BTech Dip (Sports Massage) | Cert. Advanced Manual Lymphatic Drainage Vodder | CIDESCO Dip. Clinical Aromatherapy | CIDESCO Masters Dip. Health & Skincare.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Specialist lymphatic drainage using the Vodder Method

Gentle, precise and highly specialised hands-on treatment for clients seeking lymphatic support.

MEND Studio is the private practice of Michelle Ackerman, a clinical massage therapist with more than 20 years of hands-on experience, specialising in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and nervous system-focused bodywork.

Michelle uses specialist training in the Vodder Method alongside extensive clinical experience to provide individualised lymphatic treatment based on your presentation, history and reason for seeking care.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised hands-on technique designed to support the movement of lymphatic fluid through the body's lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that collects excess fluid from tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. When lymphatic function is impaired or the lymphatic load exceeds the system's capacity, fluid can accumulate in the tissues and contribute to swelling.

MLD uses light, rhythmic and precise movements applied to the skin and underlying tissues. The technique follows specific lymphatic pathways and is very different from conventional remedial or deep tissue massage.

Gentle does not mean ineffective.

The lymphatic system responds to a different type of touch. MLD is not about applying more pressure or working deeply into muscle.

The expertise lies in knowing where, how and when to apply the technique.

Why choose a specialist?

Lymphatic drainage isn't simply a lighter version of massage.

A considered lymphatic treatment involves understanding lymphatic anatomy, drainage pathways and how to adapt techniques according to the individual.

Your appointment begins with a discussion about why you're seeking treatment, your relevant history and what you would like to achieve. Your treatment is then adapted accordingly.

Michelle's 20+ years of massage experience means lymphatic treatment is informed by a broad understanding of the body and hands-on clinical practice, while her Vodder Method training provides a specific framework for Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

The NZ Lymphoedema Therapists Group identifies Manual Lymphatic Drainage as a core skill in lymphoedema management and lists Vodder among the internationally recognised training pathways used by lymphatic practitioners.

Who is lymphatic drainage suitable for?

MLD may be appropriate for people experiencing certain types of swelling, fluid accumulation or lymphatic dysfunction.

It is also commonly incorporated into lymphatic management following certain surgeries or medical treatments where lymphatic drainage has been recommended by the treating healthcare professional. Lymphoedema can occur following surgery, lymph-node removal, radiation or other disruption to the lymphatic system.

You may be considering MLD if you have:

Post-operative swelling
Lymphatic drainage may form part of recovery following certain surgical procedures. If you are recovering from surgery, your surgeon or treating medical professional's advice takes priority.

Lymphoedema or lymphatic dysfunction
MLD is one component used in the management of lymphoedema. Ongoing lymphoedema management may also involve compression, exercise, skin care and education, depending on the individual.

Swelling or fluid accumulation
Some forms of swelling may be appropriate for lymphatic assessment and treatment. Importantly, not all swelling is lymphatic in origin.

Pregnancy-related swelling
A gentle lymphatic approach may be appropriate for some pregnancy-related swelling, depending on your individual circumstances.

Midlife, perimenopause & menopause

Hormonal changes during midlife can coincide with changes in how your body feels, including increased feelings of puffiness, heaviness, fluid retention or physical tension. If you're looking for a gentle, specialised approach during this stage of life, MLD may be appropriate depending on your individual presentation.

A preference for gentle therapeutic treatment
If conventional deep tissue massage is uncomfortable or simply isn't what your body responds well to, MLD offers a very different treatment experience.

What happens during a lymphatic drainage appointment?

1. Consultation

Your first appointment begins with a discussion about your reason for seeking lymphatic drainage, relevant medical or surgical history and what you are hoping to achieve.

This helps determine whether MLD is appropriate and allows treatment to be tailored to you.

Where appropriate, we may establish a simple baseline so that your response to treatment can be considered afterwards.

2. Individualised treatment

Your treatment uses Vodder Method techniques selected according to your presentation.

The movements are slow, rhythmic, light and precise.

Unlike deep tissue massage, there is no intention to create muscular soreness or apply heavy pressure.

3. Reassessment

At the end of the appointment, we revisit how you are feeling and, where appropriate, compare this with your initial presentation.

Some people notice changes immediately, while for others the response becomes more apparent over the following hours or days.

There is no promise of a dramatic result from a single treatment.

Your response helps determine whether further treatment is likely to be useful.

4. Guidance

Where appropriate, you will receive simple guidance relevant to your individual presentation and what to monitor following treatment.

If your lymphatic needs require assessment or management beyond the scope of the treatment offered at MEND Studio, you will be advised to seek or continue appropriate medical or lymphatic care.

What does lymphatic drainage feel like?

If you're accustomed to deep tissue or remedial massage, MLD can feel surprisingly gentle.

That's intentional.

The treatment uses light pressure rather than deep muscular manipulation. Many clients find the slow, rhythmic nature of the treatment relaxing, but the purpose is therapeutic rather than simply relaxation.

You should not expect to feel sore afterwards.

And importantly, you don't need to judge the effectiveness of MLD solely by how dramatic the treatment feels.

You're not paying for pressure. You're paying for precision.

Will I see an immediate result?

This is one of the most common questions about lymphatic drainage.

The answer is: sometimes, but not always.

Your response depends on why you are having treatment, your individual lymphatic function and the presentation being treated.

Some clients may notice changes in feelings of heaviness, tightness or swelling following treatment. For others, changes may be more subtle or become apparent over the following hours or days.

MLD is not a treatment where a dramatic immediate change can be guaranteed.

For this reason, the first appointment is also an opportunity to assess how your body responds and whether further treatment is likely to be worthwhile.

Is lymphatic drainage the same as a regular massage?

No.

Traditional remedial and deep tissue massage primarily works with muscles, fascia and other soft tissues using techniques such as compression, kneading, sustained pressure and stretching.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses a very different approach.

It is:

• light rather than deep

• rhythmic rather than vigorous

• precise rather than generalised

• directed according to lymphatic anatomy and pathways

• tailored to your individual presentation

If you're looking for a strong or deep massage, MLD is probably not what you're looking for.

If you're looking for specialist lymphatic treatment using a gentle, considered approach, it may be.

Is lymphatic drainage suitable after surgery?

MLD may be appropriate following certain surgical procedures where lymphatic drainage has been recommended as part of recovery.

However, post-operative lymphatic treatment is not one-size-fits-all.

Your surgical procedure, timing, healing, medical history and current presentation all matter. If you are recovering from surgery, you should follow your surgeon or treating medical professional's instructions regarding when lymphatic treatment is appropriate.

If you have been specifically referred or recommended MLD, please bring any relevant information from your treating team to your appointment.

When should I see a doctor instead?

Lymphatic drainage is not appropriate for every type of swelling.

If you have new or unexplained swelling, sudden swelling, significant pain, redness, heat, fever, signs of infection or another concerning change, seek medical assessment rather than booking lymphatic drainage as your first step.

If you have a diagnosed lymphatic condition, are undergoing cancer treatment, have recently had surgery or have another significant medical condition, discuss lymphatic treatment with your treating healthcare professional where appropriate.

MEND Studio does not diagnose lymphatic conditions. Where a presentation falls outside the appropriate scope of treatment, you will be referred back to your healthcare team or advised to seek appropriate medical assessment.