MLD Massage
Gentle support for swelling, fluid retention and recovery
“Feeling like yourself again matters, small comforts matter.”
When your body feels heavy, Helena understands.
Swelling, fluid retention, tightness and discomfort can affect far more than just how your body feels.
The feelings and symptoms can affect your confidence, your comfort, your energy.
Even the simple things you do every day.
Sometimes people tell me they feel puffy, uncomfortable or unlike themselves. Sometimes clothes feel tighter than usual. Sometimes they simply know their body doesn't feel quite right.
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.
MLD Massage (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) is a gentle treatment designed to support the body's natural lymphatic system and help you feel calmer, lighter and more comfortable.
Whether you're experiencing swelling, fluid retention, feelings of heaviness, post-treatment recovery or simply looking for a gentler approach to wellbeing, treatments are always adapted around you and how you're feeling on the day.
There is no rush.
No pressure.
Just time, support and personalised care.
What is MLD Massage?
The lymphatic system plays an important role in moving fluid around the body and helping maintain balance within our tissues.
When that system becomes sluggish or overwhelmed, some people notice swelling, fluid retention, puffiness, feelings of heaviness or general discomfort.
MLD Massage uses very gentle, rhythmic movements designed to encourage lymph flow and support the body's natural drainage processes.
Many people are surprised by how gentle it feels.
This isn't deep tissue massage.
There is no digging into muscles.
No pressure to tolerate discomfort.
It is a calm, relaxing treatment designed to support your body rather than challenge it.
“Feeling like yourself again matters”
Why do people choose MLD Massage?
Everybody arrives for different reasons. Some people are looking for support with swelling or fluid retention. Some are recovering from surgery or treatment. Others have been living with feelings of heaviness, tightness or discomfort for some time and simply want to feel more comfortable in their own body again.
Many people also choose MLD because they are looking for something gentler, something calming, something that allows them to slow down for a while.
Whatever brings you here, treatment is always tailored around your comfort, needs and energy levels.
A calm, supportive approach
Appointments at Helrica are intentionally personal and unhurried. There is time to settle in. Time to ask questions. Time to explain how you're feeling. Time to simply breathe.
Many clients describe MLD Massage as deeply relaxing. Not because something dramatic happens during treatment, but because they finally allow themselves to slow down for a while.
Pillows, cushions, blankets and supports can all be used throughout your appointment to help you feel comfortable.
You never need to "push through" discomfort. You never need to worry about getting things right.
This is your time.
“Kindness should never feel rushed.”
Some Appointments Are About More Than Massage
Sometimes you simply need:
A safe space - Calm human connection - Reassurance - Quietness - Somewhere you do not need to explain everything
At Helrica, you are welcome to arrive exactly as you are.
There is no pressure to "hold it together" here.
The Benefits of MLD Massage at Helrica Massage Clinic
Supporting Macmillan Cancer Support
Current treatment pricing:
MLD MASSAGE — £65
Helena volunteers as a Macmillan Cancer Support Buddy and understands first-hand how important support, fundraising and community care can be during difficult seasons of life.
Because of this, £10 from every treatment at Helrica Massage Clinic is donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. As Helena says: "Every little thing helps." Read more about booking your appointment on my Appointments and Booking Page.
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM HELENA
If you're feeling nervous about booking, unsure whether a treatment is right for you, or simply have questions, please get in touch.
There is never any pressure to book.
Questions people often ask
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, specialised massage technique designed to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the body.
Unlike traditional massage, MLD uses light, rhythmic movements rather than deep pressure. The treatment focuses on supporting the lymphatic system, which plays an important role in fluid balance, waste removal and immune function.
People seek MLD for many different reasons, including swelling, fluid retention, post-surgical recovery, lymphoedema management, or simply because they feel uncomfortable, heavy or puffy in certain areas of the body.
At Helrica Massage Clinic, every treatment is adapted to your individual needs. Helena will take the time to understand your health history, symptoms and goals before tailoring the treatment around you.
Many clients describe MLD as deeply relaxing despite its gentle nature. The aim is to help you feel more comfortable, supported and at ease in your body.
As with all treatments at Helrica Massage Clinic, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every person and every treatment is different.
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Some people choose MLD Massage alongside Oncology Massage or Menopause Massage support depending on what is happening in their life and how their body is feeling.
At Helrica, treatment is never about fitting people into boxes.
It is about understanding what is going on for you and adapting support around that.
No two people are the same.
And no two appointments need to be the same either.
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There are some situations where MLD Massage may not be appropriate, which is why we always begin with a consultation.
Before treatment, we'll talk through your health history, any medical conditions and any concerns you may have.
That way we can make sure treatment feels safe, supportive and suitable for you.
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MLD may help support:
• swelling
• fluid retention
• post-treatment recovery
• feelings of heaviness or tightness
• relaxation and nervous system calming
Treatments are always adapted around you as an individual.
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Of course you can. Some people talk, some people cry, some people simply rest quietly. I will always take my lead from you.
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During your treatment, you will typically wear comfortable items, like your own underwear - such as Bridget Jones pants or cycling shorts, and a bra or a vest top.
Do not worry about clothing that is worn, as no massage oil is used during your MLD massage.
Blankets, cushions and supports are always available to help you feel warm, comfortable and fully supported throughout your appointment.
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That is absolutely fine too. Every appointment is tailored around how you feel that particular day.
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MLD Massage uses soft, gentle and rhythmic movements rather than deep pressure.
Some people chat throughout their appointment.
Some enjoy the quiet.
Some even drift off to sleep.
All of those are completely okay.
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At any point during your appointment we can absolutely pause or take a break.
This is your time and treatments are always adapted around how you are feeling that day.
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Absolutely.
Symptoms, sleep, work, family life and stress can all affect how you feel from day to day. Appointments are arranged personally so we can find times that genuinely work best for you.
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Of course.
I personally check in with clients after treatments and you are always welcome to contact me if you need support, reassurance or have questions following your appointment.
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That is absolutely okay.
Menopause can feel physically and emotionally overwhelming at times and treatments are always adapted around how you are feeling that particular day.
We can pause, take breaks or simply sit quietly whenever needed.
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Not at all.
Most people are surprised by how gentle MLD feels. The treatment uses light, rhythmic movements designed to support the body rather than work deeply into muscles.
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Absolutely.
MLD treatments can be adapted using cushions and pillows to help you feel fully supported and comfortable throughout your appointment.
You are also welcome to lie on your side if needed.
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Yes. Blankets and towels are available throughout treatment to help you feel comfortable, warm and fully supported.
Your comfort and dignity are always important.
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I ask everyone to allow up to 2 hours for their appointment. This allows time for consultation, treatment, chatting if needed and never feeling rushed.
I believe an hours massage should be exactly that - an hours massage, so any forms, a cuppa, our chat, will always not be during your massage time.
Helping YOU Feel More Comfortable in Your Body & Mind
MLD Massage at Helrica Massage Clinic is about more than relaxation.
It is about helping you feel:
Calmer - Lighter - Supported - Listened to - Safe - More like YOU again
💜 Questions are always welcome.
💜 You are safe here.
💜 Your Wellbeing Matters