Lymphatic Drainage by Occupational Therapists
We are an independent practice in Brighton dedicated to ensuring every lymphatic drainage session is performed by a state-licensed Occupational Therapist — specifically trained and certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. No shortcuts. No uncertified staff. Just genuine, clinically-grounded care.
The Certified Difference
Many local chiropractic offices and wellness spas advertise "lymphatic massage" — but very few practitioners are formally trained, certified, or licensed at the level of an Occupational Therapist. When it comes to your lymphatic health, that difference matters enormously.
Michigan law recognizes Occupational Therapists as qualified practitioners for lymphatic drainage therapy. Our team holds state licensure and formal MLD certification — giving you the highest standard of care available outside a hospital setting.
Our Services
Every service is delivered by a licensed, certified Occupational Therapist. We offer both therapeutic treatment and education so you understand your body and can maintain your results at home.
Your Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) will fully customize your lymphatic drainage treatment. Includes full-body MLD using Vodder or Földi technique — light, rhythmic strokes that stimulate lymph flow, reduce swelling, and support immune function.
A focused 40-minute MLD session for a specific area of concern — ideal for localized swelling, sinus issues, facial lymphatic drainage, or a single limb. Perfect for maintenance between full sessions.
A comprehensive 75-minute session for clients needing full-body lymphatic drainage plus targeted area work or compression management. Ideal for complex cases, lymphedema patients, or post-operative recovery requiring extra attention.
Up to 30-minute in-person or video consultation for education, assessment, and care planning. Ideal for lymphedema, lipedema, and post-surgical patients who need a personalized treatment roadmap before starting sessions.
A 30-minute consultation for lymphedema short-stretch compression bandaging. Your therapist will evaluate your needs, demonstrate proper technique, and create a bandaging plan as part of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
Under prior evaluation and recommendation by your therapist, therapeutic modalities may be added to enhance your lymphatic drainage session. Includes cupping, kinesiology taping, and other complementary techniques.
Save with Packages
Support your body's natural detox, boost circulation, and improve overall well-being. Designed for healthy individuals seeking proactive lymphatic maintenance — not post-surgical recovery.
Book PackageOur most popular recovery package. Designed to accelerate healing, reduce swelling, and improve comfort after surgery — including liposuction, tummy tuck, BBL, mastectomy, and joint replacement.
Book PackageA shorter post-operative package for patients needing focused recovery support. Same expert care and surgical recovery protocols as our 5-session package in a condensed format.
Book PackageGift Cards Available — from $85 to $500. Give the gift of healing and relief. Purchase a gift card →
Conditions We Help
Lymphatic drainage therapy has evidence-based applications across a wide range of conditions. Our licensed OTs can properly assess whether you're a candidate.
We believe informed patients get better outcomes. Every new patient receives a thorough education on how their lymphatic system works, what's driving their symptoms, and what they can do at home to maintain progress.
Patient Experiences
After my mastectomy, the swelling in my arm was unbearable. Three other places I tried weren't helping. The team at Certified Lymphcare actually knew what they were doing — the difference after just two sessions was remarkable. I finally feel like myself again.
I went to a chiro office first that said they did lymphatic drainage. It didn't help at all. A friend told me to find someone actually certified. Certified Lymphcare was the answer — they assessed me properly from day one and the results have been night and day.
The education I received here changed how I manage my condition. I can now do self-drainage at home and actually understand what's happening in my body. The sessions are incredibly relaxing and the staff takes time to answer every question I have.
Our Credentials
Certified Lymphcare was founded with one mission: to bring properly credentialed lymphatic therapy to the Brighton area. Every therapist on our team is a state-licensed Occupational Therapist with specialized MLD certification.
All therapists hold active Michigan Occupational Therapist licensure — a legally recognized healthcare credential.
Formally trained in MLD through accredited programs (Vodder/Földi method) — not abbreviated weekend workshops.
Full CDT training enables us to manage diagnosed lymphedema cases that other practices cannot safely treat.
Our team stays current with advances in lymphatic research and therapy through regular professional development.
Common Questions
No. While chiropractic offices may offer what they call "lymphatic massage," chiropractors are not licensed to practice occupational therapy or to specifically treat lymphatic conditions in Michigan. Our therapists are licensed Occupational Therapists with formal Manual Lymphatic Drainage certification — a completely different scope of practice and level of training.
For general wellness sessions, post-surgical recovery, and general swelling concerns, no referral is needed. For diagnosed lymphedema management (Complete Decongestive Therapy), a physician referral is recommended and may be required for insurance purposes.
Coverage varies by plan. Lymphedema treatment performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist is covered under many insurance plans as medically necessary therapy. We recommend calling your insurance provider. We also accept HSA and FSA cards for all services.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses very light, specific strokes (about the weight of a nickel on your skin) that follow the anatomy of the lymphatic system to stimulate lymph flow. It is nothing like deep tissue or Swedish massage. The technique requires formal training and certification to perform correctly and safely.
This depends entirely on your condition. Post-surgical patients typically see significant improvement in 3–6 sessions. Lymphedema management is an ongoing process. Wellness patients often choose monthly maintenance sessions. We'll give you a realistic plan after your initial assessment.
Yes, and it is highly recommended. MLD performed by a certified, licensed therapist significantly reduces post-surgical fibrosis (hardening), speeds resolution of bruising and swelling, and can improve the final cosmetic result. We work with many patients following liposuction, BBL, and tummy tuck procedures.
The initial compression bandaging consult ($50) can be booked online. However, follow-up bandaging sessions are manually scheduled with your therapist during your consult, as timing and pricing depend on the complexity of your case (under 30 min: $50, under 60 min: $75).
Under your therapist's recommendation, we can add complementary modalities like cupping or kinesiology taping to enhance your lymphatic drainage session for just $15 extra. These are only offered when clinically appropriate and after your therapist has evaluated your needs.
Find Us
Serving Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Milford, South Lyon, Novi, Ann Arbor and surrounding Livingston, Oakland and Washtenaw counties.
333 E Grand River Ave
Brighton, MI 48116
Book online via Apntly
or call/text (810) 360-3068
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Cash, Credit/Debit, HSA & FSA cards accepted
Book with Brighton's dedicated independent lymphatic drainage practice. Real certification. Real expertise. Real results.
Book Your Appointment Today