Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphoedema can bring daily challenges — swelling, heaviness, tightness and changes in how your limb feels or moves. Manual Lymphatic Drainage offers a calm, supportive way to help manage these symptoms and feel more comfortable in your body.

MLD is a gentle, specialised technique that encourages lymph fluid to move away from swollen areas and into parts of the body where the lymphatic system is working more effectively. It is widely recognised as a safe and effective therapy for helping reduce lymphoedema symptoms and supporting long‑term comfort.

As a practitioner trained through the pioneering and award winning Lymphoedema Training Academy (LTA) and a proud MLDUK member, I provide personalised, evidence‑informed care tailored to your stage of lymphoedema and your individual goals.

• Reduces swelling and heaviness   Slow, rhythmic movements help stimulate lymph flow, easing congestion and improving comfort.
• Softens firm or fibrotic tissues   Lymphoedema can cause tissues to thicken over time. Regular MLD supports softer, more mobile tissue and reduces tightness.
• Improves movement and daily comfort   By reducing fluid build‑up, many people find it easier to walk, lift or use the affected limb more freely.
• Helps lower the risk of infection   Supporting healthy lymph flow and skin condition can help reduce the risk of cellulitis, a common complication of lymphoedema.
• Promotes relaxation and wellbeing   MLD has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping you feel more settled and supported during treatment.

MLD can be combined with other helpful strategies such as compression garments, gentle movement and good skin care. Together, these approaches support long‑term comfort and confidence in managing lymphoedema.

Every session is adapted to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals, helping you feel lighter, more comfortable and more in control of your condition

Jayne Davies

After conducting a Google search, I discovered Jo while looking for a new MLD therapist since I struggle with chronic inflammation, lipoedema, lymphoedema, and an under-active thyroid. With my lower legs at stage 3 and arms at stage 2, finding the right therapist who empathetically understands my needs is crucial. Jo is incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to grasp exactly what I need to achieve my goals. Over the past 7 to 8 years, I've visited several MLD qualified therapists, and Jo stands out among the best. Her skillful use of the Fill and Flush technique, particularly in reducing the fluid in my knee by 1.5cm after the first session, puts her at the top of my list.

I’m so grateful to have found her. Even though it takes me 35 minutes to drive to her, it’s absolutely worth the journey! I would highly recommend her for anyone seeking effective lymphatic drainage and MLD therapy.

The ‘Fill and Flush’ technique (FG-MLD) was pioneered by Professor Jean-Paul Belgrado at the University of Brussels. Utilizing fluoroscopy guided imaging, this innovative approach provided the first opportunity to visualize the active movement within the superficial lymphatic network as real-time images. This breakthrough led to the identification and mapping of blocked areas, while also highlighting functioning lymphatic pathways that could enhance MLD therapy outcomes during treatment. 

Building on existing knowledge and ongoing research, a new hands-on technique was developed to benefit individuals with lymphoedema. The ‘Fill and Flush’ technique (FG-MLD) is a hands-on lymphatic drainage method that employs slightly more pressure, yet should never cause discomfort. This approach encourages greater patient involvement and active movement throughout the treatment process.