Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Post-Surgical Recovery

If you're recovering from surgery and feeling swollen, sluggish, or uncomfortable in your body, know that you're not alone and that there is gentle, nurturing support available to help you feel more like yourself again.

Following surgery, recovery can be a challenging time that requires time, patience and additional support. Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle but powerful way to support post-surgical recovery and can make a huge difference to swelling whilst supporting your body’s detoxification process and speeding up the healing process.

So what exactly is the lymphatic system and why is it affected after surgery?

In a nutshell the lymphatic system is your body’s internal drainage system that helps to remove waste and excess fluids in your body, this system works alongside the circulatory system but is not powered by a pump (heart) like the circulatory system is, meaning that sometimes it needs a little help if it becomes overwhelmed and backed up causing swelling, bloating, health issues or re-occurring illnesses. By clearing away the fluid you no longer into your lymph nodes by using gentle manual techniques this creates a clean-up/detox effect in your body by filtering what is needed back into the body and removing waste that is not needed, this then has a positive impact in supporting your immune system.

What happens to the lymphatic system after surgery?

Following surgery your lymphatic system can become sluggish as your body begins its healing process. Whether you've had a c-section, cosmetic surgery, joint replacement, or another procedure, your lymphatic system may become overwhelmed in the days and weeks that follow. This is completely normal, but it can lead to some uncomfortable symptoms.

You might notice swelling around the surgical site, puffiness in other parts of your body, or a feeling of heaviness and discomfort. This is partly because your lymphatic system, which usually works quietly in the background, is now working overtime to clear excess fluid, reduce inflammation, and protect you from infection.

As the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump (like your heart), it relies on gentle movement, breathing, and muscle activity to keep things flowing. And after surgery, when rest is essential, that natural flow can slow down.

That’s where lymphatic drainage massage can really help. By using soft, rhythmic strokes that follow the direction of lymph flow, this gentle therapy encourages your system to do what it’s designed to do- with a little helping hand.

What is lymphatic drainage massage? Will it hurt?

Lymphatic drainage massage is an advanced therapy which uses a very gentle set of stroking and careful pumping techniques to clear key lymph nodes and move fluid through the lymphatic system more effectively. As your lymph nodes sit just under the skin the techniques need to be light and essentially focus on moving the skin as deep pressure massage would squash the lymphatic vessels meaning swelling will remain rather than reduce. MLD should not hurt at any point and as your therapist I will always check in with you to ensure you are comfortable.

What are the key benefits of having manual lymphatic drainage after surgery?

Lymphatic drainage massage may feel gentle and light to the touch, but its effects can be deeply powerful when it comes to supporting your recovery after surgery. Some of the key benefits this soothing therapy offers includes:

• Reduces Swelling and Fluid Retention

Swelling is one of the most common (and uncomfortable) parts of healing after surgery. Lymphatic drainage massage helps move excess fluid away from the affected areas, easing puffiness and helping you feel lighter and less restricted in your body.

• Supports Detox and Immune Function

Your lymphatic system plays a big role in clearing waste and toxins from your body. After surgery, this natural detox process can slow down. Gentle lymphatic massage helps encourage this movement, giving your immune system a helpful nudge while supporting your overall wellbeing.

• Eases Discomfort and Tenderness

Many people find that post-surgical tenderness, tightness, or pressure can be relieved with lymphatic massage. Because the technique is so soft and soothing, it’s suitable even when you’re feeling delicate — and can provide a lovely sense of comfort and calm.

• Speeds Up Healing and Recovery

By improving circulation and lymph flow, this therapy helps nourish tissues and speed up the body’s natural healing process. It can also reduce the build-up of scar tissue and minimise complications like fibrosis (hard lumps under the skin).

• Helps You Feel Calmer and More Connected to Your Body

Post-surgery can sometimes leave you feeling disconnected from your body or frustrated by the pace of healing. Lymphatic massage is not only physical — it also brings emotional support. It invites you to slow down, rest deeply, and reconnect with your body in a safe, nurturing way.

When Can I Have Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Surgery?

Due to the gentle nature of lymphatic drainage massage many consultants clear their patients as soon as 2 weeks post op onwards.  Your wound should be closed and you should always seek advice/permission from your medical team prior to booking any MLD sessions to ensure it is suitable for you and your individual circumstances. Treatments are adapted to each individual client to ensure your comfort and support healing.

If you have any pre-existing health or medical issues or new ones that have arisen since surgery, you should discuss treatment with your GP/consultant prior to booking.

If in doubt always check with your medical provider.

What to Expect During a Session.

Prior to booking chat to your medical team to get clearance for treatment and then get in contact with me to discuss your needs. You can choose from either an ‘at home’ treatment package if you are unable to drive to me following your op or an ‘in clinic’ treatment package. You will complete a health consultation form on booking for me to look through and discuss any concerns prior to treatment.

Your treatment will start with a consultation about your surgery, recovery and any health and medical issues as well as discussing your goals for your treatment plan.

Your treatment will be relaxing, comfortable and calming helping you to rest, recover and support your healing journey. Depending on what type of surgery you have had and whether you are having a focused treatment or full body treatment will depend on if you stay partially dressed or fully clothed. If you are required to be partially undressed, you will be covered with towels to ensure your privacy and dignity at all times.

How do I get started?

If you have a planned surgery coming up or are in the early days or weeks following surgery and want to know if manual lymphatic drainage massage could be the missing piece of your healing journey please get in touch. I’m here to chat and happy to guide you gently through the next steps.

Please note I have limited availability for 'at home' treatment packages and advise booking these as early as possible.