Treatment · MLD-30 · MLD-45 · MLD-60
Lymphatic drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage is a very gentle treatment: slow, pumping strokes on the skin that stimulate the flow of lymph fluid.
- Duration
- 30, 45 or 60 min
- On the prescription
MLD-30 · MLD-45 · MLD-60- Statutory insurance
- yes, with a prescription
- Home visit
- possible
On this page
What it is
Lymphatic drainage feels more like slow, even stroking than a classic massage. We use very little pressure but work precisely along the lymph pathways.
It often comes with a compression bandage or stocking so the effect lasts between sessions. Together with exercise and skin care this is called complex decongestive therapy (KPE in German).
Who it’s for
- for swelling after surgery or injury
- for lymphoedema, e.g. after cancer treatment
- for lipoedema, usually combined with compression
- for swelling related to certain vein conditions
Lymphatic drainage is not suitable with acute infections, a recent thrombosis or certain heart conditions. Your doctor will check this beforehand.
Your doctor decides which treatment is right for you – we are happy to advise as well.
How a session goes
Settle in
You lie comfortably in a quiet, warm room. Please don’t apply lotion beforehand.
Open the pathways
We almost always start at the neck and trunk so fluid has somewhere to drain to.
Affected area
Then we treat the swollen area, e.g. an arm or a leg.
Bandaging
If compression bandaging is prescribed, we apply it at the end and show you what to look out for.
Duration & frequency
Depending on the prescription 30, 45 or 60 minutes of treatment time (MLD-30, MLD-45, MLD-60). Bandaging adds about 10–15 minutes.
Often 1–3 sessions per week; for chronic swelling usually over a longer period.
Do I need a prescription?
- Statutory insurance: yes. The prescription will say “MLD-30”, “MLD-45” or “MLD-60”, possibly plus “Kompressionsbandagierung” (compression bandaging).
- Bandage material is usually prescribed separately by your doctor. Please bring it to your first session.
- Private insurance / no prescription: see our price list below.
Prices for private patients & self-pay
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Lymphatic drainage 30 min | €34.00 |
| Lymphatic drainage 45 min | €48.00 |
| Lymphatic drainage 60 min | €62.00 |
| Compression bandaging, per arm or leg | €16.00 |
Prices in euros, as of 01/2026. Patients with German statutory insurance don’t pay these prices, only the legal co-payment. How much private insurance (or TRICARE / your US plan) reimburses depends on your policy – please check with your insurer. General information, not insurance advice.
Request lymphatic drainage
A few details, then a ready-made e-mail opens. We’ll get back to you with a suggested time.
Last updated: November 2026