When surgery, injury, prolonged sitting, or physical stress overwhelms your body’s natural fluid regulation, fluid pools in the interstitial tissues. This leads to localized swelling, joint stiffness, heavy limbs, and restricted range of motion that standard rest alone often cannot resolve.
At Clover Physiotherapy, our licensed therapists provide targeted lymphatic drainage therapy to clear accumulated fluid, accelerate tissue healing, and support your overall rehabilitation plan.
As per the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, massage therapy is: “The assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate, or augment physical function, or relieve pain.” Massage therapists use their expert skill to promote optimal soft tissue function and relaxation, and aid in tissue healing.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized clinical approach that relies on gentle, wave-like skin-stretching motions along your body's natural lymphatic pathways. Because it uses feather-light pressure, it protects delicate, healing tissues while effectively reducing painful swelling, clearing post-operative bruising, and preventing dense scar tissue from setting in. This makes MLD the standard choice for post-surgical recovery (such as after liposuction, tummy tucks, or joint replacements), acute sprains, and lymphedema management.
Your visit starts with an assessment of your swelling, tissue tightness, and surgical healing stage (if applicable). Your therapist will first clear the main drainage pathways near your neck and abdomen, then use specific hands-on strokes to guide trapped fluid out of your arms, legs, or torso toward active lymph nodes.
All treatments take place one-on-one in private treatment rooms, customized to your comfort level, rehab goals, and your doctor's post-op instructions.
You may notice a feeling of lightness, reduced tightness, and relaxation following your treatment. Some clients may experience increased urination or mild fatigue afterward.
Aftercare recommendations:
