Lymphatic Massage for Lipoedema

At Rubenesque Lipoedema Clinic, your treatment is provided by a Registered Nurse (RN) and Accredited Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) Practitioner trained in the Casley-Smith method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)—Australia's original, evidence-based approach to the management of lipoedema, lymphoedema and chronic oedema.

Unlike a relaxation massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised clinical treatment designed to support lymphatic function, reduce swelling, improve tissue health, soften fibrosis and assist with symptom management. Every treatment is tailored to your individual presentation and forms part of a comprehensive conservative management plan.

The Casley-Smith method, developed by Dr John Casley-Smith, is based on Complex Physical Therapy (CPT)—the internationally recognised gold standard for managing chronic oedema. Rather than focusing on massage alone, it combines four key components:

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

  • Compression therapy

  • Skin care and infection prevention

  • Decongestive exercises and self-management

This integrated approach aims not only to improve lymphatic drainage during treatment but also to provide you with the knowledge and tools to achieve long-term symptom management.

You may have heard of the Vodder method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage. While both the Vodder and Casley-Smith methods share the same goal of improving lymphatic flow, the Casley-Smith method places greater emphasis on integrating MLD within a complete conservative management program, combining compression, exercise, skin care and patient education to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Our approach is grounded in Australian lymphology. Australia's only practising Lymphologist, Professor Neil Piller, trained under Dr John Casley-Smith and has continued to advance research and education in lymphatic disorders. By following the Casley-Smith method, we provide evidence-informed care that reflects current Australian best practice for the conservative management of lipoedema and lipo-lymphoedema.

Whether you have recently been diagnosed, are living with long-standing lipoedema, or are recovering from lipoedema surgery, our goal is to help you move more comfortably, reduce symptoms, and better understand your condition through safe, personalised, evidence-based care.

Book My Lymphatic Massage

Who is This Treatment For?

This treatment is suitable for women who:

A stylized checkmark inside a circle, likely representing approval or verification, on a black background.
A teal-colored checkmark inside a circle on a black background.
A teal-colored checkmark inside a teal circle on a black background.
Teal check mark inside a circle on a black background.
A teal-colored checkmark icon enclosed within a teal circle on a black background.

Experience heaviness or fluid congestion

Have tenderness or skin sensitivity

Are preparing for or recovering from surgery

Notice increased swelling during hormonal changes

Want structured lymphatic support as part of long-term management

Lymphatic drainage massage treatment for lipoedema improving circulation and fluid movement

What We Cover During Your Appointment

Your session begins with assessment and finishes with tailored lymphatic therapy designed specifically for your presentation.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Each session is tailored to your stage of lipoedema, symptom severity and emotional comfort.

Fibrosis & Tissue Care

Where appropriate, we address areas of firmness or fibrosis using carefully adapted techniques & technologies.

Skin & Tissue Assessment

We assess skin integrity, tenderness levels, mobility, fluid presentation and overall tissue response before beginning treatment.

Gentle, rhythmic techniques are used to encourage lymphatic flow without placing strain on fragile or sensitive tissue.

Individualised Treatment Planning

  • Gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques are used to encourage lymphatic movement, helping to reduce the sensation of heaviness and visible fluid accumulation commonly experienced with lipoedema.

  • By supporting circulation and easing tissue congestion, treatment may help reduce discomfort and improve ease of movement, particularly in areas affected by tenderness or swelling.

  • Post-operative lymphatic support can assist with managing swelling, reducing fibrosis, assessment for seroma potential, encouraging fluid reabsorption and supporting safe, structured healing in collaboration with your surgical team.

  • Targeted techniques, including the use of Therapeutic Electrostatic Oscillation where appropriate, & Medical grade LED may help soften areas of firmness or fibrosis and improve tissue pliability over time.

  • Regular, tailored lymphatic therapy supports the body’s natural drainage processes and can form an important part of long-term lipoedema management.

    Self MLD is taught and encouraged to maintain a healthy lymphatic system.

How Lymphatic Massage May Support You

Our approach is gentle, structured and adapted to the unique needs of women living with lipoedema.

Therapeutic Electrostatic Oscillation (TEO)

Where appropriate, we incorporate Therapeutic Electrostatic Oscillation to further support lymphatic drainage and reduce fibrosis. This advanced technology uses deep oscillation to assist fluid movement while remaining comfortable and non-invasive.