Have you been feeling puffy, heavy or uncomfortable due to fluid retention? Are you recovering from surgery and looking for support with swelling, scar tissue or restricted movement? Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) may be a helpful part of your care.
At Osteo & Physio’s Crediton and Tiverton clinics, osteopath Sabrina Atwill offers lymphatic drainage and scar work as part of her personalised approach to treatment. With additional qualifications in massage, personal training and nutrition, Sabrina combines clinical knowledge with a compassionate understanding of how physical changes can affect everyday comfort and wellbeing. Meet Sabrina and find out more about her!
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
The lymphatic system is part of the body’s circulation and immune system. It helps transport lymph fluid through a network of vessels and lymph nodes. When fluid builds up in the tissues, it can contribute to swelling, puffiness and a sensation of heaviness.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised, gentle hands-on technique using slow, rhythmic movements to encourage lymph flow. Unlike traditional massage, it uses light pressure and specific techniques designed to support the movement of fluid through the lymphatic system.
Treatment is tailored to the individual, taking account of symptoms, medical history and any existing health conditions.
How could lymphatic massage help?
Some people experience a feeling of fullness or heaviness in their limbs or tissues, sometimes accompanied by visible swelling. Following an appropriate assessment, MLD may help manage certain types of fluid build-up and improve comfort.
Swelling can have many causes, however, so it is important to establish what is contributing to your symptoms before starting treatment.
Relaxation and general wellbeing
MLD is gentle and unhurried, making it a calming treatment that can encourage relaxation. Many people value the opportunity to slow down, release tension and reconnect with their bodies, particularly during periods of stress or recovery.
Lymphatic massage may form part of a wider wellbeing plan, but it is not a substitute for medical care or a general detox treatment.
Support following surgery
Swelling, tissue discomfort and a sensation of heaviness can occur after some surgical procedures. Where clinically appropriate, MLD may be incorporated into a recovery plan to help manage post-operative swelling.
Depending on your procedure and recovery stage, treatment may be considered following orthopaedic surgery or cosmetic and plastic surgery. It may also support recovery following a caesarean section (C-section), including appropriate scar rehabilitation once the wound has fully healed.
Sabrina can assess your concerns and discuss whether lymphatic drainage or scar work is suitable for you. Treatment must be timed appropriately and undertaken with the necessary clearance from your surgical team.
Scar rehabilitation and breast surgery recovery
Once a surgical wound has healed sufficiently, carefully selected scar techniques may help address tissue tightness, sensitivity or restricted movement around the scar. This can be particularly relevant following a C-section or breast surgery, including mastectomy.
For some people, post-operative lymphatic drainage and scar rehabilitation can form part of a broader recovery programme, supporting comfort and helping them gradually return to everyday activities.
Support for stable lymphoedema
People with diagnosed, stable lymphoedema may benefit from specialist MLD as part of their individual management plan. Treatment should be coordinated with their lymphoedema team where appropriate. MLD is generally one element of care rather than a standalone treatment.
Is lymphatic massage right for you?
Your safety comes first. New, unexplained or worsening swelling should be medically assessed before massage. Sudden swelling, particularly in one leg, or swelling accompanied by pain, redness or warmth needs urgent medical advice; chest pain or breathlessness requires emergency assessment.
If you are recovering from surgery or living with lymphoedema, speak with your treating clinician about whether MLD is appropriate.
Book an appointment with Sabrina at Osteo & Physio to discuss your concerns and explore a personalised approach to lymphatic drainage, scar rehabilitation and recovery.
Find out more about Sabrina and book an appointment.