Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Wilmington, DE
What Makes MLD Different from Traditional Massage?
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MLD is an advanced manual therapy technique that differs significantly from traditional massage. It involves light, rhythmic, pumping motions that gently stimulate the lymphatic system—without increasing blood circulation.
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Unlike deep massage or heat therapy, which can increase blood flow and inadvertently restrict lymphatic movement, MLD avoids increasing vascular pressure. This helps maintain proper vessel permeability and allows lymph fluid to move freely, supporting natural detoxification and recovery.
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MLD is ideal for:
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•Post-surgical swelling and inflammation
•Liposuction or cosmetic surgery recovery
•Chronic edema or lymphedema
•Soft tissue trauma and scar healing
At Limestone Therapeutic Massage, our certified practitioners aretrained in proper post-operative protocols and will tailor your sessionto ensure comfort, safety, and optimal results.
The MLD treatment session
After an initial consultation, you will be asked to undress to your comfort level and lie on a massage table in the face-up position, modestly draped with a sheet. The treatment room environment is calm and therapeutic, with dim lighting and soothing music, similar to a traditional massage session.
However, it is essential to understand that Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is not a traditional massage. While the setting may feel familiar, MLD is a specialized medical bodywork technique designed to stimulate and move lymph fluid efficiently through the lymphatic system.
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What to Expect During Your Session
•MLD begins with gentle, rhythmic pumping and circular movements using the therapist’s hands and fingertips.
•Treatment starts at the collarbone area, then moves to key lymph noderegions:
- Underarms
- Abdomen
- Groin
- Backs of the knees
•Only the area being worked on is undraped at any time to maintain modesty.
•Most or all of the session is performed with you face-up, as the major lymph node concentrations are located on the front of the body.
•Stimulation of the lymphatic system also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, producing a deep physiological relaxation—many clients even fall asleep during treatment.
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Scheduling & Frequency
We recommend starting with a 60-minute initial session. Based on your response and condition, your therapist will then help develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
•For general lymphatic support or wellness, 2–3 sessions may be sufficient.
•For post-surgical swelling or chronic edema, 6–12 sessions may be recommended.
•MLD is safe enough to be done daily if needed; in some countries, itis prescribed multiple times per day.
•Most commonly, clients are seen 2–3 times per week during the acute phase and less frequently for maintenance.
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Important Contraindications
Please speak with your physician and receive medical clearance prior to scheduling MLD if you currently have or have a history of:
•Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
•Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots
•Kidney disease or impaired renal function
•Active infections or undiagnosed swelling
Your safety is our highest priority, and some conditions may require medical supervision or deferral of treatment.
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