In Surrey, the Lymphatic Drainage professionals listed here also serve the nearby towns of Lower Bourne, Rowledge, Wrecclesham, Tongham. Contact any of them directly on WhatsApp — no middleman, no commission.
About Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Technique vs Machine Method
Manual lymphatic drainage uses light skin stretches along lymphatic vessels, following specific paths toward lymph nodes. Machine methods use pneumatic boots or rollers that press limbs in cycles. Both can work, but manual sessions allow more precise pressure control and are usually better for face, neck, and post-surgery areas.
Preparing for the Session
Drink 500 ml of water in the 2 hours before the appointment and avoid alcohol the day before. Wear loose cotton clothing. Do not apply lotion or oil on the skin since it blocks the light grip. Have your compression garment ready if you are mid-recovery. Empty your bladder right before treatment.
How Many Sessions You Need
For post-surgical recovery, expect 8 to 15 sessions spread over 4 to 6 weeks. Maintenance for lipedema or chronic swelling is often 1 session every 2 weeks. A single one-off session gives a short-term feeling of lightness but rarely fixes the root cause. Your therapist should outline a plan after 3 visits.
What to Do Before and After
Drink 500 ml of water in the hour before the appointment. Skip alcohol and heavy meals 2 hours prior. After the session, keep drinking water, walk slowly for 10 to 15 minutes, and avoid tight clothes for 4 hours. Some clients feel mild fatigue or extra trips to the bathroom.
How Many Sessions Work for You
Swelling and post-surgery cases often need 8 to 12 sessions, twice a week at the start, then weekly. Mild fluid retention may improve in 3 to 5 sessions. Maintenance for chronic conditions is usually 1 session every 2 to 4 weeks. Your therapist should reassess every 4 visits.
Home Visit Practical Details
Therapists need a flat surface about 2 meters long, a quiet room, and access to a sink. Allow 10 minutes of setup and 10 minutes of cleanup either side of the actual session. Pets should be secured. Keep a written log of limb measurements and symptoms to share at every visit for accurate tracking.
What Changes the Final Cost
Prices rise when the therapist holds advanced certifications, when treatment requires two limbs, or when sessions run 90 minutes instead of 60. Evening or weekend slots cost 15 to 25 percent more. Compression garment fitting adds 20 to 40 if included. Always request a written quote before the first visit.
Main Techniques Used
Therapists trained in the Vodder, Földi, or Casley-Smith method follow mapped pathways. Each session starts near the neck or groin to clear the main ducts first, then works outward. Sessions last 45 to 90 minutes depending on the area. Clients lie on a treatment table and remain clothed in soft fabric.
Health Conditions to Disclose First
Tell the therapist if you have active cancer, thrombosis, heart failure, kidney problems, thyroid issues, or an untreated infection. These conditions change the technique or rule it out completely. Pregnancy is not a contraindication, but the therapist must adjust the protocol and the pressure used.
Pressure Level You Should Feel
The pressure is lighter than a regular massage. It should feel like a slow stretch of the skin, around 10 to 30 mmHg of force. If the therapist presses hard enough to bend your muscles, the technique is wrong. Speak up if you feel pain or deep tissue work.