Rakhee Mediratta
Osteopathy
Central & West London ~ Chalfont
Rakhee has helped over 5,000+ patients in 19 years
Registered Osteopath & Advanced Licensed Perrin Technique Practitioner in London & South East England
for Chronic Fatigue/ME & Fibromyalgia using The Perrin Technique
Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Specific Needs
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) For You?
People consider Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for different reasons. Some are looking for a gentle, relaxing treatment, while others have questions about whether it may be appropriate for them because of a health condition, recent surgery or sensitivity to conventional massage.
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The most important consideration is understanding the reason you want treatment and whether the service is suitable for your circumstances. MLD is a specific technique, but it is not appropriate for everyone, and a general wellbeing session should not be confused with specialist medical treatment.
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At Rakhee Mediratta Osteopathy, the service is offered as a complementary wellbeing treatment. The following guide explains some common circumstances in which it is important to consider suitability carefully.
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About Anna Chuluunbat
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Anna Chuluunbat has over eight years of experience in neurology, pain and rehabilitation settings, alongside training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, reflexology and remedial massage. She takes an individualised, patient-centred approach, tailoring treatments to each person's needs and wellbeing goals.
Written by: Anna Chuluunbat
Date written: 21 October 2026
Date reviewed: 21 October 2026
MLD if you prefer gentle massage
Some people find firm massage uncomfortable or simply prefer a lighter touch. MLD uses slow, rhythmic movements and very light pressure on the skin, rather than the deeper pressure often used in conventional massage.
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You may find this style of treatment more comfortable if you prefer a gentle hands-on approach. However, the experience is individual, and the technique should always be adapted to the service being provided and your circumstances.
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If you have pain, unusual sensitivity or a health condition that affects your tolerance of touch, explain this before your appointment. Your practitioner can discuss the treatment approach and whether it is suitable for you.
MLD and general wellbeing
People sometimes enquire about MLD as part of a wider approach to relaxation and wellbeing. The gentle movements may be appealing if you want a treatment that does not focus on deep muscular pressure.
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It is important, however, to distinguish relaxation from a medical outcome. A general wellbeing session should not be presented as a way to detoxify the body, treat an underlying illness or guarantee improvements in swelling, circulation or body shape.
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If you have a specific symptom that is worrying you, particularly persistent swelling, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional rather than relying on massage alone.
MLD and swelling
Swelling can have many different causes. It may be associated with an injury, infection, problems affecting the veins or lymphatic system, medication or an underlying medical condition.
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Because the cause matters, unexplained swelling should be assessed before you arrange MLD. A gentle technique is not automatically safe or appropriate simply because it uses light pressure.
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If swelling is sudden, painful, red or hot, seek prompt medical assessment. If it is accompanied by chest pain or sudden breathlessness, seek emergency medical care.
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For persistent swelling or a diagnosis such as lymphoedema, your healthcare team can advise on the most appropriate treatment and whether specialist lymphatic care is needed.
MLD and lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a long-term condition in which fluid accumulates in body tissues, causing swelling. It can develop when the lymphatic system is damaged or does not function properly, including in some people following cancer treatment or surgery.
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Specialist lymphoedema management may include Manual Lymphatic Drainage, compression garments or bandaging, skin care, exercise and ongoing monitoring. The appropriate combination depends on the individual's condition and assessment.
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A general MLD wellbeing session is not equivalent to a specialist lymphoedema programme. If you have been diagnosed with lymphoedema, ask your healthcare team whether you need a practitioner with specific lymphoedema training.
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Do not stop or change an existing treatment plan in favour of a complementary therapy without discussing this with your healthcare professional.
MLD after surgery
It is understandable to have questions about gentle massage after an operation, particularly if you have been advised to take care around the affected area. However, the fact that MLD uses light pressure does not mean it is automatically appropriate during recovery.
Suitability depends on the type of surgery, how recently it took place, wound healing, your medical history and any complications. Some people may be advised to have specialist treatment as part of a planned recovery programme, while others may need to avoid hands-on treatment for a period.
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Always follow your surgeon's or treating clinician's advice. Obtain medical clearance before arranging MLD after surgery, and make sure the practitioner knows what procedure you have had and when.
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If you are recovering from cancer surgery or have swelling following lymph-node removal or radiotherapy, ask your healthcare team about referral to a specialist lymphoedema service where appropriate.
MLD and cancer treatment
Some people experience swelling or changes in lymphatic function following cancer treatment. This can happen, for example, when lymph nodes have been removed or affected by surgery or radiotherapy.
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If you have cancer, are undergoing treatment or have a history of cancer and new swelling, discuss your circumstances with your oncology team or another appropriate healthcare professional before booking MLD.
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Treatment may be appropriate in some circumstances, but the type of care and the practitioner's training matter. A general wellbeing session should not replace specialist advice or a treatment plan for cancer-related lymphoedema.
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If you have new, unexplained or worsening swelling, seek medical assessment rather than assuming it is a normal consequence of previous treatment.
MLD during pregnancy
If you are pregnant and considering MLD, speak to your midwife or healthcare professional first. They can advise whether massage is appropriate for your individual circumstances and whether any precautions are needed.
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Be sure to tell the practitioner that you are pregnant before arranging treatment. They should explain their training and experience, the positioning used and any relevant limitations.
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If you develop sudden swelling, particularly alongside a severe headache, visual changes, upper abdominal pain or feeling very unwell, contact your maternity team urgently rather than booking a massage.
MLD if you have a long-term health condition
Some long-term conditions can affect whether MLD is suitable. These include certain heart and kidney conditions, a history of blood clots and conditions that increase the risk of infection or affect fluid balance.
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This does not mean that everyone with a long-term condition must avoid MLD. It means that the decision should be based on the specific condition, its current status and the type of treatment being considered.
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Tell your practitioner about relevant diagnoses, medication and recent changes in your health. If there is any uncertainty, seek advice from your healthcare professional before proceeding.