Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Edmonton
Gentle, effective support for your body’s natural healing process
Feel lighter, reduce swelling, and recover with confidence.
Looking for manual lymphatic drainage in Edmonton? I’m Carissa Barke, a certified therapist specializing in MLD to support healing, reduce swelling, and improve your overall wellness. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to detox and reset, MLD is a powerful tool for healing.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage(MLD) is a gentle massage technique that uses light, rhythmic strokes to encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. By manually returning fluid back to the heart, the body’s own natural healing pathways are opened and supported. This technique also stimulates the parasymphathetic nervous system, often leading to a feeling of deep relaxation.
Your lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immune function, detoxification, and fluid balance. MLD encourages drainage of excess fluid, reducing inflammation and congestion in soft tissues. Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD uses light, precise movements — making it ideal for post-surgical recovery, cosmetic surgery aftercare, and many other conditions.
The Benefits of MLD Massage
- Provides pain relief
- Faster recovery after cosmetic surgery (e.g., liposuction, tummy tuck)
- Aids in soft tissue recovery (ie. post injury, marathon, etc.)
- Reduces swelling
- Boosts immune system function
- Relief from bloating or fluid retention
- Detoxification
- Enhances circulation
- A deep sense of relaxation and renewal
What to expect in a session:
Each session begins with treatment to the neck, sternum, and abdomen, helping to open the lymphatic pathways closest to the main ducts at the heart. Each area typically takes about 15-20 minutes. In one session, we focus work on either the upper or lower body. Here’s what to expect:
- Gentle Pressure: MLD uses gentle strokes and very light pressure to move lymph fluid toward the heart.
- Skin Stretching: MLD techniques stretch the skin, which expands and contracts the lymphatic vessels and pumps the lymphatic fluid. No massage lotion is used during MLD.
- Rhythmic Movements: Slow, deliberate movements are repetitive and typically include multiple repetitions of a single stroke.
After the session, many clients report feeling lighter, more relaxed, and less swollen. Depending on your condition, I may recommend a series of treatments for optimal results.
Reduces post-surgical swelling
Stimulates immune function
Enhances circulation and detox
Promotes deep relaxation
Provides Pain Relief
Aids in Muscle Recovery
Supports General Wellness
Cellulite Treatment
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Headaches & TMJD
Insomnia & Restless Legs
Puffy Eyes
Cystic Acne, Bruises & More
Why Choose Me for MLD in Edmonton?
I specialize in manual lymphatic drainage and offer a calm, professional space designed for your comfort and healing. With a deep understanding of the lymphatic system and hands-on training, I tailor each session to your unique needs — whether you’re coming in for general wellness or medical recovery.
You’ll benefit from:
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60, 75 or 90-minute personalized sessions
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High-level training in general and post-op care
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A quiet, private space near central Edmonton
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Professional, compassionate care focused on results
Supporting Lymphatic Health in Edmonton
Is manual lymphatic drainage painful?
No. MLD is a very light, non-invasive technique. It’s deeply relaxing and never painful.
Can I get MLD after surgery?
Yes — MLD is often recommended after cosmetic or orthopedic surgery to reduce swelling and speed healing. Always consult with your surgeon before booking.
How many sessions do I need?
Every client is different, and this can be discussed at your first treatment. We recommend multiple sessions to treat recent injuries (ie. post-surgery, sprains, etc), while treatment for general wellness and detox, you could space treatments every 1-2 months.
Is it covered by insurance?
Yes, Carissa Barke is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, and sessions can be submitted to most health insurance benefit plans.
What are your qualifications?
Carissa Barke is trained in Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Level One & Advanced – over 100 hours of training). Vodder School is a rigorous and intensive academy offering the highest standard of MLD training internationally.
For more information on the Vodder method, visit www.vodderschool.com
What can be treated with lymphatic massage?
Acne
Baker’s Cyst
Bell’s Palsy
Breast-feeding
Bruises/Contusions
Bursitis
Cellulite
Diabetic Legs*
DOMS
Fibrotic breast
Headaches
Insomnia
Muscle Sprain
Pre-/Post-Surgery
Puffy/Tired Eyes
Scars
Shin Splints
Swelling
Tired/Restless Legs
TMJD
Torticollis
Whiplash
Weight Reduction
General Wellness
Detoxification
Where are you located?
I’m located in Old Strathcona, Edmonton, inside the Roots on Whyte Building (above Blush Lane Organic Market) at the Le Soleil Health and Wellness Clinic.
If you’re ready to support your body’s healing, reduce swelling, and feel better in your body, I’m here to help. Book your manual lymphatic drainage session in Edmonton below — I look forward to supporting you on your wellness journey.
Book Now
Le Soleil Health & Wholeness, Ltd.
Roots on Whyte Community Building
#201, 8135 – 102 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 4A4
(780) 414-1466
[email protected]