Manual Lymphatic Drainage · Wigan
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in Wigan
Light, rhythmic, deeply calming massage to help your body clear fluid, ease swelling and feel lighter again.
Some days your body can feel puffy, heavy or slow to bounce back — after surgery, through your postnatal months, or simply when your system needs a gentle nudge. Manual lymphatic drainage is one of the most soothing treatments I offer.
It is a light, rhythmic, whisper-soft massage that encourages your lymphatic system to do its natural work of moving fluid and clearing what your body no longer needs. In my warm, welcoming Wigan studio, every MLD session is unhurried and tailored to your individual needs, so you leave feeling lighter, calmer and genuinely cared for.
Warm, evidence-based women’s health care in Wigan
What it is
What manual lymphatic drainage is
Your lymphatic system is a quiet, hard-working network of vessels and nodes that carries fluid, waste and toxins away from your tissues and helps support your immune system. Unlike blood, lymph has no pump of its own — it relies on movement, breathing and gentle pressure to keep flowing freely.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialist massage designed to support exactly that. It feels nothing like a firm, deep-tissue treatment: the touch is feather-light and slow, following the natural direction of your lymph so your body can drain, reset and rebalance. It is one of the gentlest and most restful therapies you can give yourself.
How it works
How MLD works
Using slow, rhythmic, gently stretching movements over the skin, I guide fluid towards your lymph nodes, where it can be filtered and cleared. The pressure is deliberately soft — enough to move the skin, never to press into muscle — because that is precisely how the lymphatic system responds best.
Many women find the steady, repetitive rhythm almost meditative, and it is completely normal to feel deeply relaxed, and sometimes a little sleepy, by the end. We work at a pace that suits you, always well within your comfort.
Benefits
The benefits of MLD
Gentle support for your body, with results you can genuinely feel.
Because it is so gentle, lymphatic drainage massage suits women who want a light-touch, restorative treatment rather than a firm one. Regular sessions can help you feel lighter, calmer and more like yourself.
- Reduces swelling and fluid retention, helping you feel lighter and less puffy
- Supports recovery after surgery, including post-surgical and cosmetic procedures
- Aids postnatal recovery as your body settles and finds its balance again
- Eases that heavy, sluggish feeling in the legs, arms or tummy
- Encourages your body’s natural fluid clearance and immune support
- Calms the nervous system for deep rest, relaxation and overall wellbeing
Who it's for
Who MLD can help
Manual lymphatic drainage suits women at many different stages of life. You might come to me for post-surgery lymphatic drainage, for postnatal support, or simply because you're craving an hour of deep calm. I welcome women from across Wigan and nearby Standish, Shevington, Orrell and Aspull.
If you have a diagnosed medical condition, please do mention it when you book, so we can make sure MLD is the right and safe choice for you.
- Recovering from surgery and wanting to reduce post-surgical swelling
- In your postnatal months, when your body is holding on to extra fluid
- Living with everyday puffiness, heaviness or fluid retention
- Feeling run-down and in need of a gentle, restorative reset
- Simply longing for an hour of deep calm and genuine self-care
What to expect
What to expect in your session
From the moment you arrive, my aim is for you to feel heard, supported and completely at ease. Here's how a typical MLD session unfolds.
- A warm welcome and a relaxed chat about your health, your goals and how you’re feeling
- A gentle check-in about anything relevant — recent surgery, pregnancy, medication or medical history — so your treatment is safe and tailored to you
- Your treatment: light, rhythmic manual lymphatic drainage in a calm, private space, working only where your body needs it
- Simple, easy aftercare — sipping water, gentle movement and rest — to help the benefits continue at home
Booking
Booking your treatment
Every manual lymphatic drainage treatment at Jenny Richmond Studio is tailored to your individual needs. Get in touch and I'll confirm current session rates and find a time that suits you.
If you're not sure whether MLD is the right fit for you, I'm always happy to talk it through first — there's no pressure, just honest, caring guidance.
Kind words
What women say
Kind words from women I've had the privilege to support.
I went to Jenny for a postnatal appointment after my second c-section. She was really helpful and I felt like I was being cared for and assessed properly unlike the general postnatal follow up at my GP surgery!
I attended a postnatal check with Jenny. I found her very knowledgeable and gained lots of useful advice and tips to support my recovery. I would highly recommend.
I would definitely recommend seeking treatment and support from Jenny following pregnancy / birth. During the post natal check, she was thorough and extremely approachable.
Good to know
Manual lymphatic drainage FAQs
A few of the questions women ask me most about MLD.
When can I book The Natal Check after having my baby?
You're welcome from around six weeks after birth, once you've had your GP check. It's just as valuable months or even years on, so it's never too late to book.
What does The Natal Check involve?
It's a thorough postnatal check assessing your tummy muscles (diastasis recti), pelvic floor, posture, breathing and any scar. The pelvic floor assessment is external only — there is no internal examination. Together we build a personalised recovery plan tailored to you.
Do I need to be recently postnatal to benefit?
Not at all. Whether your baby is six weeks or several years old, your body can still respond beautifully. Many women come to me long after birth and see real improvements.
When can I start C-section or scar therapy?
Usually from around six weeks, once your scar has fully healed. Older scars respond well too, so gentle, hands-on scar therapy can help even years later.
What can scar therapy help with?
Gentle scar therapy can ease tightness, sensitivity, adhesions and restriction around C-section and other scars, helping you feel more comfortable and reconnect with your core.
What are the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)?
MLD is a light, rhythmic massage that supports your lymphatic system, helping to reduce swelling and fluid retention and aid post-surgical and postnatal recovery, while supporting your overall wellbeing.
Is 1:1 Pilates suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Beginners are very welcome. Every private session is tailored to you, so we start exactly where you are and build strength and confidence at your own pace.
Is Pilates safe during pregnancy?
Yes. My 1:1 antenatal Pilates uses gentle, clinical APPI methods tailored to each stage of pregnancy, always working in line with your midwife or GP's guidance so you feel safe and supported.
Can Pilates help during perimenopause or menopause?
Yes, it's one of my favourite things to support. Tailored 1:1 Pilates helps you build strength, stability and confidence through perimenopause and menopause, so you feel your very best.
Where is the studio and how do I book?
I'm based at Waterway House, Suite 2, Canal Street, Wigan, WN6 7NQ, easy to reach from Standish, Shevington, Orrell and Aspull. Just choose 'Request an Appointment' or get in touch to arrange your visit.
Explore
Looking for something else?
Manual lymphatic drainage sits alongside The Natal Check, Scar Therapy and 1:1 Pilates in my women’s health studio. Explore all my treatments to find the right support for where you are right now.
Ready to feel lighter and more like yourself?
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, finding your feet after birth, or simply in need of gentle care, I’d love to welcome you to my Wigan studio. Every session is warm, unhurried and tailored to you.
Jenny Richmond Studio · Waterway House, Suite 2, Canal Street, Wigan, WN6 7NQ Phone 07725 369390 · Email Jenny@jrsportstherapy.com Studio hours: Mon–Wed 1–5pm, Thu 8am–12pm