What is Lymphoedema & Decongestive Therapy?
Lymphoedema is a condition marked by swelling, most commonly in the arms or legs, though it can occur in any part of the body. It arises when the lymphatic system is unable to properly drain lymph fluid, leading to the accumulation of fluid, proteins, & toxins in the affected area. This dysfunction can be due to factors such as underdevelopment, damage, or blockage of the lymphatic vessels. In addition to swelling, lymphoedema may cause symptoms such as skin dryness, discolouration, a sensation of heaviness in the affected limb, discomfort or aching.
How Vodder’s MLD helps
Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an evidence-based treatment for lymphoedema, performed using a gentle touch and subtle skin-stretching techniques. It activates the lymphatic system to facilitate fluid drainage, reduce swelling, and promote the reshaping of affected limbs. Through precise, therapeutic massage, MLD enhances lymphatic circulation, minimises fluid retention, and alleviates discomfort. It also supports tissue regeneration, reduces the risk of infection, and improves overall mobility, offering meaningful relief for individuals managing lymphoedema.
Initial Consultation
Your first MLD session for lymphoedema includes a comprehensive consultation and treatment, lasting one hour. Subsequent appointments are 45 minutes. The number of sessions required will depend on the severity and progression of your lymphoedema, with a tailored treatment plan designed to maximise outcomes
Lymphoedema is classified into two types:
Primary Lymphoedema
This type is congenital and caused by a genetic abnormality affecting the lymphatic or venous systems. It may also develop spontaneously, often during young adulthood, without any identifiable trauma or injury.
Secondary Lymphoedema
Occurs when lymph nodes or vessels are damaged or removed. Common causes include radiation therapy, surgery, cancer treatment, trauma, burns, or recurrent infections. When the lymphatic system is compromised, fluid accumulates in the affected area, which can lead to complications such as cellulitis (a skin infection) and changes in the skin’s texture.
Treatment consists of two phases:
Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT)
- Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy is indicated for advanced stages of lymphoedema or in cases where the condition has progressed and the standard treatment protocol may be insufficient.
- DLT is a structured two-phase treatment designed to manage and reduce lymphoedema effectively:
Phase 1: Intensive or Decongestive Phase
This initial phase focuses on intensive treatment to reduce swelling. MLD sessions are performed frequently—ideally five times a week—until the affected body part reaches a stable reduction (plateau) in size, as determined by consistent measurements. Compression therapy is typically used on weekends to support the reduction process.
Protocol
Daily MLD sessions, five times per week, for a minimum of two weeks.
Continued sessions until swelling is sufficiently reduced and the patient is ready to be measured for custom compression garments.
Phase 2: Self-Management Phase
In this phase, patients take an active role in maintaining the results achieved during the intensive phase. This includes:
Wearing compression garments to prevent fluid reaccumulation.
Engaging in ongoing lymphatic exercises and self-care.
Scheduling periodic MLD sessions as needed to support maintenance.
Why USE MLD & DLT?
- Reduces swelling and discomfort effectively.
- Prevents complications such as cellulitis and fibrotic changes.
- Restores mobility and improves quality of life.
- Supports long-term self-management of lymphoedema.
By addressing the specific needs of your condition, this comprehensive approach ensures optimal results tailored to your unique requirements.

Support for Lipoedema Management
The Body Ballancer® has been proven to provide significant relief for patients with lipoedema, offering a non-invasive option for managing symptoms before deciding on surgical interventions such as liposuction. By improving circulation, reducing fluid retention, and alleviating discomfort, it serves as a vital tool in managing the condition effectively.
Key Benefits
The Body Ballancer® offers comprehensive health, aesthetic, and wellness benefits, including:
- Enhanced Circulation: Promotes fat burning, reduces water retention, and accelerates post-exercise recovery.
- Immune System Boost: Strengthens the body’s natural defenses by improving lymphatic drainage.
- Skin Health: Firms and tones the skin while reducing the appearance of cellulite and improving skin elasticity.
- Detoxification: Aids in removing toxins and waste products, promoting overall well-being.
- Stress Relief: Reduces tension and promotes relaxation.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Helps manage swelling, improve oxygenation of tissues, and encourage scar tissue repair, particularly after procedures like liposuction and CoolSculpting.
- Gut Health: Stimulates the digestive system to promote a healthier gut.
Why Choose Body Ballancer®?
- Non-Invasive Treatment: No downtime or aftercare required.
- Quick and Convenient: Sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes.
- Proven Results: Winner of the Hip & Healthy Wellness Awards 2021, and featured in Vogue, Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and more.
- Celebrity-Endorsed: A favorite of Jennifer Aniston, Chrissy Teigen, and Lady Gaga.
- Medically-Inspired Technology: Developed based on techniques used in medical lymphatic therapy.
Body Ballancer® for Post-Surgical Recovery
The Body Ballancer® is particularly effective as a complementary treatment to enhance results from liposuction, CoolSculpting, and other body contouring procedures. It helps to:
- Reduce post-surgical swelling caused by inflammation.
- Improve circulation, bringing oxygen-rich blood to the skin’s dermal layers.
- Encourage scar tissue repair and overall recovery.
- Accelerate CoolSculpting results by stimulating the lymphatic system to clear dead fat cells efficiently.
Experience the Body Ballancer® Difference
Whether you’re managing lipoedema, recovering from surgery, or seeking improved wellness, the Body Ballancer® offers scientifically proven and deeply relaxing solutions tailored to your needs. Book a session today and discover the transformative benefits of this innovative therapy.
How Vodder MLD & Body Ballancer Helps:
Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised therapy that gently stimulates the lymphatic system, promoting natural drainage, reducing inflammation, and relieving discomfort. While MLD does not eliminate lipoedema fat, it effectively minimises swelling, improves circulation, and enhances mobility. It is particularly beneficial for post-surgical recovery following lipoedema liposuction.
The Body Ballancer is an advanced compression therapy system that complements MLD by providing deep, consistent lymphatic stimulation. It is an excellent tool for managing non-surgical lipoedema, offering relief from heaviness and swelling while supporting overall lymphatic health.
What to Expect During Treatment
A gentle, rhythmic MLD massage to reduce congestion, swelling, and tenderness.
Body Ballancer sessions, which use precisely calibrated air compression to stimulate lymphatic flow, helping to manage lipoedema symptoms effectively.
Relief from pain, heaviness, and fluid retention in affected areas.
A tailored approach with expert guidance on self-care strategies, movement, and lifestyle support for long-term management.
As a medically informed Vodder-trained therapist and member of MLDUK, BLS, and Lipoedema UK, I provide a highly skilled & experienced approach to managing lipoedema. Whether you seek non-surgical treatment or post-surgical care, Bios Healing Therapies offers expert support to help you feel lighter, more comfortable, and in control of your well-being
google Reviews
“Margherita is very welcoming and friendly & knows exactly how to treat lymphoedema. She is a true professional. I completely trust her expertise. She is highly qualified, has many years of experience and is very knowledgeable in this area. Her treatment room is very easy to get to, very clean & warm.”
– Kathy Warriner
Ready to feel your best?
Are you ready to take the first step toward feeling your best? Call to discuss your session today and embark on a journey to improved health and vitality

