waste. However, unlike your circulatory system, it doesn’t have a pump. It relies on movement and specialized touch to keep "the water" of your body flowing.

Using light, rhythmic movements, Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage opens up the lymph nodes and gently guides fluid toward drainage areas.

This process:
Boosts Immunity: By clearing out toxins and waste more efficiently.
Reduces Swelling: Targeted relief for bloating and fluid retention.
Accelerates Healing: Essential for post-surgical recovery or managing chronic conditions like lymphedema and others that may induce fluid retention in the body or inflammation.

Expect a meditative, deeply relaxing session that feels miles away from a traditional intense massage. Most clients leave feeling significantly lighter, refreshed, and more relaxed following their treatment. It can help shift things that are lying deeper under the surface, much to most clients' surprise.

We recommend drinking more water than usual to assist the flush and you will notice yourself using the bathroom more, which is a good sign amongst other improvements in your wellbeing when practiced regularly.

Question 2

Do I need GP approval?

Accepted Answer

Generally no, but we will advise if we feel it is necessary in cases where you are taking strong medication or your heart is an issue.

Usually for a post-operative surgery, our services are recommended almost as necessity by surgeons to ensure a good result and prevent unwanted effects such as fibrosis.

Question 3

Can you help me with my post-op healing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is what we are most passionate about.

Bodyworks & Co supports your unique healing journey and helps you to understand that it is a process where the more you rest and take care of your wellbeing, the better the healing outcome.

We can help guide you through stage of the process and provide honest and professional guidance and reassurance.

Question 4

When can I begin lymphatic drainage after giving birth or c-section?

Accepted Answer

We love supporting new parents as they navigate postpartum recovery. Generally, we recommend waiting until your six-week postnatal check-up before beginning treatment. If you would like to start earlier, we simply require GP clearance to ensure your recovery is progressing smoothly and without complications.

Question 5

When is the earliest I can start MLD after surgery?

Accepted Answer

We follow the specific guidance of your surgeon regarding the timing of your treatments. In the UK, clinical best practice is generally to wait until your surgical drains have been professionally removed—typically a week or more after surgery—before beginning MLD. While protocols vary internationally, we prioritize local clinical safety standards to ensure your recovery is never compromised.

Question 6

What should I look for in a post-op MLD therapist?

Accepted Answer

A qualified therapist in manual lymphatic drainage should not only understand the lymphatic system (plus anatomy and physiology) but also the complexities of wound healing and surgical recovery.

Whether they come from a nursing, physiotherapy, or remedial massage background, their specialised MLD training is what ensures a safe and effective treatment.

There are several schools that originate from the Vodder, Leduc or Földi methods, but the approaches or thought are more or less the same - to drain each limb one at a time to allow the 'flush'. Post-Op focuses on the areas that require circulation and drainage, but its not uncommon to also have a whole body approach.

Brazilian MLD is generally not taught here for post-op and is only for contouring and shaping, which comes later in the healing process.

Question 7

Can lymphatic drainage help reduce scarring after plastic surgery?

Accepted Answer

While MLD is widely known for reducing swelling, it is also a powerful tool for improving the long-term appearance and feel of your scars. It helps in four key ways:

Minimizes Tension: By removing the fluid that causes "tightness" around an incision, MLD reduces the internal pressure that can cause scars to stretch or widen.
Prevents Hardness (Fibrosis): Stagnant fluid can eventually harden into "fibrosis." MLD keeps the area soft and supple, preventing the formation of lumpy or "ropey" scar tissue.
Speeds Up Healing: By clearing away metabolic waste and bringing fresh nutrients to the surgical site, MLD provides the body with the "building blocks" it needs for a cleaner recovery.
Improves Flexibility: The gentle techniques used in MLD help prevent the scar from "sticking" to underlying tissues, ensuring your skin moves comfortably and naturally as you heal.

A study from The International Journal of Surgery found that patients who incorporated MLD as part of their post-operative care were 60% more likely to experience soft, pliable scar formation, particularly in cases where surgeries involved larger incisions.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions