By: Leah Resch, RMT and Active Sports Therapy,
Recovery looks different for everyone. Whether you are managing chronic conditions, an injury, or navigating recovery following surgery, understanding your treatment options can help you take the next step.
AST Willow Park’s Leah Resch, RMT, is now trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)—a gentle, hands-on technique that may be incorporated into an individualized care plan to help manage swelling.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, sometimes called lymphatic drainage massage, uses light, carefully directed movements to encourage lymph fluid to move through the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system helps collect excess fluid from your tissues and return it to your blood- stream. MLD supports this movement of fluid and may help reduce swelling, shorten down-time, and curb acute pain in suitable patients. Treatment uses gentle pressure rather than deep muscle work. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
How Might MLD Fit Into Your Recovery?
At AST, this service is intended for people with a functioning lymphatic system who are experiencing swelling related to injury or orthopedic recovery.
Depending on your assessment, your practitioner may discuss MLD as part of care for:
• Swelling following an injury, once the injury has been assessed and treatment is appropriate.
• Recovery after orthopedic surgery, with clearance from your surgical team.
• Discomfort associated with localized swelling or fluid retention alongside treatment for the underlying cause.
MLD may help reduce postoperative swelling and discomfort in some circumstances. Its suitability depends on the procedure, your stage of recovery and your medical history. (Cleveland Clinic)
The goal is to determine whether this gentle approach has a useful role in your recovery plan. It does not replace rehabilitation exercises, medical care or your surgeon’s instructions.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
MLD uses light pressure and deliberate movements across the skin. You should expect a gentle treatment rather than the firm pressure often associated with sports massage. Some people also find the experience relaxing. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
Before treatment, be ready to discuss your symptoms, medical history, recent injuries or procedures, and what you hope to achieve. This information helps your practitioner determine whether MLD is appropriate or whether another assessment is needed first.
Do You Need to Be an Athlete?
You do not need to play a sport to ask about this service. The important consideration is the cause of your swelling and whether treatment is suitable for you.
For someone returning to activity after an injury or surgery, MLD may be one part of a broader recovery plan. Your care should reflect your individual needs, whether your goal is getting back to training, work or everyday movement.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Right for Everyone?
MLD is not appropriate for everyone. An active infection, a suspected or confirmed blood clot, or certain heart and kidney conditions may make treatment unsuitable. New or unexplained swelling should be assessed before booking a massage. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
AST’s new service does not include specialized lymphedema management. If you have a diagnosed lymphatic disorder or swelling related to lymph node removal or radiation, you will need assessment and care from an appropriately qualified lymphedema professional.
Ask AST About Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Wondering whether Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Calgary could fit into your recovery plan?
Book an appointment with Leah Resch, RMT, at Active Sports Therapy to discuss your needs and find out whether this gentle treatment is right for you.
Our Unified Team of practitioners is here to support your recovery and KEEP YOU MOVING.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individualized medical advice,diagnosis or treatment. Suitability for Manual Lymphatic Drainage requires assessment, and results vary.
