Post-surgery recovery massage on the Gold Coast
After surgery, the body has a lot to do: clear fluid, calm inflammation, heal tissue and settle scarring. The lymphatic system does much of that clearing work, and after a procedure it can become sluggish and overloaded, leaving the area swollen, heavy and slow to settle. Gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light, specialised technique designed to support that natural clearing process and help you feel more comfortable through recovery.
Laura holds a specific post-graduate certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, in addition to her Diploma of Remedial Massage, so this is dedicated, trained work rather than ordinary massage applied gently. It has become one of the treatments clients most often seek her out for.
What MLD helps with after surgery
Once you are cleared to begin, MLD can help to:
- Reduce swelling and that heavy, full feeling around the surgical area
- Support the lymphatic system as it clears fluid and calms inflammation
- Encourage more comfortable, even healing
- Help soften and mobilise settling scar tissue (once healed enough)
- Ease the general fatigue and tension that recovery brings
MLD is commonly used after cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, orthopaedic procedures, and other operations where post-operative swelling is expected.
How MLD is different from regular massage
MLD looks and feels completely different from a normal massage. Instead of firm pressure into muscle, it uses very light, slow, rhythmic, directional strokes that work with the lymphatic vessels sitting just beneath the skin. It should feel gentle and calming — not deep or intense. Because the technique is precise and specific, it needs proper training to do well, which is why Laura's dedicated MLD certification matters for this work.
Medical clearance comes first
This is important: please do not book post-surgery MLD until your surgeon or treating doctor has cleared you to begin. Every procedure and recovery is different, and your surgeon will advise when it is safe to start hands-on work and any areas to avoid. Once you have that clearance, MLD can be a valuable, gentle part of your recovery. If you are unsure whether it is the right time, message Laura and share what your surgeon has advised, and she will let you know honestly.
What a session looks like
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your procedure, where you are in recovery, and what your surgeon has advised. Laura then works with the light, methodical MLD technique in the appropriate areas, at a pace the tissue can tolerate. Sessions are calm and gentle, and many clients find them deeply relaxing as well as helpful. Because recovery is a process, a series of sessions over the weeks following clearance usually gives the best result — Laura will suggest a sensible schedule for your situation.
Health fund rebates
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is claimable with most private health extras that include remedial massage, as Laura is ATMS-registered. Mention it when booking so your invoice is prepared correctly.
Book your recovery treatment in Runaway Bay
Once your surgeon has cleared you, gentle MLD can make recovery more comfortable. Book online 24/7 via Fresha, or call 0493 428 064. Our Runaway Bay studio serves the wider Gold Coast.