Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Boulder, Denver & Castle Rock.

At Aligned Body Integration, we offer advanced lymphatic drainage massage to help your body reduce swelling, move excess fluid, support immune function, and restore natural balance. This gentle, clinical yet soothing work improves the body’s internal circulation, reduces inflammation, and creates a sense of lightness in the skin, tissues, and entire body.

We specialize in manual lymph drainage, a refined technique that supports the lymphatic system and encourages optimal lymph flow. This approach is ideal for clients recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or simply wanting to improve their overall wellness and energy.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT)?

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) is a specialized method designed to support the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymph fluid, and tissues responsible for immune response and waste removal. While the therapy is clinically known as LDT, most people refer to it as lymphatic drainage massage, lymphatic massage, or manual lymph drainage. All forms work to reduce congestion, support detoxification, and promote healthier circulation throughout the body.

How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Works

Lymphatic drainage massage uses light pressure, gentle stretching of the skin, and slow rhythmic movements to:

• promote circulation and lymph flow

• reduce excess fluid and swelling

• support the body’s detoxification process

• move lymph fluid toward functioning lymph nodes

• encourage healthier blood circulation

• decrease inflammation and discomfort

• improve the condition of the skin and tissues

This gentle technique works with the natural rhythm of the lymphatic vessels. For people with a compromised lymphatic system — such as those recovering from breast cancer treatment, surgery, or medical treatment clogs — lymphatic massage can provide meaningful relief and support healing.

What Is Manual Lymph Drainage?

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is an advanced, medically recognized method developed to:

• stimulate lymph flow

• relieve symptoms related to swelling

• treat lymphedema and lymphatic congestion

• reduce inflammation in the tissues

• improve mobility and comfort

• support patients with chronic conditions

MLD is recommended by healthcare professionals, physical therapists, and certified lymphedema therapists for clients experiencing:

• lymphedema

• chronic venous insufficiency

• post-traumatic swelling

• breast cancer–related lymphatic changes

• chronic inflammatory conditions

This technique is often referred to as lymphatic massage, lymph drainage massage, or manual lymphatic drainage, depending on the setting. While the names differ, the purpose remains consistent: to improve lymph flow and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Who Can Benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Massage

1. Lymphedema & Lymphatic Congestion

Lymphatic drainage massage helps:

• treat lymphedema

• relieve lymphedema

• drain excess fluid

• reduce heaviness, pressure, and discomfort

• support healthy lymph vessel function

It is commonly recommended for patients recovering from breast cancer treatment, lymph node removal, or other medical procedures affecting lymph flow.

2. Post-Surgery Recovery

Manual lymph drainage is extremely beneficial after:

• cosmetic surgery

• orthopedic procedures

• cancer-related surgeries

• abdominal or pelvic operations

It helps:

• reduce swelling and inflammation

• move lymph fluid away from affected areas

• prevent fluid pockets

• improve mobility and comfort

• speed recovery

Your practitioner may also recommend using a compression garment or pairing sessions with compression therapy for best results.

3. Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Lymphatic massage helps improve circulation in the legs, reducing:

• swelling

• heaviness

• skin tenderness

• discomfort related to poor venous return

4. Breast Cancer–Related Support

Clients recovering from breast cancer treatment benefit from lymph drainage massage to:

• reduce swelling

• ease pain

• support scar mobility

• improve lymph circulation

• reduce symptoms related to node removal

5. Chronic Illness, Inflammation & Pain Management

Lymphatic massage supports people with conditions such as:

• rheumatoid arthritis

• fibromyalgia

• chronic inflammation

• chronic pain

• post-traumatic symptoms

By encouraging healthier circulation and reducing stagnant fluid, many clients experience improved comfort and range of motion.

Lymphatic Massage for Complex Health Conditions

Many clients seek lymphatic support because they are living with ongoing health conditions that affect circulation, comfort, or mobility. A compromised lymphatic system can make it harder for the body to regulate swelling, inflammation, or recovery after stress or illness. Manual lymph drainage offers a gentle way to support the tissues while working alongside your existing medical care.

This work can be especially supportive for health conditions such as:

• autoimmune disorders

• chronic inflammatory diseases

• long-term swelling or fluid retention

• post-viral fatigue

• metabolic challenges

• chronic venous insufficiency

By improving lymph flow and reducing stagnation, lymphatic massage helps many clients experience less discomfort, more clarity, and a renewed sense of ease in their daily lives.

6. General Wellness, Skin Health & Detox

Even without a medical condition, lymphatic massage helps:

• support the immune system

• encourage detoxification

• improve skin tone and texture

• reduce puffiness

• enhance lymph flow

• promote overall wellness

• reduce the risk of stagnation

• support recovery after periods of low physical activity

Many clients schedule regular sessions to maintain improved energy, comfort, and clarity.

How Lymphatic Massage Supports Exercise and Recovery

Regular exercise is essential for circulation and long-term wellness, but it can also place increased demand on the lymphatic system. After intense workouts, strength training, running, or endurance sports, metabolic waste and fluid can accumulate in the tissues. Lymphatic massage helps clear these waste products, reduce swelling, and restore fluid balance so your body can recover more efficiently.

This is especially beneficial for clients experiencing:

• muscle fatigue

• swelling after high-intensity exercise

• joint stiffness

• reduced mobility

• delayed recovery

By improving lymph flow and supporting healthier blood circulation, lymph drainage massage helps athletes and active individuals feel lighter, more flexible, and more energized. It can also reduce the risk of recurring inflammation, support pain management, and maintain better movement patterns over time.

Lifestyle Support: Movement, Exercise, and Daily Wellness

Healthy lymph flow is closely linked to movement. Activities such as walking, stretching, yoga, and gentle exercise help activate the natural pump of the lymphatic vessels. When paired with lymphatic drainage massage, these habits create a powerful foundation for reducing inflammation, supporting detoxification, and maintaining long-term wellness.

Even small daily habits — deep breathing, mindful movement, hydration, and periods of rest — help the lymphatic system do its job. Many clients find that adding a series of lymphatic sessions encourages more ease during exercise, less tension during recovery, and more balance in their overall physical health.

Is Lymphatic Massage Good After Exercise?

Yes. Lymphatic massage supports recovery after exercise by helping move metabolic waste, reduce swelling, ease tension, and restore healthy circulation.

Can This Help with Existing Health Conditions?

Many clients with ongoing health conditions — including swelling disorders, chronic inflammation, autoimmune challenges, or fatigue — benefit from the gentle support of lymph drainage massage and manual lymph drainage.

Is It Safe for Most People?

Lymphatic massage is generally safe for most patients, including those receiving medical treatment or working with a healthcare professional. Your practitioner will always review your needs to ensure your safety.

What to Expect During a Session

A session of lymphatic massage is deeply relaxing, calming, and performed fully clothed. Your practitioner uses slow hand motions, gentle pressure, and wave-like techniques to support lymph flow throughout the body.

Areas commonly addressed include:

• neck

• clavicle region

• chest

• abdomen

• hips

• arms

• legs

• areas affected by swelling or tension

You may feel subtle warmth, shifting fluid, or a light pulsing sensation. Most clients report feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded after just one session of lymph drainage massage.

This gentle form of bodywork is safe for most clients, including those working with a physical therapist, patient care team, or healthcare professional.

Why Carolyn’s Approach Is Different

Carolyn has more than 15 years of experience in advanced bodywork, including training in:

• Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (Chikly Method)

• manual lymph drainage techniques

• craniosacral therapy

• soft tissue manipulation

• pain management considerations

• trauma-informed care

She works gently but with deep precision, supporting both physical and emotional ease. Clients often describe her presence as grounding, intuitive, and compassionate.

Her goal is to improve your overall wellness, help your body move more freely, and support your recovery with care that honors the body's own intelligence.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

Frequency depends on your condition:

• Lymphedema or chronic symptoms: several sessions + compression therapy

• Post-surgery recovery: 2–3 sessions per week initially

• Inflammation or swelling: weekly until symptoms improve

• General wellness: every 2–4 weeks

• Skin health or detox: seasonally or as needed

Every plan is personalized based on your goals and your body’s response.

Ready to Restore Ease, Circulation, and Balance?

If you’re ready to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and support your whole-body wellness, lymphatic drainage massage offers a gentle, effective path to healing.

📍 Boulder
📍 Denver
📍 Castle Rock

Schedule your lymphatic drainage massage today.