How Often Should You Have Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage (LDM) is a gentle technique designed to encourage natural lymph flow, reduce swelling, and remove toxins from the body.

If you’ve already tried a lymphatic drainage massage, you’ll know how light and refreshed it can make you feel… but when should you book your next LDM? How often should you have lymphatic drainage massages to see the best results?

Find out here. In this blog post, we explore how often you should book a lymphatic massage based on your needs as well as factors that can influence lymphatic drainage massage frequency.

Table of Contents

What to Expect From a Lymphatic Drainage Massage

During lymphatic drainage massage, your massage therapist will use light pressure to stimulate lymphatic flow – which can help the body clear out excess fluid. You’ll lie on a massage table and your therapist will work on the target areas, usually starting from the neck and working their way down.

Some potential benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include:

Reduced bloating
Better circulation
Improved skin tone
Relaxation
Faster post-surgery recovery
Improved immune function
Reduced water retention

There are several relevant studies that prove this – a Systematic Review of Efficacy for Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation looked at 9 studies, which found that lymphatic drainage can help recovery from sports injuries, improve chemical markers and reduce oedema after fractures and sprains.

The effects of lymphatic drainage massage can last from a few days up to a week – but this can depend on your activity level, hydration, and how often you have treatments.

What Factors Affect The Frequency?

How often you should have a lymphatic drainage massage depends on several factors, such as:

Overall Health and Lifestyle

If you lead an active lifestyle or your job is physically demanding, you may benefit from more frequent treatments. At Concordia Clinic, we’d recommend lymphatic drainage massage every 1-2 weeks to help your lymphatic system stay in check. However, if you lead a less active lifestyle, you may need fewer treatments.

Recovery and Healing

Lymphatic drainage massages can be used to help reduce swelling and speed up recovery after surgery or an injury. You may benefit from several sessions per week at first, and then gradually taper down as your body heals. Be sure to follow your doctor’s aftercare advice, as lymphatic drainage massage may not be enough alone to promote recovery.

Diet and Hydration

The lymphatic drainage system relies on hydration, so make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your massage. Doing so can help to flush out toxins and maintain the effects between treatments.

Stress and Sleep

We all know how important sleep is – but did you know that poor sleep and stress can slow down lymphatic circulation? If you are dealing with chronic stress or have poor sleeping habits, you may benefit from more frequent sessions to keep your system stimulated.

Aftercare

How you look after your body after your massage matters. Hydration, rest, a healthy diet and light movement are all important. We explore this more in our guide on what to avoid after a lymphatic drainage massage.

How Often to Have Lymphatic Drainage Massage For Different Needs

One size does not fit all when it comes to lymphatic drainage massage frequency. The right routine for you can depend on your health, how your body responds to treatment, and, of course, the reason you’re getting a lymphatic drainage massage. Here’s how often you should think about bookinga lymphatic drainage massage for each need:

For Sports Recovery – Every 1-2 Weeks

If you’re an athlete or train regularly, lymphatic drainage massage can help:

Your body clear the lactic acid and metabolic waste
Reduce soreness after exercise
Improve circulation for faster muscle repair

Here’s how often you should book a lymphatic drainage massage for sports recovery:

Regular training – every 1-2 weeks

Intense training or post-event recovery – every week

For Swelling and Lymphedema – 2-3 x Per Week

If you are dealing with chronic fluid retention, swelling, or diagnosed lymphedema, lymphatic drainage can help manage symptoms and improve comfort. The technique encourages lymph flow around areas of blockage, helping to prevent build-up and tissue thickening.

Here’s how often you should book a lymphatic drainage massage for swelling:

Start of treatment – 2-3 sessions per week
When swelling becomes manageable – Once every one or two weeks

Lymphatic drainage massage for lymphedema or swelling is usually part of a wider management plan – you may also benefit from gentle exercise, compression therapy, and, of course, medical guidance.

For Post-Surgery Recovery

Medical experts often recommend lymphatic drainage massage after cosmetic or orthopaedic surgery, whether that be a tummy tuck, joint replacement or liposuction. Lymphatic drainage massage treatment can help to improve healing, support tissue regeneration, and reduce post-op swelling.

Here’s how often you should book a lymphatic drainage massage for post-surgery recovery:

Weeks 1–3 – 2–3 sessions per week to encourage drainage and reduce inflammation

Weeks 4–6 – Gradually reduce to once a week as swelling decreases

After full recovery – Once a month

For General Wellness

Lymphatic drainage massage can also be used to improve your general wellness – for example, to support your immune system or reduce fluid retention.

Here’s how often you should book a lymphatic drainage massage for general wellness:

For maintenance – every 3-4 weeks

For stressful or busy periods – Once a fortnight

When to Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massages may not be suitable for everyone. You should speak to a doctor before booking if you have:

Active infection or fever
Congestive heart failure
Blood clots or circulation issues
Certain cancers (unless cleared by your specialist)

Book Your Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Liverpool

Ready to boost your well-being and support recovery naturally? You’re in the right place.

Our trained therapists tailor each session to your health goals, whether you’re recovering from surgery or simply looking to feel lighter and more energised.

Book your lymphatic drainage massage in Liverpool or contact us to discuss your ideal treatment plan.