Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Post-Surgical Recovery: What to Expect
Client receiving abdominal treatment during MLD therapy session.
Recovering from surgery can feel overwhelming—your body is healing, you may be managing swelling, discomfort, and limited mobility, and you’re eager to return to feeling like yourself again. One therapy that can make a meaningful difference during recovery is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).
As a Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist (CMLDT) trained in the Vodder method, I specialize in helping clients reduce post-surgical swelling, support healing, and feel more comfortable in their bodies. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering MLD after surgery.
Why the Lymphatic System Matters After Surgery
Your lymphatic system is responsible for moving fluid, filtering waste, and supporting immune health. After surgery, it’s common for the lymphatic system to become sluggish due to:
Tissue trauma from incisions
The body’s natural inflammatory response
Limited movement during recovery
This often results in swelling, stiffness, and slower healing. Supporting lymph flow during this time can make recovery smoother.
Many of my clients have their procedures done in Denver but live here in Colorado Springs. Rather than driving back and forth several times a week for follow-up care, they choose to receive their post-surgical lymphatic drainage locally. Having a Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist nearby makes it easier to stay consistent with treatments—without adding the stress of long commutes during recovery.
How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Helps
MLD is a gentle, precise technique designed to encourage lymph fluid to move through the body more efficiently. Unlike deep massage, it uses very light, rhythmic movements that target the lymph vessels just beneath the skin.
For post-surgical clients, MLD can help:
Reduce swelling and bruising: By moving excess fluid out of tissues.
Improve comfort: Decreasing tightness and heaviness in the surgical area.
Support healing: Enhancing circulation of nutrients and immune cells.
Promote scar tissue mobility: Gentle lymphatic support can help soften scars over time.
Calm the nervous system: The soothing rhythm helps lower stress during a vulnerable stage of recovery.
Whether you’re recovering from cosmetic surgery, orthopedic procedures, or even a C-section, manual lymphatic drainage after surgery can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
Want to ease swelling and feel more comfortable as you heal?
Book a post-surgical lymphatic drainage session in Colorado Springs → [Schedule Here]
What to Expect in a Session
A post-surgical MLD session is gentle and deeply relaxing. You’ll remain comfortably positioned, and I’ll use light, structured strokes in specific directions that follow the body’s lymph pathways. Many clients describe feeling “lighter” and more at ease afterward.
Frequency matters—often a series of sessions brings the most benefit, especially in the weeks following surgery. Each care plan is tailored to your surgery type and your body’s needs, but in general, 2-3x a week for the first few weeks yields the best results following a procedure.
The Vodder Difference
Not all lymphatic work is the same. While some techniques marketed as “lymphatic massage” focus on body sculpting or aesthetics, Vodder-style MLD is considered the gold standard in medical and therapeutic settings. It’s backed by decades of research and widely used for post-surgical and medical recovery.
By working with a Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist (CMLDT), you can trust that your treatment is safe, effective, and appropriate for your healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Surgical Lymphatic Drainage
How soon after surgery can I start lymphatic drainage?
Many surgeons recommend beginning MLD within the first week after surgery, once your doctor has cleared you. Starting early can help minimize swelling and discomfort, but it’s important to follow your surgeon’s guidance.
How many lymphatic drainage sessions will I need after surgery?
The number of sessions depends on the type of surgery and your body’s healing response. Some clients benefit from 2–3 sessions per week in the early stages, then taper down as swelling improves. We’ll create a plan that fits your recovery timeline.
Is post-surgical lymphatic drainage painful?
Not at all. Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD is extremely gentle. Most clients describe it as soothing, light, and even calming—many fall asleep during their sessions.
What’s the difference between Vodder MLD and Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage?
Brazilian Lymphatic Massage is often marketed as a body-sculpting technique, focusing on aesthetics and quick results. Vodder-style Manual Lymphatic Drainage, on the other hand, is the most widely studied and clinically applied form of lymphatic drainage. It’s rooted in decades of medical research and trusted by healthcare professionals for post-surgical recovery and medical applications. As a Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist, I use the Vodder method to ensure safe, effective care that supports true lymphatic health—not just surface-level changes.
Book Your Post-Surgical MLD Session in Colorado Springs
If you’re recovering from surgery—whether cosmetic, orthopedic, or medical—Manual Lymphatic Drainage can help ease swelling, improve comfort, and support your body’s healing journey.