Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Downtown Vancouver
What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage — usually shortened to MLD — is one of the gentlest treatments in a massage clinic. Instead of firm pressure on muscle, your therapist uses slow, light, rhythmic contact on the skin. Most people describe it as quiet and calming, and find it an easy appointment to settle into. At Everest Therapeutics, 970 Burrard Street in downtown Vancouver, a first appointment is 60 minutes and costs $145 plus GST.
At Everest Therapeutics, MLD is offered by Registered Massage Therapists who have trained specifically in the technique. We name them on this page so you know exactly who you are booking with.
A Gentle, Carefully Paced Treatment
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that sits close to the surface of the body and helps move fluid through the tissues. Because those vessels are shallow and delicate, MLD works with a fraction of the pressure used in deep tissue or trigger point work.
The rhythm is steady, the pace is slow, and sessions are usually quiet. Your therapist explains the approach before starting, adapts it to your health history and your reason for the visit, works within their training and scope as a massage therapist, and checks in with you as you go.
Last updated: September 2026
Registered Massage Therapists Trained in Lymphatic Drainage
Two of our therapists offer lymphatic drainage, and the two appointments are different. Book the one that matches what you are looking for. Sophie has completed Dr. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage training, Levels I–III.
Who Books Manual Lymphatic Drainage
People usually come to us for MLD when they:
- If they have been referred to us by a GP or Specialist
- People that are recovering from a surgical procedure
- prefer very light pressure and find firmer massage uncomfortable
- want a slower, quieter session than a general relaxation massage
- have been advised by a healthcare professional to look into gentle manual care
- want to check that a particular RMT’s training and appointment type suit them
Whether MLD is the right fit is a conversation, not something a web page can settle. Your RMT will talk it through with you, and will say so if a different treatment — or none at all — would serve you better.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first visit starts with a conversation. Your RMT asks about your goals, your health history, anything your care team has recommended, and what you are hoping to get out of the session. They explain what they are proposing and get your consent before any hands-on work begins.
A typical session includes:
- slow, light, rhythmic contact on the skin
- work in a specific sequence rather than on one painful spot
- long, quiet stretches with little conversation
- check-ins on your comfort as you go
- a few notes on what to expect afterwards
Pressure stays gentle throughout, and you can ask for a change or stop at any point.
Bring any referral or care-plan information with you. Please don’t send private medical details by email.
Is Lymphatic Drainage Painful?
No. MLD is the lightest technique an RMT offers, and most people find the pressure well inside a comfortable range. Some feel relaxed or sleepy during and after a session. Others notice they need the washroom more than usual, or feel tired for the rest of the day. All of that is ordinary. If anything feels uncomfortable, say so and your therapist will adjust.
Manual and Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage
You will see both names used, and they are not the same appointment.
Manual lymphatic drainage is the classical light-touch technique described above. At Everest it is offered by Sophie Cascade, RMT.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage developed separately and uses a firmer, more vigorous style of contact. At Everest it is offered by Tanya Bayda, RMT.
Not sure which one suits you? Book with either therapist and raise it at the start of your appointment, or call reception at 604-633-9593 and we will help you choose.
What Manual Lymphatic Drainage Is Not
MLD is marketed in some places as a detox treatment, an immune booster, a remedy for colds and flu, or a fix for a sluggish lymphatic system. We describe it differently, because we would rather tell you what the treatment actually is than what we wish it did.
We also don’t advertise MLD as a treatment for swelling or for lymphedema. That care sits inside a medical plan, with a clinician trained for it, and it deserves more than a general massage booking.
What MLD is: a very gentle, very quiet hour with a therapist trained in the technique.
Before You Book
If you are recovering from surgery, an injury, or medical treatment, talk to your surgeon, physician, or care team first, and tell your RMT your full history before the appointment. That matters most with recent surgery, cancer treatment, a vascular condition, an active infection, or a complex medical condition. Your therapist will adapt the session, or ask you to come back once your care team has cleared you. That isn’t a brush-off — it is how we keep the treatment safe for you.
Please don’t use massage to manage swelling that is sudden or unexplained. Seek urgent medical attention for swelling together with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or severe symptoms. Seek timely medical advice for a newly swollen limb on one side, redness, warmth, fever, severe pain, or a rapid change after surgery or illness.
Fees and Direct Billing
Lymphatic drainage is booked as two distinct appointments at Everest Therapeutics, and the fees differ:
- Manual lymphatic drainage with Sophie Cascade, RMT — 60 minutes, $145
- Brazilian lymphatic drainage with Tanya Bayda, RMT — 60 minutes, $240
GST is added to the prices listed above. Current fees are confirmed on our pricing page and at the time of booking.
We submit claims directly to your insurer at the time of your appointment when your extended health plan allows it. Coverage, annual limits and the amount paid are set by your plan, so it is worth checking your remaining balance before you come in. Anything your plan doesn’t cover is payable at the clinic.
Why Book Lymphatic Drainage at Everest
Everest Therapeutics is one of downtown Vancouver’s leading registered massage therapy clinics. Our clinic focuses on RMT care, soft tissue treatment, pain relief, mobility, stress-related tension, and recovery support.
Clients choose Everest because:
- We name the specific RMTs trained in lymphatic drainage rather than implying everyone offers it
- We are conveniently located in Downtown Vancouver
- We have a team of 30+ RMTs to support you in all your massage therapy needs
- You can book online through Jane or call reception at 604-633-9593
- We are open seven days a week from 7 AM to 9 PM
- We are clear about what this treatment is and what it isn’t
- We are backed by strong client feedback
Plan Your Visit
Everest Therapeutics is located at 970 Burrard Street, MZ2, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R4, in the Electra Building at the corner of Burrard and Nelson. Check the contact page for the correct building entrance, elevator access, and parking before your first appointment.
Related Treatments
- Craniosacral Therapy Vancouver
- Myofascial Release Vancouver
- Visceral Manipulation Vancouver
- Relaxation Massage Vancouver
- Pregnancy Massage Vancouver
- Postpartum
- Meet Our Registered Massage Therapists
- Pricing
- Direct Billing
- Contact
Client reviews
“Tanya Bayda is a fantastic RMT! I’ve been a client of hers for a number of years. She treated me during my pregnancy and while I was postnatal, and I continue to count on her treatments to help keep me healthy. Plus, her Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage byTrine™ treatment is awesome!”
Manual Lymphatic Drainage FAQs
No — two of our therapists offer lymphatic drainage, and their profiles confirm the training and the appointment type. Book with Sophie Cascade, RMT for manual lymphatic drainage, or Tanya Bayda, RMT for Brazilian lymphatic drainage.
No, not for those reasons. MLD is a gentle massage technique, not a treatment for illness. If you are unwell, a physician is the right first call — and we will be glad to see you once you are feeling better.
No, you do not need a referral to get treatment for MLD by an RMT. A referral may be a requirement from your insurance plan to get reimbursed. Call us at 604-633-9593 and we will tell you what applies to you.
Yes, we direct bill when your extended health plan allows it. Eligibility and coverage vary by policy, so confirm your own plan details before booking.