What to expect from lymphatic drainage massage at our Bedford clinic

Lymphatic drainage massage is one of the gentlest treatments at our Bedford clinic. Here's what it is, what happens in a session with Melissa MacIntosh, RMT, who tends to book it, and how direct billing works, so you know what to expect before you walk in.

What is lymphatic drainage massage?

Manual lymphatic drainage, or MLD, is a specialised massage technique that uses very light, rhythmic strokes to encourage the lymphatic system to do its job. There's no deep pressure. The skill is in the direction, rhythm and sequence of the strokes, which follow the pathways the lymph takes.

The lymphatic system is the body's drainage network: it moves excess fluid out of the tissues and carries immune cells where they're needed. At Luminate, MLD is practised using the Vodder method, the technique developed by Dr. Emil Vodder.

Who does MLD at our Bedford clinic?

Melissa MacIntosh, a Registered Massage Therapist, holds Vodder Level 3 certification as a manual lymphatic drainage and combined decongestive therapist. The Vodder curriculum requires in-person instruction, practical evaluation and certification by an accredited teaching team, so the technique is taught and tested, not learned from a video.

Melissa completed the 2,200-hour massage therapy program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2018 and is a member of the Massage Therapists Association of Nova Scotia. She's also one of our Registered Massage Therapists, so you can book her for massage therapy as well.

Meet Melissa and the clinic

What happens during a session?

Your first visit starts with a short health history and a conversation about what you're coming in for. Then you'll lie on the table, fully draped or lightly clothed depending on the area being worked on. The pressure is very light and rhythmic, nothing like deep tissue work, and most people find it so calming that they drift off. That's fine: the work doesn't need your attention.

1. Intake. A short health history, then a chat about your goals and anything you're recovering from.
2. On the table. Melissa explains positioning and draping before anything starts, and answers whatever you'd like to ask.
3. Light, rhythmic work. Gentle strokes follow the pathways the lymph takes. Say so at any point if you'd like anything changed.
4. Afterwards. Melissa will talk with you about whether, and when, it makes sense to come back.

The touch is so light that most people are surprised. Many simply fall asleep.

Who books lymphatic drainage massage?

People come to MLD for different reasons. Many book after surgery, including cosmetic and orthopaedic surgery, and some book before a planned surgery. Others live with lymphedema or lipedema. And some simply want one of the gentlest, most relaxing treatments we offer. If you're not sure whether it suits what you have in mind, ask Melissa when you book.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing; you'll be draped just as you would be for any massage. Bring your benefits card and photo ID so we can bill your insurer at the desk. You don't need a referral to book, but some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note before they cover massage therapy, so check yours first.

The clinic is at 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford, part of Halifax, with its own entrance beside our Bedford store and free parking out front. The clinic is in Bedford for now; a Dartmouth clinic is opening in summer 2027.

Is lymphatic drainage massage covered by insurance?

Often, yes. Melissa is a Registered Massage Therapist, so MLD sessions bill as massage therapy, and most plans that cover massage cover MLD. We bill most major insurers directly at the desk, including Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Medavie Blue Cross, Green Shield and Desjardins, and you pay only your portion.

1. Check in. Bring your benefits card and photo ID to your first visit.
2. We check your plan. The front desk confirms whether your plan allows direct billing and submits the claim while you're here.
3. Pay your portion. If your plan covers 80 percent, you pay 20 at the desk. Nothing more.

Plans cap what they pay per service and per year, so a quick call to your insurer before your visit saves surprises. If an insurer's system won't accept a claim, we'll ask for payment at the visit and give you an itemised receipt to submit yourself. Our direct billing page lists every insurer we bill, and our guide to direct billing for naturopath, massage and physio walks through it step by step.

Questions we get a lot

Does lymphatic drainage massage hurt?

No. The pressure is lighter than most people expect, and there's no deep tissue work.

Do I need a referral for MLD?

Not to book. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note before they'll cover massage therapy, so check yours.

What should I wear to lymphatic drainage massage?

Comfortable clothing. You'll be fully draped or lightly clothed depending on the area being treated, as for any massage.

How do I book with Melissa?

Book MLD online through Jane, or call the clinic at (902) 835-9319.

Can I book a regular massage with Melissa too?

Yes. Melissa is also one of our Registered Massage Therapists. You'll find the whole team, and the kinds of massage they offer, on our massage therapy page.

Manual lymphatic drainage is offered at the Luminate Co clinic, 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford, beside our Bedford store. For the rest of our services, from massage therapy to naturopathic medicine and physiotherapy, see the clinic, or read about our MLD therapist, Melissa MacIntosh.

This article is general information, not medical advice.