What does manual lymphatic drainage feel like?

MLD is very gentle. The pressure is much lighter than a standard massage, roughly the weight of a hand resting on the skin. The technique uses slow, rhythmic strokes that follow the pathways of the lymphatic system. Most patients find it deeply relaxing. It should never be painful.

How is MLD different from regular massage?

MLD specifically targets the lymphatic system using very light pressure and precise directional strokes. Regular massage targets muscles and connective tissue using moderate to deep pressure. They serve different purposes and one cannot substitute for the other. Both are available at The Healing Oak.

How soon after surgery can I start MLD?

Typically 1-2 weeks post-surgery, depending on the procedure and your surgeon''s clearance. For cosmetic surgery (liposuction, tummy tuck), many surgeons recommend starting MLD within the first week. Always confirm with your surgical team before booking.

Can MLD help with fibromyalgia?

Yes. Fibromyalgia involves chronic inflammation and fluid retention in the tissues. MLD helps reduce this fluid buildup, decrease pain sensitivity, and support the body''s natural detoxification. Many fibromyalgia patients report reduced pain and improved energy after a series of MLD sessions.

Do I need a referral for MLD?

No. You can book directly at either the Chilliwack or Abbotsford clinic. Some insurance plans may require a doctor''s referral for coverage. Check with your insurer if you want to confirm reimbursement eligibility before your first visit.

How many MLD sessions will I need?

Post-surgical recovery typically requires 4-8 sessions. Lymphedema management is ongoing and may require regular sessions indefinitely. Acute injuries usually respond within 3-5 sessions. Dr. Salaria reassesses at each visit and adjusts the plan based on your progress.

Is MLD covered by insurance?

MLD at The Healing Oak is provided by Dr. Raj Salaria under his DOMP (osteopathy) credential, so it is typically covered under the osteopathy or manual therapy category of your extended health plan. Check with your insurer for your specific coverage and annual limits.

Is MLD safe during pregnancy?

Yes. MLD is gentle and non-invasive, making it safe during all stages of pregnancy. It is commonly used to relieve leg and ankle swelling in the second and third trimesters. Dr. Salaria adjusts positioning for comfort and safety.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Specialized gentle massage technique to support lymphatic system function and reduce swelling.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioners at The Healing Oak

Raj Salaria, DOMP Osteopathy Chilliwack & Abbotsford, BC Specializes in: Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Depression
Dr. Raj Kumar Salaria is a Manual Osteopathic Therapist and a member of the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA). He graduated from the Manual Osteopathic College of…
Raj Salaria, DOMP Osteopathy Chilliwack & Abbotsford, BC Specializes in: Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Depression
Dr. Raj Kumar Salaria is a Manual Osteopathic Therapist and a member of the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA). He graduated from the Manual Osteopathic College of…

Frequently Asked Questions

What does manual lymphatic drainage feel like?: MLD is very gentle. The pressure is much lighter than a standard massage, roughly the weight of a hand resting on the skin. The technique uses slow, rhythmic strokes that follow the pathways of the lymphatic system. Most patients find it deeply relaxing. It should never be painful.
How is MLD different from regular massage?: MLD specifically targets the lymphatic system using very light pressure and precise directional strokes. Regular massage targets muscles and connective tissue using moderate to deep pressure. They serve different purposes and one cannot substitute for the other. Both are available at The Healing Oak.
How soon after surgery can I start MLD?: Typically 1-2 weeks post-surgery, depending on the procedure and your surgeon''s clearance. For cosmetic surgery (liposuction, tummy tuck), many surgeons recommend starting MLD within the first week. Always confirm with your surgical team before booking.
Can MLD help with fibromyalgia?: Yes. Fibromyalgia involves chronic inflammation and fluid retention in the tissues. MLD helps reduce this fluid buildup, decrease pain sensitivity, and support the body''s natural detoxification. Many fibromyalgia patients report reduced pain and improved energy after a series of MLD sessions.
Do I need a referral for MLD?: No. You can book directly at either the Chilliwack or Abbotsford clinic. Some insurance plans may require a doctor''s referral for coverage. Check with your insurer if you want to confirm reimbursement eligibility before your first visit.
How many MLD sessions will I need?: Post-surgical recovery typically requires 4-8 sessions. Lymphedema management is ongoing and may require regular sessions indefinitely. Acute injuries usually respond within 3-5 sessions. Dr. Salaria reassesses at each visit and adjusts the plan based on your progress.
Is MLD covered by insurance?: MLD at The Healing Oak is provided by Dr. Raj Salaria under his DOMP (osteopathy) credential, so it is typically covered under the osteopathy or manual therapy category of your extended health plan. Check with your insurer for your specific coverage and annual limits.
Is MLD safe during pregnancy?: Yes. MLD is gentle and non-invasive, making it safe during all stages of pregnancy. It is commonly used to relieve leg and ankle swelling in the second and third trimesters. Dr. Salaria adjusts positioning for comfort and safety.

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Duration: 60-75 minutes

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, specialized massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling, improve immune function, and support recovery from surgery, injury, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Dr. Raj Salaria, DOMP, provides MLD at both the Chilliwack and Abbotsford clinics. As a Manual Osteopathic Therapist with 15 years of prior experience as a family physician, Dr. Raj Salaria integrates MLD with his broader understanding of the body's structural, vascular, and lymphatic systems. No referral needed. Direct billing available under osteopathy or manual therapy benefits.

What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that runs throughout the body, parallel to the circulatory system. It transports lymph (a fluid containing white blood cells, waste products, and cellular debris) from the tissues back toward the heart. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system has no pump. It relies on muscle contraction, breathing, and manual stimulation to move fluid.

When the lymphatic system is sluggish, damaged, or overwhelmed, fluid accumulates in the tissues. This produces swelling (edema), a feeling of heaviness, reduced immune function, and slower healing.

Manual lymphatic drainage uses very light, rhythmic hand movements to stimulate lymphatic flow. The pressure is significantly lighter than massage therapy (approximately 30-40 grams, roughly the weight of a hand resting on the skin). The technique follows the anatomical pathways of the lymphatic system, directing fluid toward functioning lymph nodes where it can be processed and drained. MLD is gentle, slow, and precise. Patients often find it deeply relaxing despite the therapeutic intent.

When MLD Is Used

Post-Surgical Recovery

MLD is one of the most effective interventions for reducing swelling after surgery. Common post-surgical applications include:

Orthopedic surgery (knee replacement, hip replacement, ACL reconstruction)
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery (liposuction, tummy tuck, breast surgery, facial surgery)
Lymph node removal (cancer surgery involving axillary, inguinal, or cervical node dissection)
Dental and oral surgery
C-section recovery

Treatment can typically begin 1-2 weeks post-surgery depending on the procedure and surgeon's clearance. Early MLD significantly reduces recovery time and discomfort.

Lymphedema Management

Lymphedema is chronic swelling caused by damage to or removal of lymph nodes, most commonly after cancer treatment. MLD is a core component of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the gold standard for lymphedema management. Regular MLD sessions help maintain fluid reduction and prevent progression. Both primary lymphedema (congenital) and secondary lymphedema (from surgery, radiation, or infection) respond to manual lymphatic drainage.

Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Conditions

When the lymphatic system is underperforming, waste products and inflammatory mediators accumulate in the tissues, contributing to chronic inflammation. MLD supports the body's natural detoxification pathways. Conditions that commonly benefit include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

Sinusitis and Respiratory Congestion

MLD techniques applied to the face, neck, and chest can significantly reduce sinus congestion and fluid buildup. This is particularly useful for chronic sinusitis that does not fully respond to medication.

Pregnancy-Related Swelling

Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. MLD provides safe, gentle relief without medication. Dr. Raj Salaria adjusts positioning and technique for comfort and safety during pregnancy.

Sports Injury and Recovery

MLD accelerates the healing process for sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries by reducing inflammation and edema at the injury site. It can be used in the acute phase when the area is too swollen or sensitive for standard massage therapy.

MLD vs. Massage Therapy

Patients often ask why they should book MLD specifically rather than a regular massage for swelling. The techniques are fundamentally different:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage	Massage Therapy
Very light pressure (30-40g)	Moderate to deep pressure
Follows lymphatic vessel pathways	Targets muscles and fascia
Stimulates fluid drainage	Releases muscle tension
Used for edema, immune support, post-surgical	Used for pain, tension, range of motion
Cannot be replaced by deep tissue work	Does not address lymphatic congestion

Both are available at The Healing Oak. For many conditions, MLD and massage therapy are complementary. A post-surgical patient might receive MLD to manage swelling and then transition to massage therapy once the swelling has resolved to address scar tissue and restore range of motion.

Insurance and Coverage

Manual lymphatic drainage is typically covered under "osteopathy" or "manual therapy" on most extended health benefit plans in BC, since Dr. Raj Salaria provides it under his DOMP credential. Some plans may also cover MLD under "massage therapy" if performed by a registered massage therapist. Check with your insurer to confirm which benefit category applies to your plan.

Direct billing is available for some insurers. If not available, you pay at the time of appointment and submit receipts for reimbursement. No referral is needed to book.

What to Expect

Before your first visit: No referral is needed to book. If you are seeking MLD for post-surgical recovery, bring your surgeon's clearance and any relevant surgical notes. For lymphedema patients, bring any previous treatment records or measurements.

Initial assessment (60 minutes): Dr. Raj Salaria evaluates the area of concern, takes measurements if edema is present, reviews your medical history, and assesses lymphatic function. His background as a former physician means he can interpret surgical reports, lab work, and imaging results directly.

During treatment: MLD is performed on a treatment table. The technique is very gentle. Most patients describe a sensation of light, rhythmic pressure. Sessions are quiet and relaxing. Treatment duration is typically 45-60 minutes depending on the area and severity.

After treatment: You may notice increased urination for 24-48 hours as the body processes the mobilized fluid. Some patients feel fatigued after the first session. Drink water and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.

Session frequency: Acute post-surgical cases typically start with 2-3 sessions per week, tapering as swelling resolves. Lymphedema management may require ongoing sessions (weekly or biweekly). Chronic inflammation and general wellness cases typically benefit from weekly sessions initially, moving to monthly maintenance.

Related Services

Manual Osteopathic Therapy - Dr. Raj Salaria combines MLD with craniosacral, visceral manipulation, and myofascial techniques when structural issues contribute to lymphatic congestion
Registered Massage Therapy - for muscle tension, scar tissue work, and pain management after the acute swelling phase
Naturopathic Medicine - for systemic inflammation, immune support, and addressing underlying contributors to lymphatic sluggishness
Acupuncture - for inflammation reduction, immune regulation, and pain management alongside MLD

Dr. Raj Salaria, DOMP, provides MLD at both the Chilliwack and Abbotsford clinics. No referral needed.

Offered at The Healing Oak - Multidisciplinary Health & Wellness Clinic in Chilliwack & Abbotsford, BC. No referral required. Direct billing available.