MICRO MVMT & HEALTH CO
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in Langley BC
Gentle, Rhythmic Care With a Lighter Touch
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle hands-on approach that uses light, rhythmic movements applied to the skin.
Unlike massage techniques that use deeper pressure through muscles and other soft tissues, MLD is intentionally light and follows specific patterns based on the area being addressed.
At MICRO MVMT & HEALTH CO., your RMT considers your health history, current presentation, comfort, and reason for exploring Lymphatic Drainage before incorporating it into your care.
RATES FOR MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE THERAPY | RMT
$175
75 MIN
$205
90 MIN
$155
60 MIN
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All rates are listed in CAD and include applicable taxes. Direct billing is available as a courtesy for eligible services and insurance plans; coverage is determined by your insurer. ICBC appointments are available with select practitioners. We do not bill WorkSafeBC (WSBC). Debit and credit are accepted; cash is not accepted. Rates are subject to change.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD) MASSAGE
A LIGHTER APPROACH TO MASSAGE
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Gentle by Design
Manual Lymphatic Drainage feels noticeably different from many familiar forms of massage therapy.
Rather than using firm pressure, your RMT works with slow, gentle, repetitive movements across the skin.
For patients who appreciate or require a lighter touch, MLD offers a distinctly gentle treatment experience.
The pace is unhurried…
The pressure remains light…
& your care is adapted around you.
WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a hands-on technique associated with care of the lymphatic system.
The technique uses gentle, rhythmic movements applied in specific sequences and directions.
An appropriately trained Registered Massage Therapist may incorporate MLD when it falls within their professional scope and is suitable for the patient's individual presentation.
Because swelling and changes in fluid can have many different causes, understanding why you are considering MLD is an important part of deciding how it may fit into your care.
WHAT DOES MLD FEEL LIKE?
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Slow. Light. Rhythmic.
Light. Rhythmic. Unhurried.
MLD uses gentle, repetitive movements across the skin rather than firm muscular pressure.
Your RMT works in deliberate sequences according to the area being addressed and your individual presentation.
If you're accustomed to deeper forms of massage, the amount of pressure may feel surprisingly light at first.
That's intentional.
With MLD, more pressure is not the goal.
POST SURGICAL CARE
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage After Surgery
Your body deserves thoughtful care as it moves through recovery.
Following some surgical procedures, you may be introduced to Manual Lymphatic Drainage as one component of your broader care plan.
The right time to begin is individual.
Your RMT will consider factors such as:
The procedure you received
Your stage of healing
Your current presentation
Relevant medical recommendations
Incisions and skin integrity
Your health history
Any precautions provided by your surgical or medical team
When medical clearance or additional guidance would be helpful before proceeding, your RMT can let you know.
Post-surgical care is most thoughtful when everyone involved in your care is working with the same information.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
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A Quiet System with an Important Role
Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and tissues found throughout the body.
It plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance and forms part of the immune system.
Lymph travels through lymphatic vessels and nodes before eventually returning to the bloodstream.
Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a central pump like the heart. Movement of lymph is influenced by several normal processes within the body.
MLD uses gentle manual techniques applied in relation to this system.
Understanding the lymphatic system helps explain why MLD uses such a light touch—and why deeper pressure is not the goal.
WHEN SOMEONE MAY EXPLORE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
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When Might Someone Explore Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
People come across Manual Lymphatic Drainage for many different reasons.
You may be exploring MLD because:
A healthcare provider has recommended it
You are navigating an appropriate stage of post-surgical care
Swelling has already been medically assessed
Lymphatic care forms part of a broader healthcare plan
You are looking for a very gentle hands-on approach
You have previously received MLD and would like to continue care with an appropriately trained RMT
The reason behind swelling matters.
When swelling is new, unexplained, changing, or concerning, medical assessment can help clarify what is happening before massage therapy is considered.
If you're unsure where to begin, you're welcome to contact us before booking.
Indications for Lymphatic Drainage Treatment may include:
Lymphedema
Post-Surgery recovery
Edema and swelling
Fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue
Stress
MLD MASSAGE VS A TRADITIONAL MASSAGE
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How Is MLD Different From Traditional Massage?
The most noticeable difference is pressure and technique.
Many familiar massage approaches include kneading, gliding, compression, or more focused work through muscles and other soft tissues.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses a much lighter touch and specific rhythmic movements applied across the skin.
Both may have a place within Registered Massage Therapy.
The approach your RMT recommends depends on why you are seeking care and what is appropriate for your individual presentation.
YOUR HEALTH HISTORY MATTERS
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Your Health History Helps Guide Your Care
Because there are many reasons someone may experience swelling or changes in fluid, your health history provides important context before MLD begins.
Your RMT may ask about:
Your reason for seeking MLD
Relevant medical diagnoses
Recent surgery or procedures
Current swelling and when it began
Medications
Previous lymphatic care
Relevant heart, kidney, vascular, or circulatory history
Recent infections or illness
Recommendations from other members of your healthcare team
Sharing this information helps your RMT understand the bigger picture and determine how massage therapy may appropriately fit within your care.
WHEN ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT IS NEEDED
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Sometimes the Best First Step Is Understanding What's Changed
Swelling is a physical sign that can have many possible explanations.
When you already understand why swelling is present and MLD has been recommended or previously established as part of your care, your RMT can consider that information when planning your appointment.
When swelling is new, unexplained, suddenly different, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, having it medically assessed first can provide important information for you and your RMT.
This allows massage therapy to be considered with greater clarity and as part of care that reflects your overall health.
Contraindications for Lymphatic Drainage Treatment may include:
Acute cellulitis
Severe cardiac insufficiency
Hepatic cirrhosis
Unstable hypertension
Renal failure
Untreated tuberculosis
Untreated thyroid dysfunction
Metases
Primary tumors
Discover a Gentler Approach to Massage Therapy
If Manual Lymphatic Drainage has been recommended to you, forms part of your existing care, or you're curious whether its lighter approach may be appropriate for you, we're here to help you find the right next step.
Your RMT will begin by understanding what brings you in and shape your appointment around your individual needs, comfort, and care.
GENTLE BY NATURE, THOUGHTFUL BY DESIGN
A Lighter Touch
MLD uses gentle, rhythmic movements rather than deeper muscular pressure.
Individual Considerations
Your health history, current presentation, and reason for seeking MLD help guide how your RMT approaches care.
Connected Care
When MLD forms part of surgical, medical, or ongoing lymphatic care, information from your broader healthcare team can help support a coordinated approach.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
Care Begins With Understanding Your Needs
Before treatment begins, your Registered Massage Therapist will review your health history, current concerns, and the reason you're considering MLD. Your appointment may include:
01 | A CONVERSATION
You and your RMT will discuss what brings you in, relevant health history, and any medical or surgical considerations.
02 | AN INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT
Choose Registered Massage Therapy in Langley or Registered Clinical Counselling virtually or in person by appointment.
03 | A GENTLE TREATMENT
Light, rhythmic techniques are applied according to your individual presentation and comfort.
04 | ON-GOING CARE
When appropriate, your therapist may discuss treatment frequency or considerations for future appointments. Every treatment is individualized.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle hands-on technique associated with care of the lymphatic system.
It uses light, rhythmic movements applied to the skin in specific sequences and directions.
An appropriately trained RMT may incorporate MLD when it is suitable for the patient's presentation and falls within their professional scope.
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MLD feels quite different from many traditional massage techniques.
It uses intentionally light, rhythmic movements rather than deeper pressure through muscles and other soft tissues.
If you're accustomed to firmer massage, the difference can be quite noticeable.
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MLD is intentionally gentle.
The technique uses light movements applied to the skin, so deeper pressure is not what defines this approach.
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It depends on why the swelling is present.
If your swelling has already been medically assessed and MLD has been recommended or forms part of your established care, share that information with your RMT.
New, unexplained, changing, or concerning swelling is best medically assessed first so that you and your RMT have appropriate information before proceeding.
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MLD may be considered during an appropriate stage of care following certain surgical procedures.
Timing varies according to the procedure, healing, your health history, and recommendations from your medical or surgical team.
If you've recently had surgery, let us know before your appointment so your RMT can review the relevant details with you.
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No.
People may explore MLD for different reasons, including established lymphatic care or because a healthcare provider has recommended it.
Your RMT will consider why you are seeking MLD before determining how it may fit within your care.
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Your RMT will discuss positioning, treatment areas, and draping with you before treatment begins.
Only areas being treated are uncovered according to appropriate draping practices, and you can ask questions or request changes throughout your appointment.
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Your care is individual, so there isn't one appointment schedule that applies to everyone.
Your RMT can discuss future care with you based on your reason for receiving MLD, your presentation, and any relevant recommendations from your broader healthcare team.
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When MLD is provided by a Registered Massage Therapist as part of Registered Massage Therapy, reimbursement depends on your individual benefits plan.
Coverage, eligibility, reimbursement, and claim approval are determined by your insurer.