Benefits with evidence
Reduced swelling and bruising after surgery, management of lymphoedema, relief from fluid retention and heavy legs, and a general sense of lightness and relaxation. Because the technique is so gentle, side effects are rare; the most common are feeling tired or thirsty afterwards and needing to pass urine more often as fluid is cleared.
Who it suits
People recovering from surgery, people with hormonal or lifestyle fluid retention, frequent flyers, those who stand or sit for long periods, athletes in heavy training, and anyone who finds their legs, face or abdomen puffy. It is safe in pregnancy after the first trimester with a therapist experienced in pregnancy care.
Who should not have it
Active infection or fever, because moving lymph can spread it. Suspected or untreated deep vein thrombosis. Heart failure, kidney failure or liver failure, where the body cannot handle a shift in fluid. Active cancer without medical clearance. Acute inflammatory conditions and some skin conditions in the treatment area. If any of these apply, we will ask you to check with your doctor first.
What good for you does not mean
It does not mean detox, weight loss, immune boosting or cellulite removal. Lymphatic drainage is good for the lymphatic system and the swelling it manages. Kept to that, it is one of the safest and most useful hands-on treatments available.
At Omnia
Every client completes a health screen before a first session at our Chiswick clinic, and our therapists are trained in manual lymphatic drainage rather than offering a general massage under that name.