The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The two-day Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage course at London School of Massage is designed for qualified massage and sports massage therapists who want to add gentle and professionally applied MLD techniques to their existing practice.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, commonly known as MLD, uses light, rhythmic and carefully directed movements applied along the body’s lymphatic drainage pathways. Students learn relevant lymphatic anatomy, treatment principles, contraindications and a structured full-body routine through tutor demonstrations, supervised partner practice and ongoing assessment.
Training is delivered by experienced massage educators, including qualified osteopaths and healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, manual therapy and professional client safety.
Important: This course teaches general Manual Lymphatic Drainage for appropriately qualified therapists. It does not qualify students to treat or manage lymphoedema, which requires separate specialist clinical training, suitable insurance and appropriate referral pathways.
| Course name | Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course |
| Course type | Accredited Continuing Professional Development course |
| Course duration | Two days |
| Suitable for | Qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and other eligible soft-tissue practitioners |
| Entry qualification | Recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent |
| Study format | Face-to-face practical classroom training |
| Practical training | MLD techniques and a structured full-body Manual Lymphatic Drainage routine |
| Theory training | Lymphatic anatomy, drainage pathways, treatment principles, contraindications and professional practice |
| Course materials | Digital course materials and electronic certificate |
| Assessment | Ongoing practical assessment throughout both training days |
| Formal examination | No separate written or external practical examination |
| Certification | Accredited London School of Massage CPD certificate, subject to meeting the required practical standard |
| Accreditation | FHT, CMA, BCMA, IGCT and IICT |
| CPD points | 14 CPD points |
| Professional use | Integration of general MLD techniques into an existing insured massage practice |
| Clinical limitation | Does not qualify students to treat or manage lymphoedema |
| Training location | London School of Massage, Caledonian Road near King’s Cross |
| Progression | Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Sculpting, Scar Therapy Massage and further advanced massage training |
| Booking | Students can enrol directly through the Manual Lymphatic Drainage course page |
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialist massage method using slow, light and rhythmical movements to work along the body’s superficial lymphatic pathways.
During this classroom-based course, tutors demonstrate each technique before students practise in pairs under close supervision. Students receive ongoing correction and feedback on pressure, rhythm, direction, positioning and professional application.
Training includes:
The course is suitable for qualified:
It is not an entry-level massage course. Students who do not yet hold an eligible qualification should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage.
Qualified practitioners can also explore the wider range of massage courses for qualified therapists.
Students benefit from:
The course develops the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to perform a safe, gentle and professionally structured Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment.
Students learn:
Practical training includes:
Students learn:
This course does not include the clinical treatment or management of lymphoedema.
Students must hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent that includes appropriate Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Applicants must also:
Students who do not hold an eligible qualification may attend only with prior approval and may receive a certificate of attendance rather than an accredited practitioner CPD certificate.
Anyone unsure about eligibility should contact London School of Massage and provide a copy of their qualification before booking.
Students work as both therapist and model during the course.
They should be prepared to practise and receive techniques on different body areas while following professional draping, hygiene and classroom procedures.
Students with a health condition, pregnancy, recent surgery, active infection or mobility restriction that may affect participation should contact the school before enrolling.
There are no separate written examinations or external practical examinations.
Assessment takes place continuously throughout both training days through:
Students must attend both days and demonstrate the required practical competence before the accredited CPD certificate is awarded.
Successful students receive a London School of Massage Manual Lymphatic Drainage CPD certificate.
The course is accredited or approved by FHT, CMA, BCMA, IGCT and IICT and carries 14 CPD points. Further information is available on the school’s Accreditations and Approvals page.
This is an accredited CPD course rather than a separate Ofqual-regulated qualification. Students must hold an eligible underlying massage qualification and obtain suitable professional therapist insurance before using MLD commercially.
The certificate does not qualify practitioners to provide clinical treatment or management of lymphoedema.
Qualified therapists may integrate general Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques into an existing insured massage or complementary therapy practice where the treatment falls within their qualifications, competence and professional scope.
MLD may complement work in:
Practitioners must avoid diagnosing medical conditions or making unsupported claims about detoxification, immunity, disease or clinical recovery.
Clients with diagnosed or suspected lymphoedema must be referred to a suitably qualified clinical lymphoedema practitioner.
Therapists interested in faster-paced cosmetic and body-sculpting applications may progress to the Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Sculpting course.
Other suitable progression options include:
Specialist lymphoedema treatment requires separate clinical training beyond the scope of this course.
This course is designed for qualified massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners who want to add gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques to their existing practice.
To receive the accredited CPD certificate, students must hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Students who are unsure about their eligibility should send London School of Massage a copy of their qualification before booking.
The course is primarily designed for qualified therapists because it builds on existing massage skills and knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Students without an eligible Level 3 qualification may attend for personal development but will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than the accredited CPD certificate. Attendance alone may not provide the qualifications or insurance needed to offer Manual Lymphatic Drainage professionally.
Students learn the anatomy and function of the lymphatic system and how to apply gentle, rhythmic Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques safely and confidently.
Practical training includes appropriate pressure, rhythm, direction and sequencing as well as techniques for the head, face, neck, arms, abdomen, legs and back. Students also learn consultation, contraindications, drainage pathways, treatment planning, aftercare and professional boundaries.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses slow, light and rhythmic techniques and is generally focused on gentle lymphatic support, fluid movement and relaxation.
Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage typically uses a faster and more dynamic approach combined with body-contouring and sculpting techniques.
Therapists interested in the aesthetic approach can view the Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Sculpting Course.
Note: Neither short course qualifies therapists to treat medical lymphoedema.
There is no formal written or practical examination.
Students are assessed throughout the course through supervised practice, tutor observation and individual feedback. An accredited CPD certificate is awarded when the tutor is satisfied that the required practical competencies and safety standards have been achieved.
No. London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and classroom equipment required during practical training.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques, so a separate model is not required.
Yes. Classes are open to all genders and students normally work together in pairs during practical training.
Students take turns acting as both therapist and client. Professional conduct, informed consent, appropriate draping, privacy and student dignity are maintained throughout every practical session.
London School of Massage provides the equipment required during classroom training and no specialist Manual Lymphatic Drainage tools are needed. For the practical in-person sessions, you will need to bring:
Further information would be provided after purchasing and joining the course.
Therapists wishing to offer the treatment professionally will need access to a suitable massage couch and standard treatment supplies required.
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