Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage in Worthing

Very gentle and surprisingly subtle. The pressure is light — closer to gently stretching the skin than pressing into muscle. The technique is slow, rhythmic stationary circles where the skin stretches and returns rather than my hand sliding across it. Many people describe it as the most relaxing treatment they’ve had; quite a few drift off completely. You shouldn’t feel any pain.

Honest answer: it depends on what you’re hoping for. For general wellbeing or one-off de-puffing before an event, a single session can be enough. For more persistent puffiness or heavy legs, a short course of 3–6 sessions spaced 1–2 weeks apart usually gives clearer, more sustained results. Many clients then return monthly or seasonally for maintenance.

I won’t promise improvement after just one session — sometimes that happens, sometimes it doesn’t. We’ll talk about realistic expectations on your first visit.

Honestly: it does some things genuinely, and it doesn’t do other things at all.

What it does: It moves interstitial fluid, so you can see and feel a real reduction in puffiness and swelling. It’s also deeply relaxing — the slow rhythm calms the nervous system.

What it doesn’t do: It doesn’t “flush toxins” (your liver and kidneys handle that). It doesn’t cause weight loss — any size reduction after a session is fluid, not fat. It doesn’t “boost your immune system” in any meaningful way that’s been demonstrated for healthy people. And while I hold FHT-accredited diplomas in MLD and Oncology Massage, my training isn’t the MLDuk-pathway clinical route — so for diagnosed lymphoedema needing the full Complete Decongestive Therapy package, you’ll want a specialist.

It depends on your specific situation — and I’d genuinely rather have a conversation than make a blanket statement either way.

Stable, post-cancer treatment: I hold an FHT-accredited Diploma in Oncology Massage alongside my MLD Diploma. For clients who are stable post-treatment, I can offer supportive massage carefully adapted to your recovery — within my training and FHT insurance.

Active cancer treatment: Please check with your oncology team first. They may be supportive, they may want you to wait until certain treatment cycles finish, or they may specifically recommend an MLDuk-certified clinical MLD therapist — please follow what they say.

Diagnosed lymphoedema: If you need the full Complete Decongestive Therapy package (compression bandaging + MLD + exercise + skin care delivered together as a clinical programme), you’ll want a specialist who delivers CDT — that’s outside what I do. Good starting points: the NHS Sussex Lymphoedema Service or the MLDuk directory.

If you’re not sure where you fit, message me first — I’ll always be honest about whether I can help or whether you’ll be better cared for elsewhere.

Gentle self-massage and movement can absolutely help — especially walking, calf exercises, deep breathing, and elevating your legs when you can. There are reputable resources online from MLDuk and the Lymphoedema Support Network with simple home techniques.

If you’re dealing with a clinical condition though, please learn home techniques from a qualified therapist or your NHS lymphoedema service rather than from social media — technique and direction genuinely matter.

Have a glass of water, move gently (a short walk later is great), allow yourself space to rest if you feel drowsy, and eat lightly. There’s no need to force litres of water “to flush toxins” — that’s a marketing myth. Just normal, sensible aftercare.

If you notice anything unusual — new pain, increased swelling, redness or warmth — please contact your GP. That’s outside normal aftercare territory.