Help Your Body Heal, Detox, and Recover
Light, rhythmic massage that supports your lymphatic system — reducing swelling, boosting immunity, and accelerating recovery.
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage (also called manual lymphatic drainage or MLD) uses very light, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the flow of lymph — the clear fluid that carries waste products, toxins, and immune cells throughout your body.
Unlike deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage uses minimal pressure. The lymphatic system sits just beneath the skin, so deep pressure can actually compress the vessels and reduce flow. The technique is gentle by design, not because it's less effective.
Katie Rehban specializes in lymphatic drainage with 20 years of clinical experience, making her one of the most experienced practitioners in the area for this technique.
How the Lymphatic System Works
Your lymphatic system is your body's drainage and immune network. It collects excess fluid, metabolic waste, and pathogens from tissues and moves them to lymph nodes for filtering. When the system is sluggish — from surgery, illness, inactivity, or chronic inflammation — fluid accumulates, swelling increases, and immune function drops.
Lymphatic drainage massage manually stimulates this process, helping your body clear what it can't move efficiently on its own.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage massage is beneficial for post-surgical swelling and recovery, chronic edema and fluid retention, immune system support during illness or seasonal transitions, detoxification support, pre- and post-cosmetic procedure recovery, and chronic fatigue and inflammatory conditions.
Who Benefits from Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Patients recovering from surgery (especially cosmetic and orthopedic procedures), those dealing with chronic swelling or fluid retention, patients with weakened immune function, and anyone seeking a gentle detoxification support benefit most from lymphatic drainage.
It's also an excellent complement to functional medicine care — patients working on reducing inflammation through bloodwork and nutrition often find lymphatic massage accelerates their progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does lymphatic drainage massage feel like?
Very light and rhythmic — almost like gentle waves moving across the skin. It's deeply relaxing despite the minimal pressure.
How often should I get lymphatic drainage?
For post-surgical recovery, 2–3 sessions per week initially, tapering as swelling resolves. For general wellness and immune support, monthly sessions are effective.
Is lymphatic drainage good after surgery?
Yes. It's one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for post-surgical swelling and can significantly speed recovery.
What is the difference between lymphatic drainage and regular massage?
Regular massage targets muscles using moderate to deep pressure. Lymphatic drainage targets the lymphatic system using very light, specific strokes to move fluid and support immune function.
Book a Lymphatic Drainage Session
Book online or call (508) 810-0220.