Lymphatic drainage is a treatment that helps lymph to drain away and swelling to go down. We perform it either manually, with gentle, rhythmic movements (110 PLN), or mechanically, using pneumatic cuffs placed on the limbs (60 PLN). It is used, among other things, for swelling after injuries and surgery. We do not perform it in people with thrombosis, heart failure or acute inflammation.
Below you will find the differences between the two forms of drainage, the contraindications and answers to common questions.
Key information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What it helps with | swelling after injuries and surgery (e.g. after a joint replacement or a sprain), a feeling of heavy legs, lymphoedema — after assessment and in consultation with a doctor |
| What you feel | manual drainage: gentle, slow pressure; mechanical drainage: rhythmic squeezing of the limb as the chambers of the cuff fill with air |
| After the treatment | you go back to your usual activities; it is a good idea to drink water |
| Combining | with manual therapy and exercises as part of the therapy plan |
| Number of visits | agreed individually after the consultation |
| Price | manual 110 PLN, mechanical 60 PLN |
| Referral | no referral needed, private visits |
Manual or mechanical drainage — which should you choose?
Manual drainage is performed by the physiotherapist, who adapts the direction, pressure and sequence of movements to where the swelling is, including on the trunk, neck or face. Mechanical drainage covers the limbs, and the pressure is generated by a device with cuffs, which is why it is cheaper. Which form to choose, and whether to combine them, is decided after assessing the swelling, its cause and the condition of the skin.
For lymphoedema, for example after cancer treatment, drainage is only one part of the management, alongside compression therapy, exercises and skin care. We provide this kind of treatment only in consultation with the doctor in charge of your care.
When is lymphatic drainage not suitable?
- venous thrombosis or suspected thrombosis,
- uncontrolled heart failure, swelling caused by heart problems,
- acute inflammation of the skin and tissues (e.g. erysipelas), infection with fever,
- cancer — drainage only with the consent of the doctor in charge of your care and with particular caution,
- fresh wounds and skin lesions in the treatment area (this applies especially to mechanical drainage).
Sudden swelling of one leg with pain, redness or warmth in the calf needs urgent medical attention first, as it may mean thrombosis. The physiotherapist decides whether the treatment is safe for you after taking your history — please tell her about any illnesses and medication.
Which problems do we use it for?
Questions about lymphatic drainage
Does lymphatic drainage hurt?
No. Manual drainage consists of gentle, slow movements, much softer than a classic massage, and many people find it relaxing. In mechanical drainage you feel the cuff rhythmically squeezing the limb. We set the pressure so that it is noticeable but not painful. If it is too strong, tell us straight away.
Can drainage be done after surgery?
Yes, after injuries and orthopaedic operations, for example after a knee replacement, drainage is sometimes used when swelling persists. However, we only start once the wound has healed and the doctor sees no contraindications. With leg swelling after surgery, we always rule out symptoms that could suggest thrombosis.
Can mechanical drainage replace manual drainage?
Not always. Mechanical drainage works well for swelling in the limbs, but it does not cover the trunk, neck or face and does not allow movements to be adapted as precisely as hands-on work. The physiotherapist may suggest one form or a combination of both, depending on the cause and location of the swelling.
How should I prepare for drainage?
Wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy to uncover the treatment area. For mechanical drainage, the skin on the limb should be healthy and undamaged. Bring your medical records, such as a discharge summary after surgery or the results of a venous ultrasound, and tell the physiotherapist about any heart conditions, past thrombosis and medication you take.
More about drainage: Manual or mechanical lymphatic drainage — which to choose? · Swollen legs — when does lymphatic drainage help?
Start with a consultation — we will assess the swelling and choose the right form of drainage.
- Consultation180 PLN
- Referralnot needed
- ReceptionMon–Fri: 7.00–20.00
