Manual Lymphatic Drainage in new Orleans
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment, also known as MLD, is a holistic manual therapy designed to reduce swelling, increase relaxation, increase immune function, decrease formation of scar tissue post injury/surgery, decrease chronic pain of inflammatory conditions, promote healing, and promote general wellness.
It works by gently stretching the skin and creating a vacuum for vessels to intake fluid. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a different experience compared to massage.
There is no pressure applied and it should never hurt! We are, primarily, working on lymphatic vessels that are 1mm below the skin and above the fascia. Any application of pressure will compress and close the targeted vessels, which will stop the uptake of fluid. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can increase the body’s movement of fluid from 10-12 beats per minute to up to 60 beats per minute.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment for Wellness
MLD is used for general health and wellness. It’s great for post plane travel due to the pressure changes that cause the body to swell, may help for post athletic activity soreness and recovery, and can ease the discomfort for people suffering with chronic autoimmune diseases. It is recommended to receive treatment 3 times between a 10-14 day period for best results. Maintenance appointments are recommended, thereafter. We do not recommend that you immediately partner your MLD treatment with massage, but it can be used in immediate conjunction with Fascia Stretch Therapy and our Recovery Room therapies.
What health conditions can benefit from MLD?
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Migraines
- Cellulite
- Sinus inflammation
- Post trauma
- Post surgery
Post Surgery Lymphatic Drainage
The purpose of post operative Lymphatic Drainage is to remove dead and dying cells left behind by surgical trauma, to help reduce swelling, avoid lumps in the area, and minimize the formation of scar tissue. Over time, it can also help regenerate lymphatic vessels that may have been cut and/or damaged.
When Can I Start My Post Op Lymphatic Drainage?
Depending on your procedure and ability to get to our studio, we can begin Manual Lymphatic Drainage as soon as 4-7 days post operation. For the best results, we recommend the initial treatment be at least 3 sessions in a period of 7-10 days. After that, we recommend a minimum of twice a week as needed depending on healing progress.
Certified Lymphatic Drainage Therapist
At Nola Stretch and Recovery, education is a priority. Our Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist is certified in Vodder Technique through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS), which is a Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) endorsed program.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment is a clinical treatment and can potentially cause serious harm if performed on a client with a contraindicated health condition. It is imperative that you see a practitioner that has been properly trained in order to see the best results for you. Properly applied Manual Lymphatic Drainage does not use lotion, gliding, or pressure. Post surgical lymphatic drainage treatment does NOT squeegee fluid out of incisions. It moves fluid back into the body via the specific pathways of lymphatic vessels back into the cardiovascular system.
Swelling is normal for 3-6 months post surgery and physically aggressive treatments during the healing process may do more internal damage than good.
We look forward to seeing you on your healing journey to ensure you get the most up to date care possible.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Prices
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30 Minute Head/Neck/Sinus Lymphatic Drainage $60
Concentration of the neck and face to aid decongestion of sinus pressure and headaches. *It will speed the metabolism of cosmetic injections and it's recommended to wait at least a week after Botox or fillers to have MLD.
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1 Hour Manual Lymphatic Drainage $115
Full body detox, Immune system boost, Post surgery swelling*, Scar tissue reduction. Speeds recovery time for injury and boost overall health. Great for those experiencing sinus pain, pre/post joint replacement, sprain/strains. Minimal pressure, no oil, properly applied MLD should never hurt.
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45 Minute Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Lower Body $87.50
Lower Body Concentration. Full body detox, Immune system boost, Post surgery swelling*, Scar tissue reduction. Speeds recovery time for injury and boost overall health. Great for those experiencing sinus pain, pre/post joint replacement, sprain/strains. Minimal pressure, no oil, properly applied MLD should never hurt.
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90 Minutes Manual Lymph Drainage $170
Full body detox, Immune system boost, Post surgery swelling*, Scar tissue reduction. Speeds recovery time for injury and boost overall health. Great for those experiencing sinus pain, pre/post joint replacement, sprain/strains. Minimal pressure, no oil, properly applied MLD should never hurt.
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1 Hour Post Surgery Lymph Drainage $115
Great for post surgery swelling, scar formation reduction, immune system boost. Great for those looking to speed surgical recovery time and boost overall health. Starting 1 week post op is ideal. Multiple weekly sessions advised for optimum results. Minimal pressure, no oil, properly applied MLD should never hurt.
Why People Seek Lymphatic Drainage in New Orleans
People in New Orleans come in with all kinds of needs. Some want help with recovery after plastic surgery. Others deal with swelling from sports injuries, chronic inflammation, or ongoing pain. Some simply want to support their immune system.
Swelling From Injury or Daily Life
Whether you twisted an ankle at the gym or spend long hours on your feet, fluid can pool. Lymphatic drainage may help the area calm down and move again.
Support for Chronic Conditions
People with inflammation-based issues sometimes feel relief from the gentle work. The light touch makes it accessible for those who can’t handle deep pressure or intense massage.
General Wellness
Some clients book regular sessions because they feel lighter, sleep better, or notice less tightness afterward.
What Do You Feel After Lymphatic Drainage?
Every body is different, but people often share similar feedback:
Their swelling feels easier.
Their clothes fit better during recovery.
They feel calmer and more in tune with their body.
They sleep well after sessions.
They feel more mobile and less stiff.
There’s something grounding about being guided back into a calmer state. When your lymph system moves well, the whole body seems to take a breath.
How Many Lymphatic Drainage Sessions Do You Need?
This depends on your goal. Each body reacts at its own pace, and people often notice changes at different times. Some feel shifts right away, while others see steady progress over several visits. We talk through what you’re hoping to feel and shape a plan that fits your comfort level and your daily routine.
After Plastic Surgery
Many surgeons in New Orleans suggest a series of sessions during the first few weeks. The body holds extra fluid as it heals, so regular lymphatic drainage may help you stay more comfortable during that early stage. The number of sessions can vary based on the type of surgery, how your tissue responds, and your doctor’s timeline. We always ask what your doctor recommends so the work stays aligned with your medical plan.
For Injury or Swelling
A few sessions may help the area calm down. Swelling from a sprain, strain, or long-term tension often shifts little by little, and people usually feel lighter as the fluid starts to move. Some clients continue with regular visits to support their lymph system and keep the tissue from getting tight again. The goal is to help your body settle, not push it to do more than it’s ready for.
For Wellness
Some people come once a month, others come when they feel heavy or stressed. Regular sessions may help keep lymph flow steady and may reduce that slow, weighed-down feeling that builds up over time. It’s a simple way to support your lymph system even when you’re not dealing with an injury or surgery. Many clients say it helps them stay balanced in their daily life.
There’s no strict plan. We scale based on how your body responds.
Your body gives clear signs when the pace feels right. If you’re healing quickly, we adjust. If you need more time or space between sessions, we adjust to that too. The goal is steady progress that feels safe and comfortable for you.
Frequently asked question
Properly applied MLD requires full skin contact. You should wear comfortable, easy to remove clothing. Slip on shoes are recommended as MLD may stimulate the need to use the restroom during a longer session.
- Acute infections
- Acute bronchitis
- Renal failure
- Acute vein thrombosis