A NOVAH SERVICE
Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Lymphedema Care
Gentle, specialized care for lymphedema, persistent swelling and lymphatic complications following cancer treatment, surgery or injury.
Certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Complete/Combined Decongestive Therapy — one discipline in your coordinated Novah plan.
When swelling becomes part of the load you carry
Swelling can affect much more than the size of an arm, leg or other area of the body. It can influence comfort, movement, clothing, sleep, confidence, and the energy everyday activities take.
At Novah, lymphatic care begins by understanding the whole picture: what caused the swelling, how it behaves, how it affects your life, and what resources you have to manage it. Treatment eases the immediate physical load while helping you build the knowledge and skills for longer-term management.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage? Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD, is a specialized hands-on technique that uses gentle, precise and rhythmical movements to influence the movement of fluid through the lymphatic system.
MLD is different from conventional massage. It does not rely on deep pressure. Treatment is adapted to your medical history, the location and cause of the swelling, the condition of your tissues, and the pathways available to the lymphatic system. Depending on your needs, MLD may form one part of post-surgical care or a broader lymphedema-management plan.
WHERE IT FITS
Ease the load, build the capacity
Lymphedema is often a long-term condition — but long-term care shouldn’t mean depending entirely on appointments. Hands-on treatment helps address the immediate physical load; education, movement, compression strategies and a realistic home plan build your capacity to manage the condition between visits.
We work with what’s possible in your life — your comfort, schedule, finances, support and access to supplies — and coordinate with the rest of your care around one plan.
Your first appointment
A conversation and an assessment
We discuss when the swelling began, what helps or worsens it, relevant surgeries and treatment, your current compression or home routine, and how it affects daily life. Everything you share is confidential.
A close look
Assessment may include observation of the skin and tissues, measurements, and movement and functional screening, to build a baseline and understand your goals.
Gentle, specialized treatment
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses gentle, precise, rhythmical movements — not deep pressure — selected for your anatomy and presentation. It may be one part of a broader Decongestive Therapy plan.
A clear next step
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what’s recommended — even if that next step is referral or further medical assessment rather than immediate hands-on treatment.
WHO IT MAY HELP
Who may benefit from an assessment
Specialized lymphatic care may be appropriate for people experiencing:
Primary or secondary lymphedema Swelling after lymph-node removal or radiation therapy Breast, chest-wall, arm or hand swelling following breast-cancer treatment Head and neck lymphedema Lower-limb or genital lymphedema Persistent edema associated with chronic venous insufficiency Swelling following surgery, trauma or orthopedic injury Lipedema, when lymphatic or edema-management support is indicated Heaviness, tightness, fullness or reduced movement associated with swelling
Because swelling can have several possible causes, new, sudden or rapidly changing swelling should be medically assessed before treatment begins.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Built level by level
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized clinical skill — not a lighter form of massage. Donna Padua, RMT, has completed Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the Dr. Vodder School–International program, and is certified to apply Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complete/Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
LEVEL 1 · BASIC MLD
The foundation
The original Dr. Vodder hand movements and full-body treatment sequences — the precise pressure, rhythm and direction that set MLD apart from conventional massage.
LEVEL 2 · APPLIED MLD
Clinical application
Condition-specific techniques and treatment planning for selected orthopedic, post-traumatic and post-surgical presentations where the lymphatic system is functioning.
LEVEL 3 · LYMPHEDEMA
Comprehensive management
Lymphedema and edema theory, indications and contraindications, compression bandaging, therapeutic movement, skin care, and full CDT planning.
What the research tells us — honestly. Complete Decongestive Therapy is a well-established approach to lymphedema, with compression a central component. MLD may help some people with swelling, heaviness, tightness, comfort or quality of life — though it doesn’t consistently add further limb-volume reduction when strong compression-based care is already in place. That’s why care here is individualized and assessment-led, never a one-routine-for-everyone approach.
THE NOVAH DIFFERENCE
One team, one map
Lymphatic concerns rarely exist in isolation — pain, scar restriction, changes in strength, sleep, stress and the emotional weight of illness all shape recovery. When helpful and with your consent, Donna coordinates with Novah’s physiotherapy, massage, psychotherapy and other services, and with providers outside the clinic — including your oncology team, physician, or a certified compression-garment fitter. Our goal isn’t only to ease today’s swelling, but to give you the understanding and capacity to manage it, confidently, over the long term.
For established lymphedema, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is usually one part of a more comprehensive approach known as Complete or Combined Decongestive Therapy — often shortened to CDT. Depending on your needs, CDT may include Manual Lymphatic Drainage; compression bandaging or appropriately selected compression garments; skin and nail care; therapeutic movement and exercise; breathing strategies; and education and supported self-management.
Treatment commonly moves through two connected phases. The first focuses on reducing and stabilizing swelling. The second focuses on maintaining those gains through an individualized home-management plan. Not every person requires every component — your plan is based on your assessment, health history, goals, tolerance and access to the resources needed to carry it out safely.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage the same as massage? No. MLD is a specialized technique using gentle, rhythmical movements and carefully selected treatment sequences. It does not use the deeper pressure commonly associated with conventional massage.
Is MLD the same as Complete Decongestive Therapy? No. MLD is one possible component of Complete or Combined Decongestive Therapy. CDT may also include compression, skin care, therapeutic movement and education for long-term self-management.
Can MLD cure lymphedema? Lymphedema is generally a chronic condition. Treatment focuses on reducing or stabilizing swelling, supporting comfort and function, lowering the risk of complications, and helping you manage the condition over time.
Do I need a diagnosis or referral? Requirements depend on your presentation, treatment plan and insurance coverage. If your swelling is new, unexplained or changing rapidly, medical assessment may be required before treatment. Contact Novah if you’re unsure where to begin.
Is MLD painful? MLD usually uses light, precise pressure. Treatment should not feel forceful. Donna will explain the approach, obtain consent, and adjust treatment according to your comfort and clinical needs.
Is MLD appropriate immediately after surgery? Timing depends on the type of surgery, healing, medical history and your surgeon’s instructions. Donna may request medical clearance or specific post-operative guidance before beginning treatment.
• Canadian Lymphedema Framework — Canadian education, research and patient resources.
• Lymphedema Association of Ontario — Ontario-specific education and advocacy.
• Dr. Vodder School–International — official descriptions of the healthcare-practitioner program.