Lighter pressure, on purpose
MLD uses very light, skin-level contact rather than deep pressure. If you are expecting the feel of a deep tissue massage, this will feel noticeably different — and that is by design.
Gentle Lymphatic Care
Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Celina, TX
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, specialized massage technique that uses light, rhythmic movements. Sessions are unhurried and tailored to the client’s needs, comfort, and reason for seeking care.
I completed my Manual Lymph Drainage training through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) in 2023, and I provide MLD within my training and scope as a Massage Therapist. Some clients come simply looking for a gentler kind of bodywork. Others come for post-surgical support after their physician or surgeon has indicated that massage may begin.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, often shortened to MLD, is a specialized massage technique that uses light, rhythmic movements applied at the level of the skin. It looks and feels quite different from a traditional massage — there is no deep kneading, and the pressure stays intentionally gentle from beginning to end.
Sessions may focus on supporting normal lymphatic movement and on overall comfort and relaxation within the scope of massage therapy. Many clients describe the pace as slow, quiet, and surprisingly restful.
MLD may also be used as part of appropriate post-surgical support once the client’s medical provider has cleared massage or MLD to begin. In that setting, the work is gentle, individualized, and guided by whatever your surgeon or physician has advised.
MLD is not a medical treatment, and this page is educational rather than medical advice. Your medical team remains the right place for questions about your diagnosis, healing, or care plan.
Does This Sound Familiar?
A few situations clients often describe before booking MLD. These are situations, not diagnoses — and not a checklist you need to match.
- I am looking for a gentler form of massage.
- I have been cleared by my surgeon for post-surgical MLD.
- My body feels sensitive right now and I do not want deep pressure.
- I want a session that is slow and unhurried.
- I have been referred for gentle post-surgical support.
- I am looking for lymphatic-focused bodywork from a trained Massage Therapist.
How MLD Is Different From Traditional Massage
This is the part I explain most often, so it is worth saying plainly: MLD is not deep tissue massage. Gentle does not mean ineffective or rushed. MLD is intentionally light and methodical.
Slower, rhythmic techniques
The work is repetitive, rhythmic, and paced. Rather than working into a muscle, the techniques move in a steady, gentle sequence.
Different goals than traditional massage
Therapeutic massage is often about muscular tension and mobility. MLD is a specialized technique intended to support normal lymphatic movement and overall comfort within the scope of massage therapy.
No need for aggressive pressure
Gentle does not mean ineffective or rushed. MLD is intentionally light and methodical, and more pressure is not the goal of this kind of session.
Comfort and communication first
I check in as we go. You are welcome to tell me at any point that something feels too much, too little, or that you would like to pause.
Post-Surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Post-surgical MLD may be appropriate only after your physician or surgeon has indicated that massage or MLD may begin. That first step matters, and it is theirs to make rather than mine.
Every surgery and recovery is different. I do not use a one-size-fits-all timeline for beginning post-surgical MLD. I prefer to follow the guidance of your physician or surgeon regarding when massage may begin and whether there are any precautions, restrictions, drains, incisions, or areas that should be avoided.
To make that simple, I can provide a Medical Clearance & Provider Guidance form for your physician or surgeon to complete. It gives them an easy place to note when massage may begin and anything they would like me to keep in mind.
None of this needs to be complicated. If you are recovering from a procedure and thinking about MLD, reach out and I will send the form so you can bring it to your next appointment.
Shorter Post-Surgical Sessions
After surgery, longer is not always better. Some clients may benefit from a shorter, focused session depending on how they are feeling, the area involved, and their provider’s guidance. That is why two shorter post-surgical options are available.
30 Minute Post-Surgical MLD
$95
A shorter, focused option that may be appropriate when a post-surgical client needs a brief session or a smaller area addressed.
45 Minute Post-Surgical MLD
$135
A focused post-surgical option that allows a little more time for gentle work while remaining appropriate for clients who may not need or tolerate a longer session.
Session length is decided individually, and one visit may be all that is needed. What is right for you depends on how you are feeling and what your provider has advised.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Session Options
General MLD sessions are available in three lengths. Each one is gentle, unhurried, and shaped around what you are looking for that day.
60 Minute MLD
$165
A full MLD session for clients seeking gentle lymphatic support within the scope of massage therapy.
75 Minute MLD
$195
Additional time for a more comprehensive session and individualized pacing.
90 Minute MLD
$225
The most spacious option for clients who need more time, broader attention, or a slower, unhurried session.
What to Expect During Your Session
This is not a one-size-fits-all massage. It is built around your body, your comfort, and your feedback.
We start with a conversation
You tell me why you are here, what you are noticing, and what you would like from the session. Nothing is assumed.
Relevant history is reviewed
We go over the medical or surgical history that is relevant to the session, including anything your provider has asked us to keep in mind.
Very light pressure
The pressure stays intentionally gentle throughout, using slow rhythmic techniques rather than deep work.
Comfort and professional draping
You remain professionally draped throughout, and every part of the session happens with your consent.
Individualized pacing
Sessions are unhurried. We can slow down, shift positions, add support, or take a break whenever you would like.
You can modify or stop at any time
The session belongs to you. Changing the plan or ending early is always an option, with no explanation needed.
If You Are a Post-Surgical Client
- Provider restrictions are reviewed and respected when they apply.
- Incisions, drains, healing areas, and any restricted areas are avoided.
- No work is performed outside your provider's guidance or the scope of massage therapy.
- Nothing resembling wound care or medical treatment is performed — that belongs with your medical team.
A Note About Lymphedema
I do not provide lymphedema treatment or management. If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema, please work with a qualified lymphedema therapist or appropriate medical provider for specialized care.
When It Is Best to Check With Your Healthcare Provider First
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is gentle, but there are times when medical guidance should come first. If you are recovering from surgery, have a new or unexplained medical concern, have been advised to avoid massage, or your healthcare provider has placed restrictions on activity or bodywork, please obtain appropriate medical guidance before scheduling.
If you are unsure whether this session is right for you, just ask before booking and we will figure it out together.
Related Services
Other ways we can work together.
Therapeutic Massage
Session lengths, rates, and what is included in a customized therapeutic massage.
Massage Therapy →Prenatal & Postpartum Massage
Supported side-lying massage tailored to pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Prenatal Massage →TMJ, Jaw & Neck Massage
Focused work for jaw tightness, clenching, and neck or headache tension.
TMJ Massage →Post-Surgical Lymphatic Support
Gentle lymphatic support for appropriate post-surgical recovery needs, with physician or surgeon clearance.
Post-Surgical Support →Serving Celina and Nearby North Texas Communities
Appointments take place in a quiet private home studio in Celina, Texas, and clients travel in for Manual Lymphatic Drainage from Prosper, Frisco, McKinney, Little Elm, and other nearby North Texas communities. The studio is unhurried by design — one client at a time, with the full address shared once your appointment is confirmed.
Questions before booking? Get in touch →Frequently Asked Questions
The information on this page is educational and is not a substitute for medical care. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is provided within the scope of massage therapy and focuses on gentle support, comfort, and relaxation.
A Little More Time for You
Extend Your Exhale
Your appointment doesn't have to end the moment your hands-on service does. After your service, stay a little longer and enjoy quiet time on the SoVi table with headphones and immersive music.
Choose an additional 15 or 30 minutes to rest, settle, and transition back into your day at your own pace.
15 minutes • $15
15-Minute Exhale
A short transition before heading back into your day.
Add 15 Minutes • $15 30 minutes • $25
30-Minute Exhale
More time to settle in, listen, rest, and enjoy the SoVi experience.
Add 30 Minutes • $25What is SoVi?
The SoVi table combines sound and gentle vibration to create an immersive relaxation experience. With headphones on and the table beneath you, the music becomes something you can both hear and feel.
Choose your service in Jane, then select Extend Your Exhale from the available Treatment Add-ons. Available with applicable services and subject to scheduling availability. Questions? Reach out anytime.
Ready for gentle, individualized support?
Book a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session and we will begin with a conversation about what you need right now.