Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.
Clear the swelling. Restore the flow.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage at SANO Physio, Brisbane.
This isn’t a spa treatment. It’s recovery.
Your lymphatic system quietly manages fluid, waste and immune function all day. But after surgery, lymphoedema, injury, or heavy training, it can leave behind swelling, heaviness, and delay healing.
At SANO, manual lymphatic drainage is delivered by trained therapists and integrated into your physiotherapy plan. Not a wellness add-on. A clinically-informed technique that clears the way for real recovery to begin.
What is Lymphatic Drainage.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, precise hands-on technique that stimulates the lymph system to move fluid more efficiently. Using light, rhythmic pressure (gentler than standard massage), it works with the body’s own channels to clear excess fluid, reduce inflammation, and support healing.
Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD is specifically designed to move fluid rather than mobilise muscle. At SANO, every MLD session sits inside a clinical physiotherapy framework.
The benefits
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Supports post-cancer treatment to reduce swelling, fatigue and heaviness
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Manages chronic lymphoedema as part of Complete Decongestive Therapy
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Supports immune function, particularly helpful during post-surgical swelling and athletic recovery
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Accelerates tissue healing by clearing metabolic waste and inflammatory fluid
Who benefits from this treatment
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Post-surgical recovery
After knee, hip, shoulder or ankle surgery, swelling may limit your rehab progress. MLD can help clear fluid and is best administered 1-4 weeks post-op (with medical clearance).
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Lymphoedema management
We provide structured, ongoing lymphoedema management as part of Complete Decongnestive Therapy (CDT), coordinated with your medical team.
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Sprains, fractures, soft tissue injury
MLD supports ankle sprains and wrist fractures. Early intervention can reduce downtime and support more effective physiotherapy rehab.
What to Expect at SANO
We don’t offer standalone treatments in isolation. Every lymphatic drainage session at SANO sits inside a clear clinical plan.
Initial Assessment
Your first visit includes a clinical assessment to understand your history, goals and whether MLD is appropriate.
Integrated Treatment Plan
Treatment Sessions
Sessions typically run 45-60minutes. Post-surgical cases may require 2-3 sessions per week in the early weeks.
Progress Review
We track your outcomes and adjust the plan. Where appropriate, when MLD has achieved its outcome, we’ll transition you to the next phase of recovery for performance training.
MLD is integrated into your broader recovery or performance plan, alongside physiotherapy, exercise and compression guidance.
FAQs
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It depends on your condition. Post-surgical cases benefit from 2-3 sessions for 3-4 weeks, while athletes use MLD as a recovery tool.
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When delivered as part of a physiotherapy consultation at SANO, your sessions may attract a private health rebate depending on your level of extras cover. We recommend checking with your insurer.
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Timing depends on your surgery type and wound status. In many orthopaedic cases, MLD can begin 1-4 weeks post-operatively. We recommend a referral or clearance note from your surgeon before your first sessions, and we can liaise directly with your surgical team.
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No. MLD uses very light, gentle pressure and most people find it deeply relaxing. If you have significant swelling or recent surgical sites, we work carefully around those areas and adjust based on your feedback.
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Yes, MLD is not suitable for everyone. Active infection, congestive heart failure, acute deep vein thrombosis, and some other medical conditions require medical clearance.
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No referral is required. You can book directly with us, but please bring any surgical discharge notes to help us plan the safest course of treatment for you.
