Within the past few decades, a whole new form of post-surgical healing has emerged—Post-Surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage (PS-MLD).
While many therapists are trained in standard MLD for general health and wellness, not all are trained in PS-MLD, which is specifically designed for post-operative care. Additionally, some therapists have introduced their own techniques that contradict evidence-based methods, leading to confusion for patients seeking safe and effective care.
So, before you schedule a post-surgical lymphatic drainage session, here are five important things you need to know.
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The Lymphatic System & Its Role in Healing
The lymphatic system is a complex network of capillaries, trunks, and nodes that help:
✔ Remove intercellular waste
✔ Fight infections and viruses
✔ Maintain hydration balance in the body
✔ Recycle proteins and cellular debris back into the bloodstream
Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system has no central pump (like the heart). Instead, muscle movement and lymphatic pathways help move the fluid throughout the body.
This is why traditional MLD focuses only on the skin level (superficial layers) rather than deep tissue.
🔗 Learn More About Manual Lymphatic Drainage
5 Things to Know Before Your First PS-MLD Session
1️⃣ You Can Start PS-MLD as Soon as 3 Days After Surgery
Doctors familiar with PS-MLD benefits often recommend starting treatment within 3 days post-op. However, some surgeons advise waiting 2-6 weeks, which may be too long.
🚨 Why timing matters:
- Waiting too long can lead to fibrosis and seromas.
- Scar tissue may begin to harden and restrict movement within 3-4 days post-surgery.
- Some doctors hesitate to recommend PS-MLD due to negative experiences with poorly trained therapists.
✅ At RTPI, we are trained in proper PS-MLD techniques so you receive safe, effective post-surgical care.
2️⃣ Your MLD Therapist Must Have Medical Training
PS-MLD is not the same as standard MLD and requires comprehensive medical training for:
✔ Infection prevention & incision management
✔ Scar tissue & fibrosis prevention
✔ Safe handling of post-op swelling & seromas
✔ Understanding of bloodborne pathogens & wound care
🚨 Therapists without medical training may not follow proper sanitization or post-surgical care protocols.
🔗 Find a Qualified PS-MLD Therapist
3️⃣ Pushing Fluid from Unhealed Incisions is NOT PS-MLD
Some therapists mistakenly believe that forcing fluid out of incisions is the most effective way to reduce swelling.
🚨 This is incorrect and unsafe.
PS-MLD should never involve reopening incisions to manually drain fluid. This practice is:
🚫 Illegal in all 50 U.S. states for massage therapists
🚫 Outside the scope of practice for most providers
🚫 Risky for infections & post-op complications
⚠️ If a therapist suggests this, walk away immediately.
4️⃣ YouTube Videos Are NOT a Substitute for Professional PS-MLD
While social media is great for sharing experiences, many DIY massage techniques on YouTube are inaccurate and even harmful.
🔎 Common mistakes in DIY videos:
- Using incorrect massage strokes (e.g., pushing fluid in the wrong direction).
- Applying too much pressure, causing unnecessary bruising.
- Overlooking lymphatic system changes post-surgery.
💡 Only a trained professional should perform PS-MLD.
📞 Still have questions?
5️⃣ PS-MLD Does NOT Involve Brushes, Cupping, or Tools
PS-MLD is a hands-on technique using:
✔ Gentle, rhythmic pressure
✔ Skin movement in specific directions
✔ No aggressive pressure, creams, or cupping
🚨 If a therapist tries to use rollers, tools, or cupping as part of PS-MLD, they are NOT performing proper lymphatic drainage.
🔗 Learn More About Safe Post-Surgical MLD Techniques
You Deserve a Better Recovery
PS-MLD should be gentle, complete, and performed by a trained therapist.
At RTPI, we offer post-surgical recovery therapy for procedures like:
✔ Lipo-360, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers
✔ Breast augmentation & BBLs
✔ Mastectomies & gender affirmation surgeries
✔ Hip, knee, and shoulder replacements
Planning surgery soon?
Schedule your PS-MLD session in advance!
✅ Appointments available up to 300 days ahead.
Edina, MN
5275 Edina Industrial Blvd., #210
Edina, MN 55439
St. Paul, MN
1563 Como Ave, #105
St. Paul, MN 55108
