Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Massage Type Offered - Manual lymphatic drainage
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Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Fort McMurray
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) uses a light pumping motion with very little or no oil to stimulate lymph nodes and move lymph toward drainage sites. The technique is systematic, precise, gentle and relaxing. Higher Health Acupuncture & Massage Therapy Clinic offers lymphatic drainage massage in Fort McMurray, Alberta
Session length - 45 / 60 / 90 minutes
Pressure - Very light. Lighter than most people expect
Oils - Little or none
Best for - Swelling, post-surgical fluid, lymphedema, lipedema
Booking - Fully MLD, or combined with other techniques
Insurance - Registered therapist receipt provided for direct billing
What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Your lymphatic system moves fluid, waste and immune cells through the body. Unlike blood, it has no pump. It relies on movement and muscle contraction, which is why fluid pools when an area is injured, operated on, or immobile.
In MLD, your therapist circles the skin with a pumping motion using very light pressure, stimulating the nodes and encouraging lymph toward the drainage sites. The sequence and direction matter more than the pressure. Working too deeply collapses the superficial vessels the technique is trying to move fluid through.
Your therapist customizes the treatment to your circumstances. A session may be entirely manual lymph drainage, or combined with other massage techniques.
What does lymphatic drainage help with?
- Lymphedema
- Lipedema
- Traumatic edema
- Post-surgical edema
- Cosmetic concerns including acne, rosacea, scars and stretch marks
- Late pregnancy swelling, commonly legs and breasts
- Gynecological conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Burnout and stress
- Rheumatic conditions
What to expect in your session
- Intake covers your medical history, any surgery, and where the swelling sits.
- Your therapist begins at the drainage sites, usually neck and torso, before working the affected limb.
- The pressure is very light throughout. Many clients say it barely feels like massage.
- You may need the washroom shortly afterward, which is a normal response.
Drink water afterward and keep moving gently. MLD for lymphedema is usually a course of treatment rather than a single appointment.
Who should not book lymphatic drainage massage
MLD is not appropriate if you have acute infection or cellulitis in the area, congestive heart failure, acute deep vein thrombosis or a known blood clot, kidney failure, or an untreated active cancer, unless your physician has specifically cleared it. Speak to your doctor before booking if you have had lymph nodes removed, have a cardiac condition, or are being treated for cancer. Bring any instructions from your surgeon or oncology team to your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
The lymph vessels being targeted sit just under the skin. Heavier pressure pushes past them and collapses them, which works against the treatment.
Post-surgical edema is one of the primary indications, but timing depends on your procedure and your surgeon's instructions. Get clearance from your surgeon and bring it with you.
MLD is a standard component of lymphedema management. It usually forms part of a broader plan involving compression and exercise, coordinated with your medical team.
It supports your body's own fluid and waste transport rather than removing toxins in any direct sense. The benefit is in reduced swelling and improved fluid movement.
Late pregnancy swelling in the legs and breasts is listed among what MLD addresses. Tell us you are pregnant at booking, and if the swelling came on suddenly or is accompanied by headache or vision changes, see your care provider before booking.
For an active swelling issue, more frequent shorter sessions usually work better than occasional long ones. Your therapist will set a schedule after the first appointment.
Related treatments
- Craniosacral Therapy - similarly gentle, nervous system focused
- Pregnancy Massage - for swelling in late pregnancy
- Relaxation Massage - for general circulation
Book online or call 780-743-0566.
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