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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for Youth

Gentle, Effective Support for Growing and Active Bodies

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) at Frisco Massage Therapy offers gentle, restorative care for children and teenagers. This specialized technique helps growing bodies maintain healthy circulation, reduce swelling, and recover from activity or illness more comfortably.

Youth MLD is safe, soothing, and designed to support natural growth, immune balance, and body awareness. It is ideal for active kids, teen athletes, and young clients dealing with swelling, fatigue, or inflammation.

Each session is guided by a trained therapist who understands both the science and the sensitivity of working with youth. Every treatment is personalized to age, comfort level, and specific needs — providing gentle support that helps kids and teens thrive.

New Clients Welcome

Lymphatic drainage can be incredibly helpful for children recovering from surgery, managing inflammation, or needing extra immune support. We take time to explain the process in a calm, age-appropriate way and welcome parents to stay present for comfort.

Enjoy $20 off your child’s first lymphatic session as a new client special.

Parents often share that their child feels calmer, less puffy, and more at ease after just one session.

Why Youth Benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system plays an essential role in immune health and waste removal. In growing bodies, this system is still developing and can become sluggish due to illness, injury, stress, or inactivity.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps keep the lymph system functioning optimally by encouraging fluid movement and detoxification.

Benefits for Youth Include:

  • Reduced swelling and puffiness

  • Faster recovery from sports injuries or strain

  • Improved immune support and resistance to illness

  • Relief from sinus congestion or allergies

  • Better focus and sleep quality

  • Decreased inflammation and fatigue

  • Greater body awareness and relaxation

Whether a young client is recovering from activity, managing chronic inflammation, or simply needs calm and balance, MLD provides safe, effective relief.

Gentle and Age-Appropriate Care

Frisco Massage Therapy takes great care to ensure that all youth sessions are safe, respectful, and comfortable.

Parental Involvement

Parents or guardians are required in the treatment room during sessions for minors.

Comfort and Communication

Before each session, the therapist explains what will happen and checks in about how the client feels. During the session, pressure and techniques are adjusted to match age, body size, and comfort.

Environment

Sessions take place in a quiet, supportive space designed to help young clients relax. Therapists create a calm environment where children and teens can feel safe and respected.

Frisco Massage Therapy’s approach focuses on care, education, and building a positive relationship with bodywork from an early age.

Supporting Youth Athletes

Many young clients are involved in sports or physical activities that place demands on developing muscles and joints. Repetitive movement, overtraining, or dehydration can lead to inflammation or fatigue.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps active youth recover faster and prevent injury by improving circulation, reducing fluid buildup, and supporting flexibility.

MLD Helps Youth Athletes By:

  • Reducing post-practice or post-game swelling

  • Preventing muscle tightness and soreness

  • Supporting joint recovery after strain

  • Improving endurance and energy levels

  • Aiding in faster healing from injuries

Because MLD is so gentle, it can be used safely between practices or events without risk of soreness or fatigue.

Therapists at Frisco Massage Therapy often integrate lymphatic work with light stretching and mobility guidance to support healthy movement habits in young athletes.

MLD for Illness, Allergies, and Immune Support

Children and teens are exposed to constant immune challenges — from school environments to sports activities. MLD helps strengthen the body’s natural defense systems by keeping lymphatic flow healthy and active.

Benefits Include:

  • Relief from sinus congestion or ear pressure

  • Support for chronic allergies or mild asthma

  • Reduction of lingering fatigue after illness

  • Improved energy and focus during recovery

  • Faster resolution of minor swelling or puffiness

This gentle therapy supports balance in the immune and nervous systems, helping the body maintain resilience year-round.

MLD for Post-Surgery and Orthodontic Recovery

Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be especially beneficial for youth recovering from surgical or dental procedures.

Common Recovery Applications:

  • Orthodontic work (braces, wisdom teeth removal, jaw realignment)

  • Sports-related injuries or surgeries

  • Minor orthopedic procedures (ankle, knee, or wrist repair)

By reducing swelling and improving drainage, MLD helps accelerate recovery and restore comfort. Clients often notice decreased facial puffiness and less discomfort after just a few sessions.

The Science Behind Youth MLD

The lymphatic system in children and teens functions much like that of adults, but because their immune systems and hormones are still developing, it can be more easily affected by stress, dehydration, or inactivity.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage supports this system with light, rhythmic movements that encourage lymph fluid to move through its pathways. This supports:

  • Cleansing: Encourages natural elimination of cellular waste.

  • Circulation: Improves oxygen delivery and nutrient flow.

  • Immunity: Boosts the body’s defense mechanisms.

  • Calm: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system for relaxation and rest.

This combination of physiological benefits helps youth clients feel refreshed, balanced, and energized.

What to Expect During a Session

Each session begins with a brief conversation between the therapist, the client, and a parent or guardian. Together, they discuss goals, comfort levels, and any areas of concern such as swelling, allergies, or activity fatigue.

During the Session:

  • The client lies comfortably on a massage table, dressed in loose or athletic clothing, fully supported by bolsters.

  • Light, repetitive strokes guide lymph flow toward natural drainage points.

  • Pressure is always soft and rhythmic — never deep or forceful.

  • Youth sessions start at 30 minutes. 60 minutes session can be booked for teen clients or advanced needs after initial assessment and treatment.

The overall experience is calming, quiet, and restorative. Clients often describe feeling lighter, less congested, and more relaxed after treatment.

Techniques Used in Youth MLD

Therapists at Frisco Massage Therapy use established lymphatic drainage methods adapted for younger clients. Techniques may include:

  • Stationary Circles: Gentle circular motions to stimulate lymph nodes.

  • Pumping and Scoop Movements: Encourage lymph flow from limbs toward central drainage areas.

  • Wave-Like Strokes: Follow the body’s natural rhythm to promote circulation.

  • Facial Drainage: Helps reduce sinus or orthodontic swelling.

  • Diaphragmatic Breathing: Guides clients to use breathing as a tool for better lymph movement.

Each technique is performed slowly and intentionally, helping the client feel safe and deeply relaxed throughout the process.

Integrating MLD with Other Youth Services

Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be combined with other youth-focused therapies for comprehensive care. Frisco Massage Therapy often integrates MLD with:

  • Youth Massage: To address muscular tension, posture, and sports recovery

  • Craniosacral Therapy: For nervous system support and emotional regulation

  • Injury Recovery Massage: For post-surgical or sports-related healing

These therapies complement one another, promoting balanced growth and well-being from the inside out.

Client Stories

Parents and youth clients often share the difference MLD has made in their comfort, performance, and recovery.

A 14-year-old swimmer who struggled with shoulder tension and fatigue found that regular lymphatic sessions improved endurance and reduced soreness after meets.

A 10-year-old recovering from dental surgery noticed faster reduction in swelling and easier breathing within days of treatment.

Another client, a high school soccer player, used MLD as part of her recovery plan after a knee injury. The sessions helped reduce swelling, improved her range of motion, and allowed her to return to training confidently.

After years of living with a chronic illness, a young client struggled with swelling and fatigue. Her family turned to MLD for gentle support. Within a few sessions, the client felt lighter, slept better, and moved with more ease. MLD became a calming, restorative part of her care—helping her feel more like herself again.

Each story reflects how even gentle techniques can create powerful changes for growing bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MLD safe for children and teens?

Yes. When performed by trained professionals, MLD is gentle and completely safe for youth of all ages.

Do parents need to stay during the session?

Yes. Parents are required to remain present during the treatment of all youth, and young adult sessions at Frisco Massage Therapy.

How often should youth receive MLD?

For general wellness, monthly sessions are beneficial. For recovery or immune support, weekly or bi-weekly sessions may be recommended.

Can this help with sports recovery?

Absolutely. MLD helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and fatigue from repetitive activity or competition.

Does it hurt?

No. MLD uses light, rhythmic pressure that is soothing and comfortable. Many clients find it helps them relax and fall asleep.

Comfort, Communication, and Trust

At Frisco Massage Therapy, every youth session is built on trust and communication. Therapists explain each step of the process in age-appropriate language and encourage feedback during and after the session.

The environment is peaceful and supportive, designed to help young clients feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Parents appreciate the professionalism, and children appreciate the calm, caring approach that makes each visit a positive experience.

Who Benefits Most

Youth MLD is ideal for:

  • Active children and teen athletes

  • Clients recovering from minor injury or surgery

  • Youth with swelling, allergies, or congestion

  • Children needing immune support or detox

  • Clients managing fatigue or stress

  • Youth learning self-care and wellness habits

Take the Next Step Toward Balance and Vitality

Growing bodies deserve gentle, effective care. Manual Lymphatic Drainage for youth at Frisco Massage Therapy supports recovery, growth, and overall well-being through safe, calming, and personalized sessions.

New Client Special: $20 Off First Session

Frisco Massage Therapy is proud to support children and teens across the Frisco community with care rooted in compassion, science, and skill. Each session helps young clients feel lighter, stronger, and more connected to their growing bodies.

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