Lymphatic drainage massage in Elizabeth, NJ
A slow, rhythmic and very gentle massage technique that helps your body clear the fluid trapped in your tissues. For swelling, heaviness and recovery after surgery.
- Duration
- 60 min
- Price
- From $90
- Sessions
- Set at assessment
Indicative durations and prices. Confirmed when booking.
What it is and how it works
Manual lymphatic drainage was developed in the 1930s by the Danish therapist Emil Vodder and is used today both in aesthetics and in post-surgical recovery. It is not a deep-pressure massage: it works just under the skin, not on the muscle.
Besides blood circulation, the body has a second network of vessels: the lymphatic system. It collects the fluid that leaves the blood and enters the tissues (lymph), filters it through the lymph nodes and returns it to circulation. Unlike blood, lymph has no pump of its own: it moves thanks to the muscles, breathing and external pressure. After long hours standing or sitting, after surgery or with hormonal changes, it slows down and fluid stays in the tissues. That is what you feel as swelling and heaviness.
With very light pressure and circular, pumping movements, always in the direction lymph flows, the lymphatic vessels are encouraged to work faster. First the areas around the main lymph nodes (neck, armpits, abdomen, groin) are “opened”, then fluid is guided from the farther areas toward them.
At Marta C. we have been doing lymphatic drainage for more than 25 years, first in Colombia and now in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It is the foundation of our post-surgical care and one of the services our clients mention most in their reviews.
What a session looks like
- 01AssessmentHistory, area to treat, goal and possible contraindications. If you are coming from surgery, also the procedure and your surgeon’s instructions.
- 02On the tableYou lie on a treatment table in a calm, warm room.
- 03Opening the pathThe lymph node areas are worked first, then the treatment area, at a slow and repetitive pace.
- 04AfterwardsIt is normal to feel light and relaxed and, over the next hours, to need to urinate more: that is your body clearing the fluid.
- 05At homeDrink water and keep moving to support the effect. We will tell you how often to come back.
Benefits
- Reduces swelling, edema and fluid retention.
- Relieves heavy, tired legs.
- Improves circulation and the look of the skin: less puffy, more radiant.
- Helps clear excess fluid, which supports the body’s defenses.
- Deeply relaxing: lowers stress and helps you rest.
- After surgery, reduces inflammation, speeds up recovery and helps prevent fibrosis.
What results to expect
Most people feel lighter from the first session. Swelling goes down progressively and holds with regular sessions and good habits: water, movement and less salt. We will not promise you miracles; we will give you an honest plan.
It is for you if…
- You feel swollen or heavy, or you retain fluid.
- You spend long hours standing or sitting.
- You are recovering from cosmetic surgery or an injury.
- You want deep relaxation.
- You want to complement a cellulite or body-contouring treatment.
When it’s best to wait
There are times when it is better to postpone a session or get your doctor’s approval first. It is not a “no” forever: it is taking good care of you. We go over all of this together at your first assessment.
Message us before booking. We listen, review your history and, if needed, wait together for your doctor’s approval.
Ask on WhatsApp-
Fever or an active infection
Moving lymph also moves everything it carries. Wait until you have fully recovered; a few days without fever is usually enough.
-
Thrombosis or a suspected clot
If you have pain, heat or swelling in one leg only, see your doctor first. We never work over a possible clot.
-
Heart or kidney problems
Drainage increases the fluid returning to circulation. With heart or kidney failure, only with medical approval.
-
Cancer treatment
There are drainage protocols for cancer patients, but always with your oncologist’s approval.
-
Wounds or irritated skin in the area
We wait until the skin is closed and healthy, or only work the areas that are not affected.
-
Pregnancy
It can be done with an adapted technique and your doctor’s approval. Tell us how many weeks along you are.
The information on this site is general guidance and does not replace your doctor’s assessment.
Frequent questions
Does lymphatic drainage hurt?+
No. The pressure is very light; most people find it very relaxing.
Does lymphatic drainage make you lose weight?+
It removes fluid, not fat. Your shape looks more defined and the scale may drop a little, but it does not replace healthy eating or exercise.
How is it different from a regular massage?+
A regular massage works the muscle with more pressure. Lymphatic drainage works the fluid under the skin with minimal pressure and a very specific rhythm.
How many sessions do I need?+
It depends on your assessment. For maintenance we recommend regular sessions; after surgery several sessions in a row are usual, as your surgeon advises.
Where do you do lymphatic drainage?+
We see clients in Elizabeth, New Jersey, always by appointment, including people from Union, Linden, Hillside, Roselle and nearby towns. The exact location is confirmed when you book on WhatsApp.
Write to us and we build your plan.
Before your first session we do an assessment: we listen to what you want and tell you honestly what we can achieve.
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