Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialized, gentle massage technique designed to stimulate the body's lymphatic system, enhancing fluid circulation and promoting the removal of toxins and waste.

Through precise, rhythmic hand movements targeting lymph nodes and pathways, manual lymphatic drainage effectively reduces swelling, boosts the immune system, and aids in recovery from surgery or injury. This therapeutic approach supports detoxification, speeds up healing, reduces pain, improves skin health, and more!

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • By improving lymph flow, MLD helps transport lymphocytes and other immune cells throughout the body, bolstering the immune system's efficiency.

  • The gentle movements of MLD assist in the removal of metabolic waste and toxins from tissues, promoting overall detoxification and enhancing skin health.

  • MLD accelerates the recovery process after surgery or injury by reducing swelling and bruising, leading to quicker tissue regeneration and healing.

  • The technique can alleviate discomfort associated with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic venous insufficiency by reducing fluid retention and inflammation.

  • MLD promotes the drainage of lymphatic fluid, effectively reducing swelling in conditions like lymphedema and post-surgical edema.

  • MLD gently reduces swelling and fluid congestion, helping improve contour and skin comfort. It leaves tissues feeling lighter, smoother, and more at ease.

  • By enhancing circulation and detoxification, MLD can improve the appearance of the skin, making it look healthier and more vibrant.

  • MLD can help reduce sinus pressure and congestion, providing relief from sinusitis and other respiratory issues.

  • The gentle, rhythmic nature of MLD promotes relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety levels, and improving overall mental well-being.

  • MLD can support weight loss efforts and reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving lymphatic drainage and circulation.

Regular MLD sessions can contribute to a sense of well-being by maintaining optimal lymphatic function, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes, and promoting overall health.

Julie Fournier

P.T.

Our Holistic Physiotherapist

Julie Fournier is a compassionate physiotherapist who is passionate about helping individuals move better, feel stronger, and regain confidence in their bodies. She has a special focus on oncology (cancer) rehabilitation, chronic pain, and hypermobility (including Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome). She is dedicated to helping individuals navigate complex health conditions with confidence, restore function, and improve their quality of life.

Graduated in 2018 at 40 years old, Julie completed her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at the University of Calgary (2016) and her Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta (2018). Since then, she has pursued extensive post-graduate training, including advanced orthopedic courses through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Manual Lymph Drainage certification (certified lymphedema therapist) through Klose Training, as well as additional training in acupuncture, pain neuroscience practices and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. She also has extensive and valuable clinical experience working in Rehabilitation Oncology and at a Chronic Pain Centre.

Julie takes a holistic, evidence-informed and patient-centered approach to care, combining manual therapy, cupping, and exercise-based rehabilitation within a biopsychosocial framework. She believes in treating the whole person—not just the injury—and works closely with each patient to develop personalized, one-on-one treatment plans tailored to their goals, lifestyle, and abilities.

Her clinical passion lies in supporting individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Julie helps patients manage treatment-related side effects such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), axillary web syndrome, post-surgical and radiation-related pain and stiffness, and lymphedema through manual lymph drainage. She also works with patients to improve strength, mobility, balance, and overall function throughout their cancer journey.

Julie also has a strong interest in chronic pain and hypermobility. She integrates pain neuroscience education and practical, evidence-informed strategies to help patients better understand their pain, reduce fear around movement, and build resilience. When working with individuals with hypermobility, Julie focuses on improving joint stability, strength, and body awareness to support safe, confident movement and reduce the risk of injury.

Julie is known for her empathetic, supportive, and motivating approach. She strives to create a safe and empowering environment where patients feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their care. Her goal is to help each person regain confidence in their body and return to the activities that matter most to them.

BOOK WITH JULIE

Cancer and cancer treatment can lead to a build up of toxins in the body or to a condition called lymphedema; a chronic swelling condition that develops when the lymphatic system is impaired and cannot keep up with draining the lymphatic load.

Julie has been working with cancer patients for many years and is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She offers Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in addition to her holistic physiotherapy services.

MLD is supportive in situations where lymph nodes are removed, following radiation or other cancer treatments, or in cases where swelling doesn’t subside properly after surgery. It supports the body in fighting infection, expelling toxins, reducing inflammation, and is especially effective in cases of lymphedema. In addition to its remarkable healing benefits, it is also incredibly relaxing and helps regulate the nervous system.

MLD can be an independent treatment or part of a holistic physiotherapy session. Whether you book this session independently or receive MLD as part of a holistic physiotherapy session, this service is billed under physiotherapy.

To determine which approach is best for you, book a free 15-minute meet and greet with Julie!

Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Cancer with Julie

Insurance and Direct Billing

Many of the services offered at Maliya may be eligible for insurance coverage. Before booking, please review your practitioner’s bio (located at the bottom of their profile) to confirm their designation and if your insurance provider(s) are able to provide coverage.

Please note that we cannot guarantee coverage for any specific service, as eligibility depends on your individual insurance plan/policy. For this reason, we strongly recommend confirming your coverage details directly with your insurance provider prior to booking, including whether your service may be eligible under a Health Care Spending Account.

Once coverage has been confirmed, please contact us to determine whether we are able to direct bill your insurance company or if you will require an invoice receipt to submit for reimbursement.

MLD with Julie is billed under Physiotherapy