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Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, rhythmic manual therapy that stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling, detoxify tissues, and support immune function. Our massage therapist applies light, precisely calibrated pressure using slow, circular strokes that follow the anatomical pathways of lymph vessels, nodes, and ducts. 

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lymphatic drainage massage in Richmond

The Solution, your body needs

Conditions Treated with Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage treats patients across a broad range of conditions affecting the lymphatic and venous systems. The British Journal of Community Nursing confirmed MLD’s role as a core component in managing these conditions.

Primary lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is congenital malformation of lymphatic vessels or nodes presenting at birth, puberty, or adulthood

Secondary lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is post-surgical or post-radiation lymphatic damage, including breast cancer-related arm swelling affecting 20% to 30% of patients after axillary lymph node dissection

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is leg veins failing to return blood efficiently, producing lower extremity fluid accumulation

Lipedema

Lipedema is progressive adipose tissue disorder causing symmetrical fat deposition and fluid retention, predominantly affecting women

Post-surgical edema

Post-surgical edema is swelling following orthopedic procedures (knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair) and cosmetic surgery (liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift)

Post-traumatic edema

Post-traumatic edema is motor vehicle accident injuries, whiplash-related edema, and workplace injuries

Detoxification and general wellness

Detoxification and general wellness is tissue congestion and fluid retention in patients without diagnosed lymphatic dysfunction.

Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions are rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy

What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Our patients benefit from lymphatic drainage massage therapy in Richmond for multiple relief options. Lymphatic drainage massage is a clinically validated treatment that stimulates the lymphatic system from the inside out to reduce fluid retention, support immune function, and accelerate post-surgical healing.

Lymphedema Reduction & Management

MLD forms the foundation of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the gold-standard protocol for chronic lymphedema. The technique reduces limb volume by redirecting excess interstitial fluid through collateral lymphatic pathways, producing measurable circumference reduction in patients with Stage I and Stage II lymphedema.

Chronic Pain and Inflammation Relief

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome experience improved lymphatic clearance that reduces inflammatory mediator concentration in affected tissues. MLD activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and promoting physiological calm.

Lymphedema Reduction & Management

The lymphatic system operates as the body's secondary circulatory network, transporting immune cells, cellular waste, and pathogens to lymph nodes for filtration. MLD increases lymphatic transport capacity, accelerating the clearance of inflammatory mediators including cytokines, prostaglandins, and cellular debris from affected tissues.

Depuff and Detoxification

Manual pressure and lymphatic drainage techniques remove excess interstitial fluid and reduce tissue puffiness. The proximal-to-distal clearing sequence creates space in the lymphatic system for fluid displaced from congested peripheral areas, visibly reducing swelling in the face, limbs, and abdomen.

Post-Surgical Recovery

Post-surgical lymphatic drainage accelerates healing by clearing excess fluid, reducing swelling at incision sites, and preventing fibrotic scar tissue formation after orthopedic, cosmetic, and oncologic procedures. MLD initiated 48 to 72 hours after surgery restores fluid movement through pathways that bypass the surgical site.

Post-Cancer Treatment Support

Breast cancer survivors with secondary lymphedema from axillary lymph node dissection and radiation therapy benefit from MLD integrated into CDT protocols. A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 1,564 patients confirmed statistically significant effects on lymphedema incidence and pain relief.

What Is the Cost of Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

30-minute

RMT session
$90
  • Designed for targeted lymphatic drainage on a single area of concern or for maintenance MLD sessions during CDT Phase 2. Ideal for patients with established treatment plans returning for follow-up care.
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45-minute

RMT session
$115
  • Focused lymphatic drainage for a single primary area with proximal clearing sequence. Recommended for post-cosmetic surgery patients and patients with mild chronic venous insufficiency or localized post-traumatic edema.
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60-minute

RMT session
$140
  • Recommended for initial visits, including 15 minutes of assessment (circumferential measurements, surgical and medical history review) and 45 minutes of treatment. Allows focused care on one primary area with the opportunity to address a secondary area.
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90-minute

RMT session
$210
  • Comprehensive MLD session for patients with extensive lymphedema, multiple affected limbs, or CDT Phase 1 intensive decongestion protocols. Covers full proximal-to-distal clearing sequence with complete treatment of all affected areas.
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How to Book a Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy?

Week 01

7

Choose Your Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapist

Check our experienced registered massage therapists on our website based on their MLD specialty training, availability, and patient reviews.
Our Registered Massage Therapists

Week 02

7

Select the Type of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Our registered lymphatic drainage massage therapy has different durations based on your needs. Select 30, 45, 60, or 90-minute sessions depending on your condition, the number of areas requiring treatment, and whether this is an initial assessment or follow-up.

Week 03

7

Pick a Date and Time

Our offices are available during our operating hours. Our clients can pick the best date and timing options.

Week 03

7

Provide Personal Information

Fill out our online application form after booking your lymphatic drainage massage session in Richmond. Include any surgical history, physician referrals, or insurance claim numbers for direct billing.

Week 03

7

Prepare for the Appointment

Your appointment will start on time and feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

testimonials

Trusted by Thousands of Patients

4.9/5

Base on 3.5k Patients’ Reviews

N S

Jean is amazing! I am so thankful for her. She saves my neck, back, and shoulders on the regular. Came in with a migraine today and after seeing her, it’s gone. The needling helped so much with the tension and stiffness. Savior!!!

Carmen de Sousa

I just had a very relaxing perinatal massage treatment at Juniper from Dabin. She is knowledgeable, professional, and super friendly. She made me feel comfortable and relieved so much of the tension in all areas of my body from my pregnancy. I have booked 3 more back to back upcoming sessions and cant wait to return!

Barb Dawson

I’m truly astounded by what an amazing difference one massage with Jamie has made to my severe pain!! I’m able to walk without a limp as I no longer have to favour a side. I will definitely be seeing him on a regular basis in the future. Thank you!

Micheal Wong

Very cozy, friendly place. Kristina is great n very experienced, especially with migraine issues. Her treatment is so calm n soft but efficiency as well. It’s really relaxing n thanks for the treatment, I can have a good n quality sleeps the following nights without migraine occur.

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Everyone deserves to feel comfortable with their body. 

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FAQ

Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Covered by Insurance in BC?

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Lymphatic drainage massage performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in British Columbia qualifies for coverage under extended health benefit plans, ICBC claims, and WorkSafeBC claims, with direct insurance billing available at Juniper RMT. Extended health plans typically cover RMT services at $500 to $1,500 per calendar year per family member. MLD sessions billed as registered massage therapy fall within this coverage.

What does lymphatic drainage massage involve?

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Lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle, wave-like pressure applied in slow, rhythmic sequences that follow the direction of lymph flow toward the nearest functioning lymph node group. Sessions begin with clearing the central lymphatic pathways at the neck, collarbone, and abdomen, then work systematically toward the affected region. The therapist uses directional strokes between 30 and 40 mmHg to guide fluid from swollen tissues through open lymphatic territories. No massage oils or lotions are used, as friction interferes with the skin-stretching mechanics of MLD strokes.

Which massage techniques are used during lymphatic drainage therapy?

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Registered massage therapists use four primary Vodder method techniques: stationary circles over lymph node clusters, pump technique along limb segments, scoop technique on curved body surfaces, and rotary technique on flat surfaces. The therapist selects and sequences these techniques based on your treatment phase within Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), calibrating stroke speed to synchronize with your lymphangion contractile frequency of 6 to 12 cycles per minute.

Is lymphatic drainage massage painful?

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Lymphatic drainage massage uses pressure between 30 and 40 mmHg, lighter than traditional Swedish or deep tissue massage. The technique produces a gentle, rhythmic sensation that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Patients with acute inflammation or significant edema occasionally experience mild discomfort during initial sessions as fluid begins to mobilize, but treatment pressure remains well below the threshold of pain.

How soon after surgery is lymphatic drainage massage safe?

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Lymphatic drainage massage begins 48 to 72 hours after most surgical procedures, with written clearance from the operating surgeon. The RMT avoids direct contact with incision sites and sutures, working on surrounding tissues and proximal lymphatic pathways to clear post-operative fluid. Timing varies by procedure: cosmetic surgery patients typically start within 3 to 5 days, while oncologic surgery patients follow the oncologist’s clearance timeline.

How often should I schedule lymphatic drainage massage sessions?

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Treatment frequency depends on your condition and phase of care. Post-surgical patients receive 2 to 3 sessions per week for 2 to 4 weeks. Lymphedema patients in CDT Phase 1 begin with daily sessions (5x per week) for 2 to 4 weeks, then transition to 1 to 2 sessions per month for maintenance. Chronic venous insufficiency patients schedule 2 sessions per week for 4 to 6 weeks. General wellness patients book weekly sessions for 4 weeks, then monthly maintenance. Your RMT tracks limb volume measurements across sessions to establish objective criteria for frequency transitions.

What is the difference between lymphatic drainage massage and regular massage?

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Lymphatic drainage massage uses significantly lighter pressure (30-40 mmHg) compared to Swedish massage (60+ mmHg) or deep tissue massage (100+ mmHg). MLD follows specific anatomical lymphatic pathways in a proximal-to-distal clearing sequence, while traditional massage targets muscular tissue. MLD does not use massage oils, and strokes stretch skin rather than compress muscle fibres. When combining modalities, MLD always precedes deep tissue work because lymphatic decongestion must occur before applying higher pressures to avoid worsening edema.

Who should not get lymphatic drainage massage?

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Lymphatic drainage massage is contraindicated for patients with active infections, acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), congestive heart failure, active malignancy in the treatment area, and acute renal failure. Patients with these conditions should consult their physician before booking. The RMT screens for contraindications during the initial assessment and modifies or defers treatment when clinically indicated.