“Lymphatic drainage massage” is used online for several different services. The established hands-on method is manual lymphatic drainage. Embod’s Body Roll and compression boots use machines and should not be presented as the same treatment.
The quickest way to avoid the wrong booking: ask whether the treatment is hands-on, rolling or pneumatic compression before comparing the price.
What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage, usually shortened to MLD, is a specialised hands-on massage technique. Cancer Council Australia describes MLD used in lymphoedema care as massage that must be performed by a lymphoedema practitioner.
Provider training, pressure, appointment length, price and scope can vary. If MLD has been recommended by a doctor or surgeon, ask what qualification the provider should hold. The Australasian Lymphology Association explains its practitioner accreditation and consumer directory.
What is Body Roll?
Body Roll at Embod is a guided, machine-based massage treatment. Warm wooden rollers apply rhythmic pressure while you move through 17 positions from feet to shoulders. Our team demonstrates the positions and sets the roller speed and pressure with you.
The treatment lasts 45 minutes. You stay clothed in fitted activewear and socks. Body Roll is a studio wellness treatment, not manual lymphatic drainage or medical care.
What are sequential compression boots?
Compression boots wrap around the legs and use inflatable chambers. At Embod, the chambers inflate and deflate in sequence from feet to thighs, creating adjustable rhythmic pressure during a 30-minute treatment.
Compression is focused on the legs. Body Roll is a different machine and moves through positions from feet to shoulders. Neither should be substituted for a clinical treatment recommended by a healthcare professional.
Compare the three methods
| Method | What provides the pressure? | What do you do? | Where to book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual lymphatic drainage | A practitioner’s hands | Follow the provider’s instructions | A suitably trained MLD or lymphoedema practitioner |
| Body Roll | Warm powered wooden rollers | Move through 17 guided positions | Embod East Brisbane |
| Compression boots | Inflatable chambers around the legs | Recline while the pressure sequence runs | Embod East Brisbane |
Which Brisbane option should you choose?
If a clinician recommended MLD
Follow the clinical recommendation and find a practitioner with the requested training. Do not book Body Roll because the page uses the word “lymphatic”.
If you want a machine-based full-body massage
Read the Body Roll treatment page. It shows the machine, explains the 17 positions and lists the current $59 first-visit and $79 single-treatment prices.
If you want adjustable pressure on the legs
Read the compression boots page. The 30-minute treatment is $29 alone or $19 when added to another treatment.
What should you ask any provider?
- What is the exact name and method of the treatment?
- Who provides it and what training do they hold?
- Is it a wellness service or clinical care?
- How long is it, what does it cost and what clothing is required?
- What should you do if you are pregnant, recovering from surgery or managing a health condition?
Before booking with a health condition
Healthdirect advises speaking with a doctor before using massage for a health issue and lists circumstances where massage may not be appropriate. Read its current massage therapy guidance and follow advice specific to you.
Looking for Embod’s machine treatment?
See the full Body Roll page or email studio@embod.com.au if you need help understanding the equipment before booking.
See Body Roll at Embod
