Manual lymphatic drainage
Experience a sense of lightness, relief and recovery through gentle yet effective manual therapy.
What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage, sometimes also referred to as lymphatic massage, is a gentle therapeutic technique designed to support lymph flow, reduce the feeling of heavy legs, promote recovery and improve tissue metabolism. It can be beneficial for swelling, after surgery or whenever you want to give your body targeted relief.
Experience its therapeutic, relaxing and aesthetic benefits for yourself.
Why choose lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is a targeted treatment that can help relieve strain, support recovery and restore a sense of lightness. Clients most often choose it when they want to:
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relieve tired and heavy legs
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support recovery after surgery or an injury
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reduce swelling and improve comfort
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give their body targeted yet gentle care
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enjoy a treatment that combines therapeutic benefits with relaxation
A more detailed overview of medical indications can be found below.
Manual lymphatic massage
How is it performed?
This is a very gentle and pleasant technique that does not use any oils or lotions. The therapist works directly with the skin using gentle, rhythmic pressure.
Every treatment at Physiohub begins by preparing the central lymphatic pathways, including a basal neck treatment. This is an essential step in supporting effective lymph flow. The therapist then selects a sequence of techniques based on your individual needs, focusing on either the lower limbs, the upper limbs and underarm area, or the chest, neck and face.
How does it work?
Specialised manual techniques are used to encourage lymph to move from the tissues towards the lymph nodes, where it is filtered.
This supports tissue metabolism and helps remove excess fluid and proteins from the tissues, contributing to fluid balance within the body.
What happens during an appointment?
Every lymphatic drainage treatment begins with a brief consultation. We will ask about your symptoms, the area you would like us to focus on and your overall health. Based on this information, we will choose the most suitable treatment approach and determine the appropriate extent of the treatment.
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Brief consultation - we will discuss the reason for your visit.
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Selecting the area and treatment sequence - we will choose the specific area of the body and combination of techniques according to your needs.
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Manual lymphatic drainage - The treatment itself.
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Advice after the treatment - we will explain what to do – and what to avoid.
How long is the treatment and how much does it cost?
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60 minutes - A suitable option for most clients having lymphatic drainage for the first time.
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90 minutes or more - suitable for regular clients or more intensive care.
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Full-body manual lymphatic drainage - atypical or full-body treatments can also be arranged.
The price of lymphatic drainage is based on the current Physiohub price list. A standard appointment lasts 60 minutes. Longer appointments and full-body treatments are available by prior arrangement.
If you are interested in a longer treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why choose Physiohub for lymphatic drainage?
Although manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique, it can have a significant effect. It is therefore important that it is performed by a properly trained professional. At Physiohub, manual lymphatic drainage is provided exclusively by physiotherapists. You can expect:
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Expertise
All our therapists hold a university degree in physiotherapy.
02
Experience
They also have many years of experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
03
A broader perspective
This allows them to understand your symptoms within a broader context and choose the most suitable approach.
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Guidance
We will show you how to follow up on the treatment and support its benefits outside the clinic.
Did you know that...
of lymph are produced in the body within just 24 hours. The lymphatic system acts as an essential recycling network that helps maintain fluid balance in the tissues.
2 - 4
lymph nodes may be found in the human body. They act as biological filters for bacteria and foreign substances, monitoring the composition of lymph and filtering out damaged cells.
700
of the cells in lymph are lymphocytes – white blood cells that play a key role in the immune response. Lymphatic drainage is therefore connected not only with the mechanical movement of fluid but also with the body’s immune system.
99%
How might you feel after lymphatic drainage?
Stimulating the lymphatic system places some demand on the body. It is therefore normal to notice temporary changes after the treatment, such as:
Pleasant tiredness or drowsiness
An increased need to urinate
Feeling thirstier than usual
A reduction in the circumference
A sense of lightness and relief
What are the effects and when will you see results?
The effects vary from person to person. Some people feel relief after their first appointment, while for others the results develop gradually with repeated treatment. Commonly reported effects include a reduced feeling of heaviness, less swelling, relief from tension and faster recovery.
For some conditions, the best results are achieved when lymphatic drainage forms part of a broader care plan that also includes movement, compression, skin care and lifestyle measures.
After your treatment
What to do and what to avoid after your massage to support its benefits.
Drink more fluids
Take it
easy
Avoid
alcohol
Avoid fatty foods
Get enough sleep
You can begin rehydrating immediately after your treatment with a cup of herbal tea from Květomluva at our reception, as part of our Physiotherapy for all the senses concept.
How often should you have lymphatic drainage?
The recommended frequency depends on the reason for your visit. In some cases, a single treatment is enough to provide relief and support recovery. In other cases, several appointments within a shorter period or regular long-term treatment may be more appropriate. During your first appointment, the physiotherapist will assess your situation and discuss with you whether a one-off treatment or a more regular treatment plan would be most suitable.
Indications for lymphatic massage
When can lymphatic massage help?
Manual lymphatic drainage may be beneficial for a range of health conditions, particularly when there is a need to support fluid drainage, reduce swelling or improve the condition of the tissues. It is most commonly used in the following areas:
Postoperative
conditions
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supporting tissue healing
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reducing swelling
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pain-relieving effects
Orthopaedic
conditions
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chronic osteoarthritis
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after immobilisation with a cast or brace
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after injuries and joint sprains
Neurological
conditions
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chronic paresis
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certain types of headaches and migraines
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cervical spine and neck syndromes
Skin
conditions
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acne and psoriasis as a complementary treatment
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atopic eczema following consultation with a doctor
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scar healing
Medical
conditions
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diabetes mellitus
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bronchial asthma
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we always recommend consulting your doctor first
Other
conditions
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after breast removal surgery, including lymph node removal
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chronic sinusitis and rhinitis
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certain urological conditions
Contraindications for lymphatic massage
When should you avoid lymphatic massage or consult a professional before booking?
Absolute contraindications
Manual lymphatic drainage must not be performed in the following circumstances:
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malignant disease
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acute bacterial or viral infection
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acute asthma
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acute bronchitis
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bronchopneumonia
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acute or suspected myocardial infarction
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acute stroke
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swelling caused by kidney or liver disease
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acute skin inflammation
Relative contraindications
It is important to discuss your condition with us before booking if you have:
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severe heart disease or heart failure
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cardiac asthma
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hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
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acute venous disease – manual lymphatic drainage may be possible in subacute cases
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pregnancy – this is not a direct contraindication, but the physiotherapist needs to know so that they can select the appropriate techniques and treatment position
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menstruation
Treatment
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Would you like to know more?
Below you will find a brief explanation of how the lymphatic system works and a comparison between manual and machine-assisted lymphatic drainage.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes and other structures. It helps remove excess fluid from the tissues, contributes to the immune response and maintains the body’s internal balance.
Unlike the circulatory system, it does not have its own pump like the heart. It therefore relies mainly on muscle movement, breathing and overall physical activity. These mechanisms support the natural flow of lymph through the body, which is why movement is the body’s most natural form of lymphatic drainage.
What is lymph?
Lymph is a clear fluid found in the spaces between the cells of the body. It is transported by the lymphatic system back into the bloodstream.
It helps maintain the body’s fluid balance, remove waste products that accumulate in the tissues and support the immune system. Under normal circumstances, lymph continuously flows through the lymphatic vessels and gradually passes through the lymph nodes, where it is filtered. However, certain factors can prevent lymph from flowing freely.
What can restrict lymph flow?
Lymph flow can become slower or restricted for a variety of reasons. It is often caused by a combination of mechanical, medical and lifestyle factors, including:
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lack of movement, prolonged sitting or generally low levels of activity
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recovery after surgery or an injury
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removal of lymph nodes
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swelling and overloaded tissues
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scars and changes within the tissues
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long-term physical strain
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certain medical conditions affecting the vascular system, lymphatic system or internal organs
What happens when the lymphatic system is not working properly?
When lymph flow becomes slower or restricted, lymph may accumulate in the tissues. This may cause:
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swelling
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a feeling of heaviness
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tension within the tissues
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reduced comfort during movement
How can lymphatic drainage help?
When the body’s natural mechanisms are not enough or are not working optimally, targeted lymphatic massage may provide additional support.
It is not a substitute for movement, but a complementary treatment for situations in which the body needs some extra help.
Manual vs. machine-assisted lymphatic drainage
Both manual and machine-assisted lymphatic drainage support lymph flow. Machine-assisted treatments use inflatable trousers, sleeves or pneumatic compression systems such as Pneuven or Lymfoven. The two approaches differ in how they are performed, how precisely they can be adapted and the situations in which they are most suitable.
Manual lymphatic drainage
Also known as manual lymphatic massage
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performed by a therapist using their hands
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allows targeted treatment of a specific area
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responds to the current condition of the tissues and your individual needs
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begins by treating the central areas, such as the neck and trunk, before continuing towards the limbs
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can be precisely adapted to the cause and nature of your symptoms
Machine-assisted lymphatic drainage
Performed using compression garments
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uses pressure sleeves or trousers that inflate gradually
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creates sequential pressure from the outer parts of the limbs towards the trunk
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supports the mechanical movement of fluid through the tissues
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is often used as a complementary or home-based form of care
An important principle
For lymph to drain effectively, the area into which the fluid will move needs to be prepared first.
During manual lymphatic drainage:
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the central areas, such as the neck and trunk, are treated first
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the therapist then continues with the specific limb or treatment area
With machine-assisted lymphatic drainage, this step may not always be included. If the central area has not been adequately prepared, the effect may be less noticeable or shorter lasting.
Summary
Both manual and machine-assisted lymphatic drainage have their place. Clinical experience and available research suggest that their effects may be comparable, but the outcome always depends on correct use and the individual situation. With machine-assisted lymphatic drainage, it is also important to prepare the central area into which the lymph will drain. Without this preparation, the treatment may not achieve its full effect.