Lymphatic Drainage Massage Near You
Manual lymphatic drainage uses very light, slow and rhythmic techniques performed in a specific sequence.
3024 businesses
118 cities
60 min typical session
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light, slow, rhythmic strokes applied in specific directions. It is one of the gentlest techniques offered by massage businesses β the pressure is closer to a light stretch of the skin than to conventional muscle work, and people expecting a firm massage are often surprised by how subtle it feels.
The technique is used in a range of settings, from wellness and spa contexts through to post-surgical care delivered under the direction of a medical team. These are quite different situations, and the training a practitioner needs differs accordingly.
If you are considering it after surgery or for swelling related to a medical condition, this is a conversation to have with your surgeon or healthcare provider first. They can tell you whether it is appropriate for you, when to start, and what a practitioner needs to know. A directory listing cannot answer that.
Who Benefits from Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
- People who prefer very light pressure
- People referred by a healthcare professional
- People seeking a gentle, structured session
What to Expect During a Session
Very light, rhythmic skin-stretching movements that feel different from conventional muscle massage. Medical or post-surgical use should follow guidance from a qualified healthcare team.
Finding the Right Lymphatic Drainage Massage Provider
Speak to your healthcare provider first if there is a medical reason behind your interest β recent surgery, ongoing swelling, or any diagnosed condition. Follow their guidance on timing and suitability, and pass on anything they tell you to the practitioner.
Ask about specific training. Manual lymphatic drainage has recognized certification pathways that go well beyond general massage licensing, and practitioners who have completed them will normally say which method they trained in. For post-surgical work in particular, that training is the thing to ask about.
Set your expectations on pressure before you book. This is a deliberately light technique. If what you actually want is firm work on tight muscles, deep tissue or a general therapeutic massage will serve you better β booking lymphatic drainage and asking for more pressure defeats the purpose of it.
Ask how many sessions the practitioner would suggest and why. Approaches vary, and a practitioner who can explain their reasoning is more useful than one who sells a package by default.
Ask about specific training. Manual lymphatic drainage has recognized certification pathways that go well beyond general massage licensing, and practitioners who have completed them will normally say which method they trained in. For post-surgical work in particular, that training is the thing to ask about.
Set your expectations on pressure before you book. This is a deliberately light technique. If what you actually want is firm work on tight muscles, deep tissue or a general therapeutic massage will serve you better β booking lymphatic drainage and asking for more pressure defeats the purpose of it.
Ask how many sessions the practitioner would suggest and why. Approaches vary, and a practitioner who can explain their reasoning is more useful than one who sells a package by default.
How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Compares
Compared with almost every other service on this site, the pressure is dramatically lighter. People who book it expecting a conventional massage are often surprised by how little pressure is involved, so it is worth knowing that before you go.
Compared with a general relaxation massage, the strokes follow set directions and a set sequence rather than being guided by where you feel tight.
For anything post-surgical or connected to a diagnosed condition, the relevant comparison is not with other massage styles at all. Care in that situation should be directed by your medical team, who may refer you to a specifically trained therapist. Treat this page as background reading rather than as a basis for a decision.
Compared with a general relaxation massage, the strokes follow set directions and a set sequence rather than being guided by where you feel tight.
For anything post-surgical or connected to a diagnosed condition, the relevant comparison is not with other massage styles at all. Care in that situation should be directed by your medical team, who may refer you to a specifically trained therapist. Treat this page as background reading rather than as a basis for a decision.
Find Lymphatic Drainage Massage by City
Portland, OR
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Charlotte, NC
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Raleigh, NC
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Greensboro, NC
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Wilmington, NC
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Asheville, NC
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Bend, OR
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Fayetteville, NC
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Cary, NC
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Eugene, OR
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Hickory, NC
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Winston-Salem, NC
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Durham, NC
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Salem, OR
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Corvallis, OR
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Beaverton, OR
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Concord, NC
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Cornelius, NC
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Hendersonville, NC
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Lake Oswego, OR
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Medford, OR
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Grants Pass, OR
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Jacksonville, NC
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Mooresville, NC
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Chapel Hill, NC
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Southern Pines, NC
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Greenville, NC
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Apex, NC
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New Bern, NC
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Matthews, NC
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Albany, OR
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Gastonia, NC
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Tigard, OR
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Boone, NC
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Huntersville, NC
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Morehead City, NC
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Roseburg, OR
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Goldsboro, NC
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Hillsboro, OR
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McMinnville, OR
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Wake Forest, NC
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Kernersville, NC
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Waynesville, NC
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Gresham, OR
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Morganton, NC
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High Point, NC
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Brevard, NC
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Milwaukie, OR
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Klamath Falls, OR
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Salisbury, NC
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Shelby, NC
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Oregon City, OR
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Redmond, OR
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Carrboro, NC
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Clemmons, NC
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Burlington, NC
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Statesville, NC
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Monroe, NC
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Ashland, OR
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Wilson, NC
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Fuquay-Varina, NC
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Washington, NC
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Kannapolis, NC
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Denver, NC
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Morrisville, NC
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Arden, NC
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Holly Springs, NC
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Sanford, NC
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Hillsborough, NC
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Tualatin, OR
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Canby, OR
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Rocky Mount, NC
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Kitty Hawk, NC
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Clayton, NC
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Astoria, OR
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Kill Devil Hills, NC
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West Linn, OR
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Silverton, OR
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Hermiston, OR
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Prineville, OR
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Thomasville, NC
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Lumberton, NC
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Pinehurst, NC
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Kinston, NC
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Elizabeth City, NC
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Mint Hill, NC
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Newberg, OR
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Indian Trail, NC
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Graham, NC
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Jamestown, NC
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Newport, OR
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Coos Bay, OR
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Conover, NC
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Keizer, OR
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Woodburn, OR
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Dallas, OR
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Davidson, NC
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Aberdeen, NC
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Mount Holly, NC
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Belmont, NC
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Lebanon, OR
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La Grande, OR
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Happy Valley, OR
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Sherwood, OR
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Forest Grove, OR
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Lincoln City, OR
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Nags Head, NC
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China Grove, NC
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Pineville, NC
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Springfield, OR
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Florence, OR
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Pendleton, OR
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Henderson, NC
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Wilsonville, OR
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Central Point, OR
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Flat Rock, NC
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Winterville, NC
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Troutdale, OR
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Does it feel like a normal massage?
It feels different from conventional muscle massage. The pressure is very light and rhythmic, closer to a gentle stretching of the skin than to deeper muscle work.
Can I book it after surgery?
That is a question for your surgeon or healthcare provider, not for a directory. They can advise whether it is appropriate for you and when. If they say yes, ask practitioners about their specific training in manual lymphatic drainage before booking.
What training should a practitioner have?
Manual lymphatic drainage has its own certification pathways beyond general massage licensing. Practitioners who have completed them usually name the method they trained in. For anything medically related, ask directly rather than assuming a massage license covers it.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no standard answer, and it depends entirely on your situation. A practitioner should be able to explain their reasoning rather than simply selling a package. If there is a medical context, your healthcare provider's guidance takes precedence.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light, slow and rhythmic techniques applied in a specific sequence. The pressure is much lighter than a conventional massage. Medical or post-surgical use should follow guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
What is lymphatic drainage massage used for?
It is used in a range of settings, from wellness and spa contexts through to care delivered under the direction of a medical team. If you are considering it for a medical reason such as recent surgery or ongoing swelling, talk to your healthcare provider first about whether it is appropriate for you.
Does lymphatic drainage massage hurt?
The pressure is very light β much lighter than most other massage styles β so it feels quite different from conventional muscle work. Tell the practitioner if anything is uncomfortable.
Who should not book lymphatic drainage massage?
There are situations where it is not appropriate, including active infection, certain heart and kidney conditions, and untreated blood clots. Because it is often sought after surgery or for ongoing swelling, both of which are medical situations, check with your healthcare provider before booking rather than after. Tell the practitioner what your provider has advised.