Manual Lympathic Drainage
Revitalize your body from the inside out with our professional Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy at Salus Wellness Spa. This exceptionally gentle, rhythmic massage technique stimulates the body’s natural lymphatic system to accelerate detoxification, reduce swelling, and boost immune function. Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing chronic inflammation, or simply seeking a deeply relaxing wellness reset, MLD promotes profound healing and fluid balance. Step into a state of pure renewal and let our skilled therapists support your journey to optimal health.
WHAT IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD)?
Choose a 25-minute session for your upper body, lower body, or face, or upgrade to a 50-minute full-body treatment for deeper relief. This therapy is beneficial for swelling, pain, bruising, facial puffiness, allergies, and pre- or post-surgical recovery.
Social media has made Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) more popular than ever—but it has also created a lot of confusion.
At Salus Wellness Spa, we believe educated clients get the best results. Below are some of the most common questions we hear and the facts behind this gentle, specialized treatment.
25 Minute- $48
50 Minute- $96
For the ultimate sinus and allergy relief, add Halotherapy to your 25-minute facial lymphatic drainage session.
Why Is the Pressure So Light?
This is the number one question we hear.
Many people expect MLD to feel like a traditional massage, deep tissue work, or aggressive pressure because that’s what they have seen online. In reality, the lymphatic vessels sit just beneath the skin and respond best to gentle, rhythmic movements.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is specifically designed to work with the lymphatic system—not the muscles.
A properly performed MLD session should feel relaxing, comfortable, and gentle. More pressure is not necessarily better, and deeper pressure does not create faster results.
Remember: The goal isn’t pressure. The goal is flow.
Will I Lose Weight From MLD?
MLD is not a weight loss treatment.
It does not melt fat, burn calories, destroy fat cells, or replace healthy nutrition and exercise.
Some clients notice reduced puffiness, less bloating, or temporary changes related to fluid movement. This can make clothing feel more comfortable or help the body feel lighter, but these changes should not be confused with fat loss.
If your goal is weight loss, MLD may be a supportive wellness service, but it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Does MLD Detox My Body?
The word “detox” is often used in marketing, but it can be misleading.
Your body already has highly effective detoxification systems, including your liver, kidneys, digestive system, lungs, and lymphatic system.
MLD does not “flush toxins” out of the body. Instead, it supports the normal movement of lymphatic fluid and may help reduce feelings of congestion, heaviness, or mild swelling.
A better way to think about MLD is that it supports your body’s natural processes rather than forcing a detoxification response.
How Often Should I Get MLD?
The answer depends on your goals.
For general wellness and relaxation:
- Every 4–6 weeks may be appropriate.
For facial puffiness or mild fluid retention:
- Every 2–4 weeks may be beneficial.
For post-surgical recovery:
- Treatment plans are often more frequent initially and may be adjusted based on your healing progress.
For ongoing swelling concerns:
- Your therapist may recommend a customized treatment schedule.
During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and help determine an appropriate treatment plan for your needs.
Is MLD Safe After Surgery?
In many cases, yes.
MLD is commonly used to support comfort and recovery following cosmetic and medical procedures. The timing, however, depends on the type of procedure, your healing progress, and any instructions provided by your surgeon.
At Salus Wellness Spa, we can often work with clients shortly after surgery, including those with drains in place, provided treatment can be performed safely and comfortably.
Every post-surgical client is unique, which is why we recommend discussing your procedure with your therapist before treatment.
If physician clearance is needed, we will let you know.
Can MLD Help Swelling?
It may.
MLD is often sought by clients experiencing:
- Mild swelling
- Fluid retention
- Feelings of heaviness
- Facial puffiness
- Post-surgical swelling
However, swelling can occur for many reasons. Some causes of swelling may require medical evaluation and treatment.
If swelling is severe, rapidly worsening, unexplained, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, we may recommend that you consult your healthcare provider before receiving treatment.
Our goal is always to ensure that MLD is appropriate and safe for your specific situation.
Do I Need Compression Garments?
Not everyone does.
Compression garments are often recommended after certain surgeries or for specific swelling conditions, but they are not required for every client receiving MLD.
If you have been instructed by your physician or surgeon to wear compression garments, we encourage you to follow their recommendations.
For some post-surgical and swelling-related cases, compression may be an important part of an overall treatment plan.
Your therapist can discuss whether compression may be beneficial for your specific goals.
What About Lymphedema?
Our therapists provide wellness-focused Manual Lymphatic Drainage and may work with mild swelling concerns and select mild cases of diagnosed lymphedema.
However, we do not provide Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), compression bandaging, or advanced lymphedema management.
Clients experiencing moderate to severe lymphedema or requiring specialized care may be referred to a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT/CDT).
We believe the right care starts with the right provider.
Still Have Questions?
Every body is different, and every treatment plan should be too.
If you’re unsure whether MLD is right for you, our team is happy to answer your questions and help you determine the best approach for your wellness goals.