Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Help With Muscle Aches And Pains?
After a lymphatic massage, many of my clients report feeling more ease of movement and less "achy" overall. So, does lymphatic massage actually help relieve sore muscles?
The answer? Well, sort of... (don't you love it?)
Lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage massage, is a gentle technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body. While it’s primarily known for reducing swelling (like lymphedema) and boosting immune function, its impact on muscle aches and pains is less direct but still worth considering.
The lymphatic system doesn’t directly control muscle tissue, but it does play a role in reducing inflammation and fluid buildup, which can contribute to muscle soreness. For example, after intense exercise, muscles can become inflamed and retain fluid, leading to stiffness or discomfort. A lymphatic massage might help by improving circulation and clearing out metabolic waste—like lactic acid—that accumulates in muscles during activity. This could ease some of that post-workout ache.
That said, it’s not a cure-all. Muscle aches from tension, injury, or chronic conditions like fibromyalgia are often tied to deeper issues (tight fascia, nerve irritation, or structural imbalances) that lymphatic massage isn’t designed to directly address, even though fascia is engaged in the mechanical technique. Studies on this are limited—most research focuses on its benefits for edema or recovery in athletes rather than general muscle pain. A 2015 review in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine found manual lymphatic drainage reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in athletes, but the effect was modest and short-lived.
If your aches are from overuse or a tough workout, it might offer some relief, especially combined with hydration and rest. For deeper or persistent pain, something like a deep tissue massage or stretching might target the muscles more effectively.
For all you athletes who love your deep tissue massages, I would definitely stick with those and complement your body work with the occasional relaxing and gentle MLD massage. If your body simply doesn't enjoy or respond to a deeper massage, then absolutely try this amazing lymphatic modality!
P.S. Did you know I provide both types of massage? My specialty is lymph, but I love a good deep tissue massage, too!
