The lymphatic system spans your entire body — roughly 600 lymph nodes, an extensive network of vessels, and a fluid volume that rivals your blood supply. Yet it receives a fraction of the clinical attention. When it is functioning well, you will not notice it. When it is not, the effects are hard to miss: persistent swelling, fatigue that will not lift, a body that seems to hold onto everything.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised hands-on technique that uses gentle, rhythmic pressure applied in a precise sequence across the body. The goal is to stimulate the lymphangion — the smallest contractile units of the lymphatic vessel wall — and encourage fluid to move toward functioning lymph node regions. It is slow, deliberate, and specific. It is not a relaxation massage, and the distinction matters clinically.
At Myofitness, our MLD therapists have trained at both national and international level. Every session begins with a thorough assessment to determine the pattern of congestion, the appropriate drainage pathway, and whether compression therapy should be used alongside treatment.
If your migraines are frequent, if medication manages but does not resolve them, or if your neck is consistently involved before or during an attack, this assessment is the clinical step that changes the pattern.
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Gentle, rhythm-based technique applied in a specific sequence to stimulate lymph vessel contraction and redirect fluid toward functioning drainage sites. The foundation of every lymphatic treatment we provide.
Assessment-led treatment for primary and secondary lymphoedema, incorporating MLD, compression therapy, skin care, and a self-management plan designed to reduce volume and prevent progression.
Multi-layer bandaging and compression garment fitting used alongside MLD. When combined, the two therapies produce significantly better fluid reduction than either approach alone.
Targeted MLD following surgery — including mastectomy, reconstructive procedures, liposuction, and joint replacement — to reduce post-operative swelling and support faster tissue healing. Following breast cancer surgery in particular, the risk of developing secondary lymphoedema is significant; early MLD is one of the most effective ways to manage that risk.
Safe and effective fluid management during and after pregnancy. Hormonal shifts significantly alter lymphatic tone; MLD addresses this directly without medication or compression that is unsuitable during pregnancy.
MLD for clients in active cancer treatment or recovery, with particular focus on those who have undergone lymph node removal or radiation therapy affecting lymphatic drainage pathways.
For chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and post-viral presentations where lymphatic sluggishness contributes to systemic load. MLD assists the body’s clearance of metabolic waste and inflammatory by-products.
Lipoedema is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or simple fluid retention. Our therapists understand the distinction and apply MLD specifically to manage the pain, swelling, and sensitivity that characterise this condition.
Full history, limb measurements where relevant, identification of congested regions, skin integrity assessment, and review of any relevant medical history including surgery or cancer treatment.
MLD must be applied in the correct direction and sequence for each client. We map the drainage pathway before treatment begins to ensure fluid is redirected toward functioning nodes.
Slow, rhythmic, skin-level technique progressing through the body in a clinically determined sequence. No oils, no deep pressure — just precise, well-placed movement.
Where indicated: compression fitting, bandaging instruction, skin care protocol, and a home exercise program to maintain lymphatic movement between clinic visits.
No two lymphatic presentations are identical. The location of congestion, the reason for it, and the appropriate drainage pathway all vary — which is why MLD requires assessment, not just application. At Myofitness, every session begins with a clinical intake before any hands-on treatment starts.
Treatment is always gentle. The pressure used in MLD is lighter than most clients expect — deep pressure compresses rather than stimulates the superficial lymphatic vessels. Precision and sequence matter far more than force.
Where compression garments or bandaging are indicated, we integrate these into your plan and provide guidance on how to use them effectively between sessions. The aim is always a client who understands their own lymphatic system and can support it day-to-day.
A limb, joint, or area of the body that stays swollen long after the expected recovery window — whether from injury, surgery, or no obvious cause at all. When standard rest and elevation are not enough, the lymphatic system usually needs direct support.
Swelling after surgery is normal. Swelling that persists beyond the first few weeks — particularly following breast surgery, lymph node removal, or cosmetic procedures — often indicates that lymphatic drainage has been disrupted and needs help re-routing.
Aching, heavy legs that are worse by afternoon or after standing are a hallmark sign of sluggish lymphatic return. This is particularly common in those with venous insufficiency, sedentary work patterns, or a history of DVT or varicose veins.
Pregnancy places significant demand on the lymphatic system. Hormonal shifts reduce vessel tone, increased blood volume raises interstitial fluid, and growing uterine pressure restricts pelvic drainage. MLD is a safe, effective way to manage this from the third month onward.
The lymphatic system is central to immune function. When it is overburdened — by chronic inflammation, poor sleep, post-viral load, or accumulated metabolic waste — energy drops and susceptibility to illness rises. MLD supports the clearance process your body is struggling to keep up with.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, not just a one-off treatment. If you have a diagnosis — primary or secondary — our therapists understand the condition in depth and will build a management plan designed for long-term control, not short-term relief.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that works alongside the circulatory and immune systems. It maintains fluid balance, clears waste, supports immune function, and transports fats from the digestive system. When it functions well, you will not notice it. When it does not, the effects are felt throughout the whole body.
MLD is far lighter than most people expect. The pressure is skin-level — gentle, slow, and rhythmic — because the superficial lymphatic vessels we are targeting sit just beneath the dermis. Deep pressure would compress rather than stimulate them. Most clients find it deeply relaxing, and many sleep during the session. It should not hurt at all.
MLD is a clinically specific technique, not a form of relaxation massage. It follows a precise anatomical sequence designed to open central lymphatic pathways before working toward the congested periphery. The pressure, direction, rhythm, and sequence all matter clinically. A standard massage — regardless of how skilled — works on a different layer of tissue and does not produce the same physiological effect on lymph flow.
This depends entirely on your presentation. Acute post-surgical swelling may resolve significantly within two to four sessions. Chronic lymphoedema requires an ongoing management plan. At your initial assessment, your therapist will give you an honest picture of what is realistic for your situation and how frequently we recommend treatment in the first phase.
Yes. MLD is considered safe from the third month of pregnancy onward and is one of the most effective non-pharmacological approaches for managing pregnancy-related fluid retention. We always take a full health history before treatment and adjust the technique and positioning to ensure comfort and safety at every stage.
MLD is widely used in oncology rehabilitation, particularly for people who have had lymph nodes removed or received radiation therapy that has affected lymphatic pathways. If you are in active treatment, we ask that you have clearance from your oncologist before your first appointment. Our therapists have experience working alongside oncology teams and understand the specific precautions that apply.
There are some contraindications to MLD — including acute infection, active blood clots, uncontrolled heart failure, and certain active malignancies. This is why we conduct a thorough health assessment before every initial session. If there is any clinical reason MLD is not appropriate for you at this time, we will tell you clearly and, where relevant, help you find the right professional for your situation.
MLD provided by a qualified myotherapist or remedial massage therapist is typically claimable through private health extras cover. The rebate depends on your specific fund and policy. We recommend checking directly with your insurer before your appointment.
No. You can book directly online or by phone without a referral. If you do have a referral, bring it with you — it will help us understand your treating team’s clinical picture.
Book at any of our three Melbourne clinics — North Melbourne, Yarraville, or Surrey Hills. No referral needed. Same-week appointments usually available. North Melbourne | Yarraville | Surrey Hills
