Specialized Lymphatic Care
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy in Commack, NY
Feel lighter. Support recovery. Feel like yourself again.
MLD begins with a call or text and a medical intake review before scheduling. See how to begin.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, commonly called MLD, is a specialized technique that uses light, rhythmic skin movements to support fluid movement when this type of care is appropriate. Each session is shaped around your health history, medical guidance and current needs.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on GoogleRecommended Community Provider for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterServing Commack and Long Island since 2000
A standard of trust
Recommended Community Provider for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Hands On HealthCare’s MLD team includes Marla Kaplan, LMT, CLT, a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Every therapist who provides MLD has specialized training in the technique and follows the practice’s established standards for precise, individualized care.
What you may be noticing
When MLD may be an appropriate choice
Your health history and goals guide the choice of care. These are common reasons people contact our MLD team.
Post-surgical swelling
Support after cosmetic, orthopedic or other surgery when the timing is medically appropriate. Timing depends on the procedure, healing stage and instructions from your surgeon or medical team.
Persistent or recurring swelling
For a previously evaluated concern, your health history and current medical guidance help us plan appropriate support.
Well-controlled lymphedema or lipedema
Maintenance support only when the condition is already well controlled. Read our scope of care and referral options.
Gentle relaxation and comfort
Light, rhythmic work offers time to slow down in a calm, private setting.
Planning your care
Choosing the right MLD session length
MLD is not always scheduled as a long, full-body massage. The length should reflect why you are coming, the areas that need attention and where you are in your recovery.
MLD session pricing
Call or text to schedule
Start with the recommended 45-minute initial visit; 30 minutes is common for follow-up care. Other lengths are available when your therapist recommends additional time.
Packages are not available for MLD.
| Length | Price | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutesCommon follow-up session | $75 | Common follow-up session |
| 45 minutesRecommended initial session | $112.50 | Recommended initial session |
| 50 minutesAdditional time when needed | $125 | Additional time when needed |
| 60 minutesLonger, more comprehensive session | $150 | Longer, more comprehensive session |
| 90 minutesExtended session when broader care is appropriate | $225 | Extended session when broader care is appropriate |
Learn more: choosing your session length
A practical starting point
Begin with enough time to understand what your body needs.
Your first visit gives your therapist time to understand your history, your goals and how your body responds. After that, the length of each follow-up can be adjusted to what your therapist finds and how you respond to care.
After surgery
Manual lymphatic drainage after surgery
Planning care after a procedure? Post-surgical lymphatic drainage: timing, clearance & prices for timing, surgeon clearance, session prices and how to begin your intake.
Recovery changes from day to day. Swelling, puffiness, pressure, heaviness and tightness may shift as your body heals. Post-surgical MLD offers individualized support for fluid movement and comfort as those needs change.
Learn more: recovery after surgery
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Begin at the right time
Your procedure, medical history and surgeon’s instructions help determine when MLD is appropriate to begin.
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Adjust as recovery changes
Your therapist responds to changes in swelling, tenderness and comfort as recovery progresses.
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Continue when it is useful
Some people schedule one visit; many post-surgical clients return for a series as swelling, tightness and comfort continue to change.
Learn more: how MLD differs from traditional massage
A distinct technique
How manual lymphatic drainage differs from traditional massage
People often search for this service as lymphatic drainage massage, but Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized method—not a traditional massage performed with less pressure. Because the initial lymphatic vessels addressed by MLD lie close to the surface, the technique uses gentle stretching and releasing of the skin rather than pressure directed into muscle.
MLD combines precise skin contact, rhythm, direction and sequence. Each movement is selected for the pathways being addressed.
Light pressure is intentional—but light pressure alone is not enough.
Why the touch stays light
- Skin surface
- Superficial lymphatics
- Subcutaneous tissue
- Muscle tissue
Learn more: MLD works with pathways
A connected system
MLD works with pathways, not just one spot
A concern may feel local, but the lymphatic system is interconnected. Effective MLD considers the area you notice as part of a larger pattern rather than treating it in isolation.
Understand what has changed
Your health history, procedure, scars, symptoms and the area of concern help shape the session. The same complaint does not always call for the same approach.
Follow appropriate pathways
MLD uses carefully directed movements and an intentional sequence. The therapist may work beyond the place where you feel swelling, pressure or discomfort.
Address the local area in context
Focused work can still be part of a broader session. The goal is to support the area while respecting how lymphatic pathways connect throughout the body.
Learn more: what MLD feels like
During your session
What manual lymphatic drainage feels like
If you are accustomed to conventional massage, the subtlety of MLD may surprise you. The work is quiet and unhurried, with precise movements that gently stretch and release the skin instead of pressing into muscle.
Gentle, rhythmic skin movement
You will feel slow, repeated stretching and releasing of the skin—not kneading, forceful strokes or pressure directed into muscle.
Little to no massage product
MLD is typically performed on dry skin or with very little product so the therapist can engage the skin precisely rather than glide over it.
Comfortable draping and positioning
You remain appropriately covered, with only the area being addressed uncovered. Positioning is adjusted around your comfort, mobility and recovery needs.
A session shaped around you
Your medical history, current concerns and how your body presents that day guide the areas addressed, the sequence used and the pace of the session.
In Their Words
Care that helps you feel lighter
Real experiences from clients who chose Hands On HealthCare for Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
5 out of 5 starsMarla is the best and very knowledgeable- great lymphatic drainage massage
5 out of 5 starsI went there last week for a lymphatic drainage massage with Marla. From the moment I stepped into the space I felt wonderful and attended to. Marla is wonderful and has a great and caring energy. The massage itself was very relaxing and helped with some swelling I was dealing with. Looking forward to my next massage! Would highly recommend.
5 out of 5 starsHad a lymphatic drainage massage after surgery by both Marla and Jolie. Both amazing therapists and I can feel and see the difference in swelling. Going back for more!!
Your appointment experience
Before, during and after your MLD session
A little preparation helps your therapist work precisely and shape the appointment around your health history, current concerns and comfort.
Before
Before
Help us understand the full picture before an appointment is scheduled.
- Have your procedure details and medical instructions available, and tell us about any important health changes before your session.
- Do not apply body oil, lotion or heavily scented products before your session.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and bring a prescribed compression garment if you use one.
During
During
The work remains light, precise and unhurried throughout.
- Your current concerns and any changes since your intake are reviewed.
- You remain appropriately draped, and positioning is adapted for comfort, mobility and recovery needs.
- The therapist follows an intentional sequence and may address connected areas beyond the place you notice most.
After
After
Your response helps guide what—if anything—should come next.
- Notice changes in swelling, pressure, comfort, relaxation or how an area feels over the following days.
- Continue to follow instructions from your surgeon or medical team.
- When useful, your therapist may discuss breathing, gentle self-care or an appropriate follow-up schedule.
Resources our MLD team recommends
Self-care videos to return to
Our MLD team often refers clients back to these demonstrations for breathing, gentle self-care and movement support between appointments.
Watch when recommended
Guided Self-Care Videos
These links open on YouTube. Use self-care techniques only when they are appropriate for your health history and current condition.
Before You Begin
Manual lymphatic drainage questions, answered
Clear answers about technique, post-surgical care, session timing, insurance and how to begin.
How much does manual lymphatic drainage cost?
MLD is $75 for 30 minutes, $112.50 for 45 minutes, $125 for 50 minutes, $150 for 60 minutes and $225 for 90 minutes. A 45-minute initial session is generally recommended, and most follow-up sessions are 30 minutes. Packages are not available for MLD.
Can I book manual lymphatic drainage online?
No. MLD begins with a call or text to 631-462-4263. Our office sends a medical intake form, reviews it, and then calls you to discuss the next step and schedule.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and how is it different from traditional massage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, commonly called MLD, is a specialized technique that uses precise, light and rhythmic movements to gently stretch and release the skin. Traditional massage commonly works more directly with muscle. MLD follows lymphatic pathways and does not rely on deep pressure.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage appropriate after surgery?
MLD may be considered after surgery when your surgeon or healthcare provider has determined that it is appropriate. Timing, positioning, areas treated and session frequency depend on the procedure, recovery stage, current symptoms and any medical guidance. Our office reviews your intake before scheduling.
What does an MLD session feel like?
Most clients experience slow, rhythmic and very light skin movement rather than kneading or deep pressure. Sessions are quiet and unhurried, with comfortable draping and positioning adjusted to your needs.
How long should my first MLD appointment be?
We generally recommend 45 minutes for an initial MLD session so the therapist has enough time to review your concerns and understand what your body needs. Many follow-up sessions are 30 minutes, although a shorter or longer appointment may be recommended.
How do I request an MLD appointment?
Call or text our office at 631-462-4263 and tell us that you are interested in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. We will send you the medical intake form. After completing it, notify our office. The completed intake will be reviewed, and we will call you to discuss the next appropriate step and schedule when appropriate.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage covered by insurance, or can I use HSA or FSA funds?
Coverage varies by plan and documentation requirements. MLD may be covered when your insurance plan includes the service and the required medical documentation is in place. HSA or FSA funds may also be available when the session qualifies as medical care under your plan. Contact our office before scheduling and confirm your benefits with your plan administrator.
Do you treat active lymphedema or lipedema?
We provide maintenance MLD only when lymphedema or lipedema is already well controlled. We do not evaluate or manage either condition, and we do not provide active decongestive treatment or Complete Decongestive Therapy. Clients who need comprehensive care should use the Long Island referral resources provided on this page.
How many MLD sessions will I need?
The number and frequency of sessions depend on why you are seeking care, your recovery stage, your response to treatment and any guidance from your healthcare provider. Some clients use a limited post-surgical sequence, while others return for occasional follow-up care. There is no fixed number of sessions or guaranteed outcome.
How to begin
A personal review before scheduling
MLD appointments are handled directly through our office so we can understand your needs before recommending an appointment length or therapist.
Contact Our Office
Call or text and tell us that you are interested in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. We will send you the medical intake form.
Complete the Form and Notify Us
Fill in your complete medical history, procedures, medications and current concerns, then let our office know the form has been completed.
We Review and Call You Back
After reviewing the completed intake for appropriateness, we call you to discuss the next step and schedule when appropriate.