MLD LONDON CLINIC

Harper Road Osteopath Clinic London SE1

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle type of massage designed to stimulate the lymphatic vessels underneath the skin without causing any friction.

This treatment benefits people suffering from lymphoedema, swelling caused by pregnancy or rheumatoid arthritis, or those wanting a gentle detox to help boost their immune system. A systematic review by Ramirez et al (2021) found that MLD may also benefit those with fibromyalgia.

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition where the lymphatic system has either developed abnormally (primary lymphoedema) or damage has occurred due to surgery, injury, immobility, or infection (secondary lymphoedema). It results in swelling (oedema) in the usually affecting the arms and legs. With no permanent ‘cure’, this accumulation of fluid requires regular management through; movement, a healthy diet and lifestyle, wearing compression garments, and manual lymphatic drainage massage.  MLD prevents the build-up of lymph and reduces vulnerability to infection.

So, what exactly is the lymphatic system and why is it so important?

The lymphatic system forms part of the immune systemThe lymphatic system forms part of the immune system and is a separate network of vessels found throughout the body in which lymph flows. Lymph carries lymphocytes and macrophages that defend the body from invasion from bacteria/viruses and other micro-organisms that don’t belong there. Once the lymph cells have done the job of breaking down and filtering these invaders, toxins, and any large proteins too large to be handled by the smaller less permeable capillaries of the blood stream, it is delivered back into the bloodstream.  More simply, lymph carries nutrients and proteins to blood and tissues and collects toxins and harmful substances out of the blood to render them harmless.

What does a MLD treatment involve?

MLD involves very gentle and rhythmic circular movements across the main lymphatic collection areas and the vessels in between them. You do not need to undress as the treatment can be given through light clothing as there are no lotions involved. You should feel a deep sense of relaxation; there is nothing robust or uncomfortable about this treatment.

MLD is a precise, light-touch massage technique that works to:

  • Stimulate the lymphatic system
  • Encourage the natural drainage of lymph
  • Reduce swelling and edema
  • Improve overall circulation
  • Support the body’s detoxification processes
  • Enhance immune function

Why come to Harper Road Osteopaths for MLD?

For many years now, we have been providing Perrin Technique from our London Bridge clinic. Perrin Technique is a treatment which involves lymphatic drainage of the neuraxis (the central nervous system) to treat the symptoms of ME/CFS/Post Viral Fatigue, and more recently Long Covid. Increasingly we have received enquiries from people asking for a preventative or ‘detox’ treatment in the form of MLD.

Osteopathy is a treatment approach which aims to promote the body’s natural healing mechanisms and maximise health. We take a holistic view of health, acknowledging the impact of each system on an individuals overall state of wellbeing. With this in mind, it felt only natural to offer MLD as a separate treatment for our patients.

Benefits of MLD

Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions:

  • Post-surgical recovery: Helps reduce swelling and promote healing after operations
  • Lymphedema management: Assists in reducing fluid buildup in limbs
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome: May help alleviate symptoms and improve energy levels
  • Fibromyalgia: Can provide relief from pain and stiffness
  • Skin conditions: Supports skin health and may improve certain dermatological issues
  • Headache relief: May help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and headaches
  • Pregnancy-related swelling: Offers safe relief for expectant mothers experiencing edema

Our Approach

At our London SE1 clinic on Borough High Street, our practitioners, including osteopath Lorna, integrate MLD with osteopathic principles to deliver a holistic treatment experience. Each session is tailored to the individual needs of the patient, ensuring the most effective results.By combining MLD with osteopathy, we aim to:

  • Address the root causes of lymphatic congestion
  • Improve overall body function and mobility
  • Enhance the body’s natural healing processes
  • Provide a comprehensive approach to health and well-being

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your overall health, Manual Lymphatic Drainage at Harper Road Osteopaths can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

What else can MLD help treat?

Long COVID

MLD has shown promising results in treating symptoms associated with long COVID:

Other Conditions

MLD has also been found effective for:

  • Fibromyalgia: Helps with pain relief, stiffness, and sleep quality
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome: May alleviate symptoms and boost energy
  • Post-surgical recovery: Reduces swelling and promotes healing
  • Migraines and headaches: Can provide relief from pain and frequency
  • Skin conditions: Supports overall skin health
  • Pregnancy-related swelling: Offers safe relief for expectant mothers
  • Lyme’s Disease

Additional Benefits

MLD has been reported to:

  • Improve circulation and reduce swelling
  • Enhance the body’s natural detoxification processes
  • Boost the immune system
  • Provide relief for sinus congestion
  • Reduce pressure on nerve tissue
  • Promote relaxation and stress reduction

Research is ongoing, particularly regarding the effectiveness of MLD for long COVID symptoms. Early results and anecdotal evidence suggest that MLD may be a valuable non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical approach to addressing various symptoms associated with long COVID and other chronic conditions.

BLog Posts related to MLD

What is Fibromyalgia and what are the treatments

What is Fibromyalgia and how can it be treated with the Perrin Treatment?

What is myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)

What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and the Perrin Technique?

The Perrin Technique and Long Covid

Is the Perrin Technique the answer to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid

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WE ARE 5 STAR RATED ON GOOGLE

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Jake Barton
07:51 22 Apr 25
Victoria is a magician! I’ll visit for one problem and she’ll cure 5 others along the way.I originally visited Harper Road around 6 months ago for problems with my knee from running/ hiking, but have since received treatment across my whole body to balance out my mechanics holistically.I would strongly recommend Victoria to anyone with persistent injuries/ aches/ pains.
Chris Venables
11:50 18 Apr 25
Lorna is totally incredible, highly recommended. I've had real challenges with my neck, shoulders, and upper back over recent years - and visiting Lorna has always helped.She is calm and clear, always explaining as much as she can about what she's doing and why, and gives you practical and achievable advice for staying healthy and strong.It always feels a bit like magic! - do give her a visit.
perfectly neat
20:58 05 Apr 25
I have lupus, sjogrens and fibromyalgia. Osteopathy helps me to manage my symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. Lorna is an amazing osteopath! She understands my conditions, has taken time to get to know me and gain my confidence. She works with me to find gentle treatment techniques which suit my needs, and I know that I can trust her to support my wellness.
Georgia Perriss
15:00 03 Apr 25
Lorna has been excellent in treating our newborn. She is very skilled and personable and it’s a pleasure to visit the Harper Road Osteopaths clinic.
Ayla Carter
10:58 30 Mar 25
I have had an absolutely wonderful time with Harper Road Osteopaths so far. Victoria has been an amazing support in understanding my ME/Long Covid. Not only is the treatment exactly what my body has been in need of, but Victoria has provided extensive information and a space for me to learn about ways of managing my condition. Thank you so much.
Sandy Gill
13:19 21 Mar 25
The team here is amazing at the Perrin technique and also so kind, caring and lovely. The therapy rooms are really relaxing. I usually go to Victoria but have also gone to Madiha and Caroline and all of them are great. They're really invested in helping you get better and it shows in the treatment and quality of care. Highly recommend!
E
07:30 18 Mar 25
I had my first appointment with Lorna last week and I’m so grateful I found her! She was amazing and made me feel really at ease. She took the time to really listen and assess the issues I am having. She sent me an email after the session with stretches I should do before our next appointment to help me further with the pain and I can’t wait for our next session. Thanks so much Lorna!!
Michel Harms
20:52 28 Jan 25
I have seen Lorna for a few years now. It started during the pandemic years when I was under her treatment due to pain symptoms associated with working from home conditions. For the past few year or so, I have experienced physical discomforts that very likely stem from being a new parent who enjoys carrying his child frequently and for extended periods. This pain has occurred in my back, neck, shoulders, hips and legs. Lorna's ongoing treatment has been super welcoming in both pain relief and restoring my mobility. I really enjoy the techniques that she uses, as well as the lovely conversations during each visit.Similarly for Madiha, who I have also had the pleasure of receiving treatment from during Lorna's leave. Both are exceptional osteopaths with a fantastic personality and attitude. As someone said below, which is worth repeating, it makes each visit an enjoyable experience.
Pip
14:24 07 Oct 24
I always look forward to my visits with Caroline, not only is she kind and a good listener but she consistently manages to find the root of my back aches and pains. When she has worked her magic, I leave feeling supple and perhaps a little taller.
Kolozsi Eszter
18:33 05 Oct 24
I've been seeing Caroline for Perrin technique treatment since August 2022 after developing long covid. She's been amazing, understanding, and very accommodating. I could not have gotten back to my normal self without her help. Thank you, Caroline! 🙂
Overall Rating
5/5

5 out of 5 based on 57 reviews

Testimonials

"Victoria really knows her stuff, and has worked wonders for an assortment of sports injuries I have managed to collect over the years. Would highly recommend."
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Serena Lee
London

WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?

Our Osteopath Clinic is now based at 90 Borough High Street, SE1 1LL. We have expanded and now have two treatment rooms, allowing us to offer more osteopathy and sports massage appointments in London Bridge.


Full details of how to access the clinic can be found on our Clinic & Fees page.