Lymphatic Drainage

Not sure which lymphatic therapy is right for you? Urban Massage & Wellness offers both RMT lymphatic massage and advanced MLD in St. Albert.

Back to Services

The lymphatic system is precise. Your care should be too.

At Urban Massage & Wellness, we offer two distinct approaches to lymphatic drainage, each designed for different needs, different bodies, and different levels of complexity.

Whether you’re looking for general wellness support or navigating post-surgical recovery, lymphedema, or chronic inflammation, choosing the right approach matters.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that helps regulate fluid balance, transport waste, and support immune function.

Unlike the cardiovascular system, it does not have a central pump. It relies on:

Movement
Breathing
Manual stimulation

Lymphatic drainage therapy uses gentle, targeted techniques to support this natural process and encourage fluid movement throughout the body.

Types of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy We Offer

Lymphatic Massage Therapy (RMT)

Best for wellness, circulation, and mild swelling

Lymphatic Massage Therapy is a foundational technique included in Canadian Registered Massage Therapy training. Using light, rhythmic, and intentional strokes, it supports:

Circulation and fluid movement
Immune system activity
General recovery and regulation

This approach is well-suited for:

Mild swelling or puffiness
Post-exercise recovery
Skin clarity and circulation
Stress regulation
Clients wanting lymphatic work within a full-body massage

Because it is performed by a Registered Massage Therapist, sessions are typically eligible under extended health benefits.

Explore our Massage Therapy services

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (MLD)

Best for post-surgical care, lymphedema, and complex conditions

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (MLD) is a clinically precise approach requiring advanced, specialized training beyond foundational education. Practitioners offering MLD have completed continuing education through internationally recognized institutions such as the Dr. Vodder School or the Chikly Health Institute. This training includes detailed lymphatic mapping, altered drainage pathways, and clinical reasoning for more complex presentations.

This level of care is commonly used in clinical and post-surgical settings — where precision matters.

MLD may be appropriate for:

Lymphedema (primary or secondary)
Post-surgical recovery (including lymph node removal, reconstruction, and liposuction)
Cancer-related swelling (with medical clearance)
Chronic inflammatory conditions
Persistent or unexplained edema

Explore our Manual Osteopathy services

Important Clarification on Training

Lymphatic techniques are introduced in both Registered Massage Therapy and Manual Osteopathy training programs. However, this does not mean that all practitioners offer advanced Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.

At Urban Massage & Wellness:

Practitioners with advanced MLD training will be clearly identified as offering this service
Practitioners without advanced certification may still incorporate lymphatic techniques within their scope, but do not offer MLD as a standalone clinical service
Manual Osteopaths with advanced lymphatic training would be listed separately if and when that training is completed

This distinction ensures you are booking into the level of care appropriate for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Lymphatic Therapy

The right choice depends less on preference — and more on what your body is experiencing.

Choose Lymphatic Massage Therapy if you:

Want general wellness support
Have mild or occasional swelling
Are recovering from minor strain or inflammation
Prefer a relaxation-based approach
Want lymphatic work integrated into a full massage

Choose Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (MLD) if you:

Are recovering from surgery
Have lymphedema or chronic swelling
Are managing a medically complex condition
Need a targeted, anatomy-specific approach
Have persistent or unexplained edema

Important Considerations Before Booking

Not all Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is the same. MLD practitioners are trained at different levels, and not every practitioner is equipped to work with every condition, stage of healing, or clinical presentation.

To support safe and appropriate booking:

Practitioners offering advanced MLD will be clearly listed in a separate service category
Please review the contraindications listed within each service description on the booking page
MLD sessions require an additional intake form prior to your appointment, allowing your practitioner to review your health history and align the most appropriate approach

If You’re Unsure What to Book

If your situation is clinical, post-surgical, or more complex, we recommend booking with a practitioner offering Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.

If your needs are more general or wellness-focused, Lymphatic Massage Therapy is a great place to start.

If you’re still unsure, booking a 60-minute MLD session allows for proper assessment and ensures you are placed in the most appropriate care from the beginning. Please ensure your intake form is completed in advance, as your practitioner may review your case ahead of time or reach out if additional clarification is needed prior to your session.

What to Expect During a Lymphatic Drainage Session

Lymphatic drainage is subtle work — but highly intentional. This is not deep tissue therapy. The pressure is light, often described as wave-like or feather-soft, designed to follow the body’s natural fluid pathways instead of forcing change.

Sessions may include guided breathing to support lymphatic movement and nervous system regulation.

After a session, clients may notice:

A sense of calm or relaxation
Reduced swelling or pressure
Improved ease of movement
Changes in skin tone or clarity
Subtle digestive shifts

It is also normal to feel slightly fatigued afterward.

Treatment Environment

The lymphatic system responds best in a calm, regulated state. Depending on the practitioner, the service, and your specific needs, your session environment may vary — some sessions include soft, minimal music, while others may be performed in near silence.

This is intentional. Subtle auditory environments allow practitioners to better assess and follow the body’s lymphatic rhythms, while also supporting the nervous system in settling into a state where fluid movement is most effective.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Circulation & Recovery

Reduction of swelling and fluid retention
Post-surgical recovery support
Improved circulation and fluid movement

Clinical & Chronic Support

Lymphedema management
Support for chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
Inflammatory and autoimmune-related conditions

Everyday Wellness

Skin clarity and reduced puffiness
Digestive support
Headache and sinus pressure relief
Nervous system regulation and stress reduction

Contraindications & Safety Considerations

Your safety always comes first. While lymphatic drainage is gentle, it directly influences fluid movement and is not appropriate in all situations.

Treatment will be avoided in cases of:

Acute infection or fever
Blood clots or vascular conditions
Severe cardiac conditions
Active internal bleeding
Certain unmanaged medical concerns

Additional regional precautions may apply. Full details are outlined in each service description on our booking page.

If you are unsure whether this therapy is appropriate for you, we recommend checking with your physician before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lymphatic drainage covered by insurance?

Sessions with a Registered Massage Therapist are typically eligible. Coverage for other practitioner types depends on your plan.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your goals and presentation. General wellness may require occasional sessions, while clinical or post-surgical care often benefits from a structured series.