Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Your recovery starts here...
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
At Hope Physiotherapy Clinic we are extremely fortunate to have the specialist services of well-trained and experienced MLD therapists. MLD is a very light skin treatment working on the superficial lymphatic vessels.
The intention is to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph to carry waste products and excess fluid away from the tissues and back towards the heart.The lymphatic system is responsible for maintaining the body’s immune function and fluid balance.
The main goal of MLD is to improve lymphatic circulation, reduce swelling or oedema, and enhance the body’s natural detoxification process.
It can be beneficial for various conditions, including lymphedema (swelling caused by lymphatic system blockage), post-surgical swelling, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and certain skin conditions.
Benefits of MLD include:
Reduced swelling and oedema:
MLD helps to move excess fluid from the tissues and reduce swelling, especially in areas affected by lymphedema.
Enhanced immune function:
By stimulating the lymphatic system, MLD can support the body’s immune response by removing toxins, waste products, and pathogens.
Detoxification:
MLD can aid in the removal of metabolic waste products, toxins, and excess fluid from the body, promoting a healthier internal environment.
Relaxation and stress reduction:
The gentle, rhythmic nature of MLD can induce a state of relaxation, promote better sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Improved scar healing:
MLD can help soften and mobilize scar tissue, enhancing the healing process and reducing the appearance of scars.
MLD is carried out by our Osteopath Dawn and our Holistic Therapist Christine. They are both fully qualified, trained therapists with experience and expertise in lymphatic drainage techniques.
Before the massage begins, the therapist will assess your overall health, medical history, and any specific concerns or symptoms you may have. This helps them tailor the treatment to your individual needs.
Your therapist will use gentle, rhythmic hand movements, typically with a light pressure, to stimulate the lymphatic system. These movements are usually slow, repetitive, and follow a specific sequence that targets lymphatic pathways in the body.
Your therapist will generally start with the neck and face area, as lymph nodes are abundant there. Then they may proceed to other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back, depending on your needs and any areas of concern.
Your Appointment
By increasing circulation and the drainage of toxins, MLD is ideal for treating:
- Lymphedema
- Fibromyalgia
- ME
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Pre/post operative cancer cases
- Post cosmetic surgery
- Reduces bruises that can appear after a liposuction procedure or other surgical procedures.
- Improving digestion issues such as IBS and constipation
- Headache
- Sinus congestion and allergies
- Stress and trouble sleeping
- Cellulite and localised fat deposits
- Help to reduce pain caused by the excess of fluids, especially in stroke recovery where a limb is immobile or a patient is bed bound.
"Once you choose Hope, anything is possible"
- Christopher Reeve
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have a question?
Do I need to see my GP first?
No, you do not need a referral from The NHS to start your treatment with us. Unless you are using private insurance and they specify otherwise, we will see you without the need for any delay.
What shall I wear?
Wear something comfortable and appropriate for the area of your injury to be assessed - e.g. shorts for a knee injury. We understand that some people can be nervous or put off by the thought of an examination, please be assured that we are professionals and your modesty will be respected at all times.
When do I pay?
If you have private health insurance, we will deal with your referring company direct in the majority of cases. Printed receipts are available upon request
Our fees can be seen here .
Do I need to bring anything with me?
If you have had any tests or investigations related to your problem (like a scan or X Ray), it can be helpful to bring these along.
How many sessions will I need?
This will depend on factors such as:
How long you've had a problem
The severity of your symptoms and condition
What you want to be able to do? For example, a person wishing to get back to training for a specific sport or event may require a longer course of treatment for a knee injury than an office worker who spends a lot of time sitting.
A standard course of physiotherapy would be around 3-5 sessions but this can vary. A client with a minor injury or someone seeking advice on what they should and shouldn’t be doing in relation to their condition might just need 1-2 sessions covering specific exercises to do themselves at home. However, a client requiring post-operative treatment or neuro physio for stroke recovery may require treatment over a longer period.
We pride ourselves on transparency and honesty at Hope Physiotherapy Clinic, you can be assured that we will not extend your treatment unnecessarily.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is that we require at least 24 hours’ notice before your appointment time if you wish to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If 24 hours’ notice is not given, or a patient does not arrive for their appointment, then the full cost of the appointment will be charged.
We send out email and SMS reminders 48 hours before your appointment and offer flexible appointment times to accommodate everyone's needs.
Booking
Portsmouth Clinic
Pompey Health & Fitness Club,
422 Copnor Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5EW
TESTIMONIAL
Our Customer Reviews
A wonderful place with lovely people! I was greeted by Sharon on reception, who was so friendly and chatty, which was really refreshing (some receptionists like to pretend you don't exist after checking in!) And I had Nikki for a message who was simply wonderful masseuse and an even more wonderful person. She was really responsive when telling her my likes and dislikes and adjusted accordingly, and suggested new things for me to try - like hot stones - which I loved. I hope they're both a representation of all who work there because they were fantastic. I've booked again.
Jessica Z
Kirsty Davidson has treated me for some time after different surgeries. She is efficient, thorough and friendly and has been a great help to me. I highly recommend her.
Patricia S
I have been to Hope Physiotherapy for over a year. The massage l receive from Nicky has helped to kept me mobile. She is very professional but not condescending or arrogant. She has great empathy and can adapt her massages to whatever is needed. I especially like the hot coals massages. I would recommend this lady without a fault, she is the standard by which all should be measured
Nicki
From the moment you enter the clinic from the receptionist to the therapist everyone was so friendly, kind and helpful. Sarah (physiotherapist) was very knowledgeable and made me feel at ease. She explained everything thoroughly. I highly recommend Hope Physiotherapy
Tracy M
I had excellent service today at Hope in Lee on Solent . I needed a steroid injection for knee pain. This was done by Victoria, quickly and efficiently and most of all painlessly
Patricia D
Appointment made very quickly-reception very friendly and welcoming. Physiotherapist, Sarah,was extremely helpful and patient,and kind. Follow up telephone calls to check on my progress. Fully recommended.
Karen C
The best physiotherapists you’ll find anywhere. A wealth of experience
Angela E
Excellent and professional service. Kirsty has helped me immensely following a car accident and reduced pain and improved mobility in the affected areas in our sessions. Comfortable and welcoming environment, would happily recommend to anyone in need of a physio. Having previously had treatment from NHS physiotherapy the improvement is so much better in fewer sessions. Thank you.
Charlotte P
Suzie has been absolutely fantastic! She has treated me for a few months and I'm not sure where I would be if I hadn't had her help and support. She is someone I have recommended, and will continue to do so in the future.
Julie R
First appointment with Osteopath Dawn who put me at my ease, she took a full history of the 'problem' before treatment, I came away with advice and exercises. Very happy to go again for follow up.
Mary B
Jenny has been just brilliant! After months of pain she quickly diagnosed my knee problem and set to work on helping me with the right exercises. I have now been discharged and delighted to be back to taking long walks and being pain free. Thank you Jenny
Kerry T
Jenny has been just brilliant! After months of pain she quickly diagnosed my knee problem and set to work on helping me with the right exercises. I have now been discharged and delighted to be back to taking long walks and being pain free. Thank you Jenny
Kerry T
I have struggled on and off for a few years with the same pain in my body, just a couple of sessions has reduced the pain to just a niggle, and as long as I follow the advice that niggle will be gone very soon. I actually felt Never listened to me rather than jump to conclusions. If you are looking for a friendly, extremely knowledgeable Physio I recommend Hope.
Andy L
I have struggled on and off for a few years with the same pain in my body, just a couple of sessions has reduced the pain to just a niggle, and as long as I follow the advice that niggle will be gone very soon. I actually felt Never listened to me rather than jump to conclusions. If you are looking for a friendly, extremely knowledgeable Physio I recommend Hope.
Andy L
I have struggled on and off for a few years with the same pain in my body, just a couple of sessions has reduced the pain to just a niggle, and as long as I follow the advice that niggle will be gone very soon. I actually felt Never listened to me rather than jump to conclusions. If you are looking for a friendly, extremely knowledgeable Physio I recommend Hope.
Andy L
Never is an extraordinary man and a very special Physio. I broke my neck in 4 places in a terrible accident only 6 months ago, finding Never was one of the single biggest and luckiest things I have done. His skills are remarkable and go way beyond just basic physiotherapy care. He has brought me back to full fitness after just a few visits. The people of Portsmouth are indeed very lucky to have this caring and highly professional qualified man here in the city.
Kate B
After having been left deflated by a previous physio, I decided to book in with Never at Hope Physiotherapy. I was quite nervous due to my previous experiences with past physios but the receptionist was so lovely and instantly put me at ease without probably realising! I had the most amazing appointment with Never. He listened, examined, cared and reassured me that I’m not ‘weak’ which my previous physios told me. He had solutions for me and told me the plan of action and I’m so excited to see my progress going forward. Never also told me the motto for Hope Physiotherapy and I now truly have ‘hope’ that I can get better and be pain free after a long seven years. Thank you so much Never!
Jodie
For 30+ years I have been having this backache almost on daily basis. During the years it was diagnosed as spondylolisthesis. I was told to exercise, do physio, or undergo an operation. I went from one physio‘ to another and exercised to no avail. Then a couple of years ago I went to hope physio when it was so bad, I barely could walk. A few days after the pain started to subside and now I am completely pain-free. thank you so much, ever so grateful.
Zile
Never treated me after I had for a major rotator cuff repair. My surgeon warned that I might not get all the movement back. Never was happy to work hard with me to ensure that actually I did get almost 100% movement back. He tailored exercises to my needs and was so supportive, and positive that I would succeed. He really understands shoulders and this meant that he provided me with the most appropriate exercises. Thank you so much Never, Totally recommended.