Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Perth
Your ankles are puffy by the end of the day. Your legs feel heavy after a long flight or hours at a desk. Or you're recovering from surgery and the swelling is taking its time.
Manual lymphatic drainage is a very gentle, rhythmic style of massage. At Vitality in Yokine, it's delivered by our massage therapist Michelle Wu, tailored to your health history and comfort.
- Since 2005
- HICAPS on the spot
- X-rays bulk billed with Medicare
- Private client parking
New client online special
$85 for your first 45-minute massage when you book online.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps move fluid around the body. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) uses very light, slow, rhythmic strokes in a specific sequence to encourage that fluid to move towards the lymph nodes.
It feels nothing like a deep tissue massage. The pressure is light, the pace is slow, and most people find it very relaxing.
Why people book it
People come to us for lymphatic drainage massage for reasons such as:
- Swelling after surgery, when cleared by their surgeon or GP
- Fluid build-up in the legs and ankles from long periods sitting or standing
- Heavy, tired legs after travel
- Lymphoedema, as part of care led by their medical team
- A gentle, calming massage option
What happens in a session
Before your first session we go through your health history, any recent surgery, medications and medical conditions, so we can check lymphatic massage is suitable and safe for you.
You'll lie comfortably on the table while Michelle uses gentle strokes over the neck, body and limbs, following the direction of lymph flow. Sessions can be combined with remedial massage where appropriate.
- Very gentle, rhythmic strokes
- A specific sequence that follows the lymphatic pathways
- Pressure and areas adapted to you
- Advice on movement and staying hydrated afterwards
An honest word
Lymphatic drainage massage is not a detox, a weight loss treatment, or a substitute for medical care. People's responses vary, and we'll never promise a particular outcome. If you're managing lymphoedema or recovering from surgery, we work alongside your medical team.
What we can offer is gentle, skilled hands and a calm hour for you. Live alive. Live you.
How to get started
Book online
Pick a time that suits you. New clients pay $85 for their first 45-minute massage when booking online. No referral needed.
Bring what you have
Your health fund card, and any scans or reports if you have them.
Your first visit
A short chat about where it hurts and what you want from the session. Then it's straight into your massage. No X-rays. You undress to your comfort level, usually down to your underwear, and you stay covered with towels the whole time.
Park and walk in
Six private client bays at our Swanston Street entrance, 32 Flinders St, Yokine. Plus verge and street parking on Swanston Street and Collins Street.
Meet your massage therapists
Michelle and Chikako work alongside our chiropractors, so your care can be joined up when you need it.
Michelle Wu
Remedial, sports, lymphatic and pregnancy massage, plus dry needling and cupping. Often booked two weeks in advance.
Chikako Harada
Remedial and sports massage, with more than ten years of Japanese remedial massage training.
Helping heavy legs at work
- Get up and walk for a minute or two every 30 minutes.
- Do ankle circles and calf raises under your desk.
- Keep water on your desk and drink through the day.
- Put your feet up for a few minutes when you get home.
- On long flights, walk the aisle and move your ankles often.
When lymphatic massage isn't suitable
Please see your GP first, and don't book lymphatic massage, if you have:
See a GP or go to emergency first if you have:
- Sudden swelling, pain, warmth or redness in one leg (possible blood clot)
- An active infection or fever
- Heart or kidney problems that cause swelling, unless cleared by your doctor
- Swelling that is new and unexplained
- Active cancer treatment, unless cleared by your medical team
Book an assessment if:
- You've been cleared by your surgeon or GP after surgery
- Your legs feel heavy and puffy after long days sitting
- You'd like a gentle, relaxing massage option
Frequently asked questions
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is a very gentle, rhythmic massage that uses light strokes in a specific sequence to encourage fluid to move through the lymphatic system.
Is lymphatic massage the same as a regular massage?
No. It's much lighter than a remedial or sports massage and works on the lymphatic system rather than the muscles.
Can I have lymphatic massage after surgery?
Often, yes, once your surgeon or GP has cleared you. Please tell us about your surgery and any instructions from your medical team when you book.
Does lymphatic massage help with weight loss or detox?
No. Lymphatic drainage massage isn't a weight loss or detox treatment, and we don't offer it for those reasons.
Who shouldn't have lymphatic massage?
It isn't suitable for everyone, including people with a possible blood clot, active infection, some heart and kidney conditions, or unexplained swelling. We go through your health history before your first session.
Can I claim on my health fund?
Many funds cover massage from a qualified remedial massage therapist. Check with your fund. We have HICAPS for on-the-spot claims where eligible.
Find us in Yokine
Vitality Chiropractic, 32 Flinders St, Yokine WA 6060
Private client parking: 6 bays at our Swanston Street entrance. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Phone (08) 9201 0566
Close to
Yokine, Dianella, Tuart Hill, Nollamara, Menora, Coolbinia, Joondanna, Morley, Osborne Park, Mount Hawthorn.
Book OnlineBook your massage
New clients: $85 for your first 45-minute massage online. HICAPS on the spot.
Related pages
Ready to book?
Book your appointment online or call us to speak with our friendly reception team.