09/12/2025
I’ve had so many clients come in recently after bad experiences elsewhere, wondering if their previous lymphatic drainage treatments were done correctly. They’ve been left in pain, tender, and even bruised! This is an ABSOLUTE no-no - and honestly, it’s a huge sign the therapist may not be properly trained (sorry, NOT sorry).
Methods like Vodder and Chikly have been around for years and use a gentle skin-stretch technique, because the lymphatics sit just under the surface of the skin - especially around the underarm (axillary) and groin (inguinal) nodes.
My clinical skin-stretch style method is gentle, soothing, and incredibly effective for reducing surface-level fluid. It’s brilliant for people with lymphoedema, lipoedema, arthritis, chronic fatigue, and various muscular disorders.
Lymphatic drainage should feel light, relaxing, and supportive of the body.
Some people even report a tingling sensation in their legs as the fluid starts to move, which is completely normal and a positive sign that the lymphatic system is responding.
If someone is holding a lot of fluid, there can be a little tenderness or sensitivity, but this is usually associated with Brazilian lymphatic drainage, as it works deeper into the tissues. With a clinical method, this level of discomfort shouldn’t occur.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is a deeper, more sculpting technique designed to shape and contour the body, whereas clinical lymphatic drainage is therapeutic, gentle, and medically informed. Both have their place - they just achieve very different outcomes.
✨ Your lymphatic system should feel cared for, never bruised or battered.
