Lipedema is a chronic and often painful fat disorder that primarily affects women, characterized by a symmetrical buildup of fatty tissue, usually in the legs, hips, and sometimes the arms. It is frequently misdiagnosed or misunderstood, and many women live for years without proper treatment. One effective therapy that is gaining recognition in the management of lipedema is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).
MLD is a specialized form of gentle massage that stimulates the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. Since lipedema often leads to or coexists with lymphatic dysfunction (known as lipolymphedema), MLD can provide critical support in reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and managing progression.

Understanding Lipedema
Before exploring MLD's benefits, it's crucial to understand what lipedema is:
Key Characteristics:

• Affects approximately 11% of women, usually starting or worsening at puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Disproportionate fat distribution, especially in the lower body.
• Pain, tenderness, and easy bruising in affected areas.
• Resistant to diet and exercise.
• Frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema.
• May lead to reduced mobility and psychosocial distress.

What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
MLD is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique developed in the 1930s by Emil Vodder. It stimulates the lymphatic system to:

• Promote the movement of lymph fluid.
• Reduce swelling and fluid retention.
• Enhance immune function.
• Support detoxification processes.

Key Principles of MLD:

• Gentle pressure: Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD uses light, rhythmic movements.
• Directional strokes: Movements follow the anatomical flow of lymph vessels.
• Systematic progression: Typically begins near the neck (where lymph drains into the bloodstream) and moves toward affected areas.

How MLD Helps Women With Lipedema
MLD is not a cure for lipedema, but it is a powerful supportive therapy. Here's how it can help:
1. Reduces Swelling and Fluid Retention
Lipedema often causes fluid buildup in tissues, especially when it progresses to lipolymphedema.

• MLD promotes lymphatic circulation, helping to remove excess fluid.
• Reduces edema (swelling) in legs, ankles, and arms.
• Can help soften fibrotic tissues, making fat deposits feel less rigid.

2. Improves Pain and TendernessPain is a hallmark of lipedema, and MLD can provide much-needed relief.

• Gentle strokes help calm nerve endings in the skin and tissues.
• Improves oxygenation and nutrient delivery to affected tissues.
• Reduces inflammatory mediators, helping with chronic pain.

3. Prevents Progression to Lipolymphedema
MLD may help slow or prevent the onset of lymphedema (lymphatic system failure), a common progression in later stages of lipedema.

• Maintains lymphatic health and prevents overload of lymph nodes.
• Encourages early intervention, which can delay disease progression.

4. Enhances Mobility
Lipedema can significantly restrict movement due to swelling and pain.

• MLD reduces tightness in limbs, allowing for easier walking and physical activity.
• Makes compression therapy (which is often used in conjunction with MLD) more effective.

5. Boosts Psychological Wellbeing
Living with lipedema often takes a toll on mental health.

• Regular MLD sessions promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve body image.
• Patients often report feeling more in control of their condition.
• The routine and touch therapy element of MLD can offer emotional support and connection.

6. Supports Post-Surgical Recovery
Many women with lipedema opt for liposuction or water-assisted fat removal (WAL) as a treatment. MLD is often recommended post-op.

• Reduces post-surgical swelling and speeds healing.
• Helps prevent scar tissue formation.
• Maintains surgical results by supporting lymphatic drainage.

What to Expect During an MLD Session
Here at Newark Therapeutic we will tailor the session to your individual needs. Here’s a general overview:
The Session May Include:

• A consultation to assess symptoms and progression.
• Gentle, rhythmic massage starting from the neck and chest.
• Gradual movement toward affected limbs.
• Sessions typically last 30–75 minutes, with frequency based on severity.

Comfort and Safety:

• MLD is non-invasive and pain-free.
• Should always be performed by a qualified professional with experience in treating lipedema.
• MLD can be part of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which includes:
  • Compression therapy
  • Skin care
  • Exercise
  • Patient education

Who Should Consider MLD?
​MLD is appropriate for women with all stages of lipedema, but especially beneficial if:

• You have noticeable swelling in the legs or arms.
• You're experiencing daily pain or heaviness.
• You've been diagnosed with lipolymphedema.
• You're planning or recovering from lipedema surgery.
• You're seeking non-surgical symptom management.

Complementary Therapies That Work Well With MLD
To maximize MLD’s benefits, it is often paired with:
Compression Therapy:

• Compression garments support lymph flow and prevent fluid reaccumulation after MLD.

Exercise:

• Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or rebounding help activate lymphatic flow.

Anti-inflammatory Diet:

• Reducing processed foods, sugars, and allergens can minimize inflammation and fluid retention.

Psychotherapy or Support Groups:

• Dealing with a chronic condition can be isolating. Support networks offer emotional relief and coping tools.

Limitations and Considerations
While MLD is beneficial, it’s not a standalone treatment or a cure.
Important Considerations:

• Consistency is key: One session offers temporary relief; regular sessions have cumulative benefits.
• MLD should be part of a holistic treatment plan.
• Some cases may require medical intervention or surgery in addition to MLD.

Contraindications:

• MLD is generally safe but may not be suitable if you have:
  • Acute infections
  • Untreated congestive heart failure
  • Blood clots or thrombosis
  • Active cancer (unless cleared by an oncologist)

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning MLD treatment.


If you or someone you love is struggling with the challenges of lipedema, MLD could be a game-changing addition to your care plan. As awareness and understanding of lipedema grow, so too do the options for compassionate, effective management—and MLD stands at the forefront of that shift.

If you would like to book an MLD session at Newark Therapeutic you may do so by booking online or if you have any questions please let us know.

Many think of manual lymphatic drainage as a type of massage; however, it is different from traditional massage therapy. When performing self-manual lymphatic drainage, there are several things to keep in mind.
Another important facet of this procedure is the “resting” phase. After performing the stretch and movement, you should then allow the skin to move back to its original position to allow the lymph vessels to absorb the fluids.

Manual lymphatic drainage is just one component of complete decongestive therapy (CDC). In addition to MLD, complete decongestive therapy includes compression, exercise, and skincare. These therapeutic components, when performed together, can ultimately relieve the symptoms of lipedema, which can often be painful.
When you stimulate the lymphatic system, you will feel the effects of several lymphatic drainage benefits:
Increase the capacity of the lymphatic system, which will then let it process more fluid than normal.:

• Increase the flow through the lymph nodes, which will, in turn, allow the system to filter out waste, dead cells, excess proteins, and toxins.
• The production of lymphocytes will increase to heighten the body’s ability to fight infections.

Other lymphatic drainage massage benefits include reduction of pain and swelling and an increase of venous return and circulation.

Here are Top 5 Reasons Massage should be part of your Regular Routine

1. Massage Helps Relaxation – This is one of the most immediate and noticeable effects of massage therapy. Massage helps with the release of endorphins, the body’s natural chemicals that produce feelings of calm and well-being. It can also help reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. The impact of this on our general health, wellbeing and longevity can be massive.
2. Massage Reduces Stress – Stress appears in everyone’s life to some extent. It isn’t always a negative thing, it’s a natural response to help us get through life. However, there are times that stress can become too much or overwhelming and it’s good to have strategies to both help us reduce the feeling of stress and also manage stress day to day. Massage Therapy is a fantastic way to both ease your feelings of stress and also manage stress long term. It enforces you to take time out, chill for an hour and will physically help you cope by easing any stress induced tension your muscles are holding.
3. Massage Helps You Sleep Well – The importance of the quality of our sleep and it’s impact on our life is becoming increasingly recognised. Sleep is an ultimate way to recover and having a massage can undoubtedly help improve your quality of sleep.
4. Massage Helps Recovery – Physically, massage is a key tool you can use to help not only tour mental but also physical recovery. If you’re training for an event, taken part in a race or competition or just exercise regularly, your body needs recovery to help it perform. The physical effects of a massage can help encourage and promote recovery and ward off injuries. Regular massage as part of a training programme is a great investment as it can play a key part in helping prevent injuries and optimising your physical performance!
5. Massage Improves Circulation – The manual techniques that are used by your massage therapist, will physically encourage circulation by moving blood through your tissues which can help flush the lactic acid through your muscles. It will also help with circulation of lymph fluid which carries metabolic waste any from muscles and internal organs. Enhancing your circulation will help promote healing as oxygen rich blood is circulated to damaged, tense muscles.

How often should you get a massage?
There’s no doubt that having a massage is good for our health and well-being. Whether you’re a busy Mum, work at a desk most of the day, are training for a marathon or spending hours commuting, a massage will help you feel great!

I often get asked how often people should have a massage. The frequency of a massage comes down to many factors. If you’re training intensely for a physical event, a weekly massage is ideal. If you build up tension in your neck and shoulders over time, once a month may be enough. Generally, once a fortnight is great – as it helps keep on top of those stresses and strains, without them building up and becoming a problem.

Whatever works for you, if you can set aside time for a regular massage your body and mind will thank you for it!

What type of massage do you do at Newark Therapeutic? I practice a style of Swedish and Deep Tissue along with many years of experience and techniques picked up from various therapies through my almost 30 years of practice. My sessions are unique and personalised to each individual client. Often more relaxing, sometimes more "clinical" which involves working on deep tissues to promote recovery and ease tension. I will always ask you a series of questions before we start, so we can tailor the experience to your exact needs and the areas you want to focus on.

Appointments are available 5 days a week, as early as 11am and as late as 6pm. You can book appointments or give me a text on 07909 567222. I often have same day appointments available!

So, if you’d like to experience the benefits of regular massage, book your appointment today.

In Sweden, "Swedish massage" is simply known as "classic massage". And that is exactly what it is - a classic treatment which represents the western standard for massage. ​