Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Feeling persistently puffy or swollen, even when there's no obvious reason? Or perhaps you've had surgery recently and been advised that lymphatic drainage could help your recovery?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage) is a gentle, specialist technique that uses light, rhythmic touch to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid through the body. The lymphatic system plays a central role in fighting infection and clearing waste, but unlike the heart, it has no pump of its own. This treatment helps it along. The result can be noticeably reduced swelling, better immune function, and for many people, a real sense of lightness and ease that's hard to describe until you've experienced it.
What Can Lymphatic Drainage Massage Help With?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be useful across a broad range of conditions, particularly where swelling, fluid retention, or immune function are involved. Here's a snapshot of what our practitioners see it helping with most:
- Post-surgical swelling: encouraging lymph flow can help reduce oedema and support healing after procedures such as joint replacements, cosmetic surgery, or mastectomy
- Lymphoedema: regular sessions may help manage the chronic swelling that comes with a compromised lymphatic system
- Post-injury oedema: can help clear fluid build-up following sprains, strains, or other soft tissue injuries
- Fluid retention during pregnancy: a safe and gentle way to ease swelling in the legs, ankles, and hands
- Post-natal recovery: can support the body in processing fluid retained during pregnancy after birth
- Chronic puffiness or unexplained swelling: useful where fluid clearly isn't moving as it should, even without an obvious structural cause
- Fatigue and immune support: when the immune system feels sluggish or rundown, encouraging lymph flow may help it function more effectively
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions: the extremely light touch involved makes this a well-suited option for those who find more direct techniques uncomfortable
- Skin health: improved lymphatic circulation may benefit congested or dull-looking skin
Meet Our Therapists
Our practitioners offering lymphatic drainage are qualified osteopaths registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), the UK's statutory regulatory body for osteopaths. Alongside their core osteopathic training, they hold specialist qualifications in manual lymphatic drainage, meaning they bring both a strong structural understanding of the body and a refined, treatment-specific skill to their sessions.
Mollie Tappenden
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Lilou Convert
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Ready to book your appointment?
We offer a range of treatments to help you feel your best. Book online,
call us or visit our centre to schedule your appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- Wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing; you'll be asked to partially undress and will be covered with towels throughout, so there's no need to prepare anything special
- Your appointment starts with a short conversation about your health history, any recent surgery or medical conditions, and what's brought you in
- Treatment uses very light, rhythmic strokes and gentle circular movements over the skin, following the body's natural lymphatic pathways
- The pressure is much softer than most massages; many people are surprised by how gentle it feels, and how deeply relaxing the session turns out to be
- Afterwards, drink plenty of water; it's common to feel the need to use the bathroom more frequently as your body begins to process the session
Massage Pricing
Massage 30 Minutes
(All standard types)
£50
Osteopathy Sports Massage
60 Minutes
£125
Massage 60 Minutes
(All standard types)
£90
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
45 Minutes
£99
Massage 90 Minutes
(All standard types)
£125
Indian Head Massage
45 Minutes
£75
Your Questions Answered
How many sessions will I need?
This really depends on why you're coming. For post-surgical recovery or a specific injury, a short course of sessions is usually most effective. For ongoing conditions such as lymphoedema, regular maintenance appointments tend to work best long-term. Your practitioner will give you a clear picture of what to expect after your first session and will be honest about what they feel will genuinely help.
Is it safe after surgery?
Yes, and post-surgical recovery is one of the most common reasons people seek out lymphatic drainage. It can help reduce post-operative swelling and support the healing process. Timing matters, though: you'll want to wait until wounds have fully closed and your surgeon is happy for you to begin. If you're not sure whether you're ready, give us a call and we can talk it through.
What does it feel like?
Very light and gentle. The strokes used are much softer than regular massage, working at the level of the skin rather than the deeper muscle layers. Most people find it deeply relaxing, often describing a sense of warmth or a gentle tingling as the fluid begins to move. It should not be uncomfortable.
How is it different from a regular massage?
Standard massage works primarily on the muscles and deeper soft tissues. Lymphatic drainage works at a much lighter level, specifically targeting the network of vessels just beneath the skin that carry lymph fluid around the body. The rhythm, pressure, and purpose are quite different. Both have their place, and our practitioners can advise on which approach is most appropriate for your situation.
Should I wait until it gets worse?
We hear this all the time: "It's not that bad yet, I'll see how it goes." The truth? Muscle and joint pain doesn't usually resolve the way a cut or bruise does. The longer compensation patterns continue, the harder they can be to correct. Early treatment often means: fewer sessions overall, faster recovery, lower risk of chronic issues, better long-term mobility. Prevention is always easier than cure.
Why Choose Brixton Therapy Centre?
- 7-day appointments
- Early morning and evening availability
- Emergency appointments when possible
- Phone support 7am-9pm
- Personalised exercise plans
- Confidential, detailed reports if needed
- Online booking, fast and secure
- Caring for the Brixton community since 1999
- Concessions for those on low income (call to ask)
- Concessions for NHS staff (call to ask)
Still Not Sure?
If you're in pain and wondering whether we can help, that's exactly why we're here. You don't need to know what the problem is. You don't need a referral. You just need to take the first step. Book online today or call 020 7733 9944 to speak to us.
Cupping Massage
Suction-based therapy that lifts the muscle layers rather than pressing into them, particularly effective for chronic tension and sports recovery
Deep Tissue Massage
Firm, targeted work on deeper muscle layers, well suited to chronic tension, postural strain, and persistent aches
Indian Head Massage
A seated treatment working the scalp, neck, and shoulders, popular for tension headaches and stress
Lymphatic Drainage
A very light, rhythmic technique that supports the lymphatic system and may help with fluid retention
Pregnancy Massage
Specifically adapted to support the body's changing needs during pregnancy
Reflexology
Pressure-point work on the feet, hands, or ears that aims to support wellbeing across the whole body
Sports Massage
Focused on athletic performance and recovery, and on keeping active bodies moving well
Swedish Relaxing Massage
A gentler, flowing treatment ideal for stress relief, tension, and general relaxation