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Therascout

Manual lymphatic drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle treatment that helps fluid drain from the tissues. The skin is moved lightly with slow, circular and pumping movements. It is mainly used for lymphoedema and for swelling after surgery.

therapists
7
session length
30–60 min

Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. In an emergency: 144

Origin and approach

The method was developed in the 1930s by Emil Vodder and later refined in medicine. The lymphatic system carries fluid away from the tissues; the gentle strokes are meant to stimulate this flow. For lymphoedema, it is part of complete decongestive therapy, together with compression, exercise and skin care.

What a session is like

Length: 30–60 min
  1. First your medical history is discussed and the swollen areas are examined.
  2. You lie comfortably; treatment often starts at the neck or abdomen to prepare the drainage.
  3. The affected area is then treated with light pressure and slow movements; it usually feels very calm.
  4. With lymphoedema, a compression bandage is often applied afterwards, or you put on your compression garment.

Manual lymphatic drainage: what is it used for?

  • Lymphoedema: as part of decongestive therapy with compression, it is recommended in clinical guidelines.
  • Lymphoedema after cancer treatment, for example after lymph nodes have been removed for breast cancer.
  • Swelling after surgery: some studies show that it can help swelling go down during rehabilitation.

How well is the effect supported?

Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.

What do the dots mean?
Established
recommended in guidelines, well studied
Partly supported
effect shown in studies, with limitations
Limited evidence
few or weak studies
Hardly studied
used, but hardly or not studied

The rating covers the research, not the therapist.

  • Established

    Lymphoedema

    Part of complex decongestive therapy with compression, exercise and skin care, which is standard in guidelines. Added to compression, it may reduce swelling further.

    Find therapists

Therapists: Manual lymphatic drainage

  • Portrait of Sarah Brunner, Manual lymphatic drainage in Zurich

    Sarah Brunner

    Demo

    Praxis Sarah Brunner

    • 4.7(3)
    • Zurich
    • Languages: de · en · pt
    Manual lymphatic drainageClassical massageMedical massage
    Price
    CHF 63–135
    Next appointment
    Available Mon, 19 Oct
  • Portrait of Claudia Huber, Manual lymphatic drainage in Basel

    Claudia Huber

    Demo

    Praxis Claudia Huber

    • 4.8(4)
    • Basel
    • Languages: de · fr
    Manual lymphatic drainageClassical massageSports massage
    Price
    CHF 60–130
    Next appointment
    Available from tomorrow
  • Portrait of Simone Meier, Physiotherapy in Bern

    Simone Meier

    Demo

    Physiotherapie Meier

    • 4.8(6)
    • Bern
    • Languages: de · en · es
    • Online
    PhysiotherapySports massageManual lymphatic drainage
    Basic insurance (KVG)EMR
    Price
    CHF 63–145
    Next appointment
    Available Thu, 15 Oct
See all 7

Costs and health insurance

Basic insurance
Basic insurance if prescribed by a doctor (as physiotherapy), otherwise supplementary insurance.
Supplementary insurance
may cover additional services, depending on your policy.
Your insurer
Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
Practice prices
See prices in each practice profile.
Recognitions explained →

Good to know

  • With lymphoedema, several sessions a week are often needed at first, followed later by regular maintenance treatment.
  • Lymphatic drainage must not be given with severe heart failure, an acute infection (such as cellulitis), a recent thrombosis or a fever.
  • Always have new or one-sided swelling checked by a doctor first, especially if a leg suddenly becomes swollen, warm or painful.
  • If you have or have had cancer, discuss the treatment with your care team.

Training and recognition in Switzerland

Manual lymphatic drainage is offered by physiotherapists and medical massage therapists with specific further training. Basic insurance only covers it with a doctor's prescription and when it is given by a physiotherapist; otherwise supplementary insurance may contribute depending on your policy, usually if the therapist is registered with EMR or ASCA.

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