Lymphatic Drainage
After surgery on the knee or hip, or after a sports injury, tissue fluid often builds up. Using gentle, targeted strokes we stimulate your lymph flow — in Kloten and Zurich West, with EMR-recognised lymph therapy.
Key facts
- First appointment usually within 48 hours
- 5 therapists trained in manual lymphatic drainage
- Basic health insurance with a doctor’s prescription; billing via supplementary insurance (EMR-recognised) possible
- Locations in Kloten and Zurich West
Typical complaints
- Swelling after surgery — knee and hip replacement, ACL
- After injuries — sprains, contusions
- Lymphoedema — chronic, supportive care
- Early decongestion — gentle drainage after trauma
When manual lymphatic drainage makes sense
After an operation or a sports injury, your tissue often reacts with swelling — fluid accumulates, and the joint feels tight and less mobile. This is exactly where manual lymphatic drainage comes in. With gentle strokes along the lymphatic pathways we support drainage so the swelling goes down. The goal is for you to become mobile again sooner and for the subsequent rehab to start from a better baseline. In Kloten and Zurich West we treat you with the same care.
How treatment works at our practice
We start with an assessment: we look at your swelling, review your history and set the goal together with you. With acute, unclear or rapidly increasing one-sided swelling — for example with redness, warmth or severe tension pain — we first arrange a medical assessment to rule out, say, a thrombosis or infection before starting lymphatic drainage. Then follows the drainage itself, with light, circular movements — deliberately using little pressure, since too much pressure tends to push the fluid back into the tissue. Where needed, we add compression, elevation and active movement, because the muscle pump supports drainage. Over the course of treatment we adjust the frequency and show you what you can contribute yourself between appointments.
An experienced lymph team at both locations
Five of our therapists perform manual lymphatic drainage — including an EMR-recognised lymph therapist and a colleague with experience from a specialised lymphology clinic. Because swelling often appears after surgery, lymphatic drainage works hand in hand with our rehab after surgery. As a gentle, decongesting complement, massage also fits well. This is how we accompany you from the first appointment back to full movement — in Kloten and Zurich West.
Frequently asked questions
What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is a very gentle technique that stimulates your lymphatic system and supports the removal of tissue fluid. We work with light, circular movements along the lymphatic pathways — deliberately with little pressure, as too much pressure tends to push the fluid back into the tissue. The aim is to reduce swelling and make recovery easier.
Who is lymphatic drainage suitable for?
We use lymphatic drainage mainly for swelling after surgery — for example after a knee or hip replacement or an ACL reconstruction. Also after injuries such as sprains and contusions, and for lymphoedema. Starting lymphatic drainage early can support the rehab phase and make it easier for you to get moving again. With acute, unclear or rapidly increasing swelling, we first check whether lymphatic drainage is the right choice for you.
Is lymphatic drainage covered by insurance?
As part of physiotherapy, manual lymphatic drainage is billed via basic health insurance (KVG) with a doctor’s prescription. If it is carried out by an EMR-recognised lymph therapist, billing via supplementary insurance (EMR-recognised) is also possible. We are happy to clarify the prescription and cost questions with you in advance.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your situation. After surgery or an injury, a series often comprises around 6 to 10 sessions, frequently starting at a higher frequency that then tapers off. For chronic lymphoedema, treatment tends to be a longer-term accompaniment. Movement, elevation and properly fitted compression also count — this contribution of your own makes the treatment more effective.
Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.