We Are a Trauma Informed Edmonton Physiotherapy Practice Near You!Treating Clients in Edmonton for over 25 Years.Getting a Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Boost it with Shockwave Therapy for just $30!We Are a Trauma Informed Edmonton Physiotherapy Practice Near You!Treating Clients in Edmonton for over 25 Years.Getting a Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Boost it with Shockwave Therapy for just $30!
Physiotherapy Edmonton
Post Operative and Injury Recovery Edmonton
Post Operative and Injury Recovery Edmonton
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Post-Operative and Injury Recovery Edmonton
In Step Physical Therapy Centre uses the application of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) techniques together with therapeutic massage to treat post-operative orthopedic and plastic surgery procedures, chronic pain, motor vehicle accidents, and general injury recovery
Stimulation of the lymphatic system increases the rate at which the body removes waste, dead cell particles, and inflammatory agents from our tissue. Accelerating the lymphatic flow has been demonstrated to reduce swelling and bruising in the injured region. Studies indicate that as the volume of fluid at the injury site is reduced rehabilitation time may be shortened.
Our treatment is built around a specific massage technique known as Manual Lymph Drainage. MLD is a gentle rhythmical massage that acts on both the lymphatic and nervous systems. It has been shown to increase lymph flow in the lymphatic channels by up to ten times normal levels – channelling the fluid into an effective drainage route. In addition to acting on the lymphatic system, MLD reduces sympathetic nervous system activity allowing the parasympathetic system to be predominant. Parasympathetic nerves innervate smooth muscle in the body. As the lymph pre-collector and collector vessels are wrapped with smooth muscle, the Manual Lymph Drainage MLD technique can thereby stimulate these muscles to contract further increasing lymph flow.
Due to MLD being such a gentle technique, treatment sessions can safely begin within the first 24 hours following an injury. Early treatment increases the likelihood of reduced swelling, bruising and pain, and therefore may improve the rate of healing.
Recovering well after surgery or injury
Swelling is a normal part of healing, but when it lingers it slows tissue repair, limits joint movement and makes exercise uncomfortable. Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic technique that encourages the lymphatic system to clear excess fluid and inflammatory by-products from the area, which can help you move earlier and more comfortably in the weeks after an operation or significant injury.
Who this is for
- Orthopedic surgery: knee or hip replacement, ACL reconstruction, shoulder repair, fracture fixation
- Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery: abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast surgery, facial procedures
- Sprains, strains and bruising with persistent swelling
- Post-surgical scar tightness and sensitivity
- Lymphedema risk after lymph-node removal
How treatment fits with your rehab
Your therapist coordinates with your surgeon’s post-operative guidelines and, where appropriate, with your physiotherapist so that swelling management, scar care and strengthening progress together. Early sessions focus on drainage and comfort; later sessions add scar mobilization, compression advice and self-care techniques you can use at home. Treatment is light-pressure and relaxing — most people describe it as soothing rather than therapeutic-massage-firm.
Practical details
Sessions are 45–60 minutes with a therapist trained in the Dr. Vodder method at our downtown Edmonton clinic. Timing after surgery is guided by your surgeon’s clearance; bring your discharge instructions to your first visit. Treatment is direct-billed under massage therapy to most extended health plans, and no referral is required. If you are unsure whether MLD is appropriate for your procedure, call us and we will advise before you book.
Why People Love Us
I’ve been going to see Lee Saunders for several years for massage thèrepy and he is the best there is. Hands down (so to speak). Salutaris is a very comfortable, clean and welcoming environment. Prices are competitive. Salutaris (and Lee) are well worth visiting.
The most impressive thing about Salutaris is that massage is not just a physical, one dimensional activity. At the clinic, massage is a molding and a healing, a bringing back together of body, mind and soul. I see the goal as wanting to return these three to perfect harmony. I have had a few other massage therapists who are very adept at massage therapy. I have never left feeling as whole as when I leave Salutaris.
I had hip resurfacing done – it’s called the Birmingham procedure – on my right hip. I went for Manual Lymph Drainage treatment to see if it would help my recovery. And it did. I was treated very professionally, but also very gently. I felt comfortable and confident that this was the right place for me to be. And the treatment worked. It made me feel better and certainly helped me recover from surgery more quickly.
I had surgery on my knees. The pain was so intense that people told me it hurt to watch me walk. I knew a little about lymphatic drainage, and thought it might help after surgery. It did. It was fantastic. I could literally see the swelling go down. The therapist drained the equivalent of a bottle of wine in a week. I healed much quicker. The surgeon was amazed I could return to my job, running up and down steel ladders. I’d been terrified I wouldn’t be able to work there again.
When I first came to Salutaris, I was very skeptical of the MLD technique – but was desperate and willing to try anything. My hip and lower legs were agony from an inflamed disc. I tried other forms of massage and acupuncture but nothing was effective. Since I started MLD and massage therapy at Salutaris I’ve got consistently better. I’m now sleeping through the night and am almost completely off pain medication. As a sufferer of chronic low-back pain, I’ve found this has been the most effective treatment by far.
Highly recommend. Nice secretary and they served me well. Felt way better leaving. Her husband had a concussion like me but worse. We had a good talk for like 10 minutes over the phone. So nice of her to take that little extra time and have a great customer bond like that. They truly care about their clients. Give them Your business. Will be seeing you again one day.
I’ve been going to see Lee Saunders for several years for massage thèrepy and he is the best there is. Hands down (so to speak). Salutaris is a very comfortable, clean and welcoming environment. Prices are competitive. Salutaris (and Lee) are well worth visiting.
45 minutes session
Regular Massage
$78.75MLD Massage
$95.00IPD
$85.00IPD + Bandaging
$120.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Manual lymphatic drainage uses gentle, rhythmic movements to support lymphatic flow and manage swelling. It may improve comfort and mobility during recovery when medically appropriate.
The timing depends on your procedure, healing progress, and surgeon’s instructions. Obtain medical clearance before starting MLD, particularly after major surgery or when complications are suspected.
MLD may help manage swelling associated with certain injuries. Its effect on bruising varies, and treatment should begin only after serious injuries and contraindications have been assessed.
MLD generally involves light, rhythmic pressure rather than deep tissue manipulation. It should feel gentle and comfortable, and your therapist can adjust treatment to suit your recovery needs.
MLD may be considered after procedures such as knee or hip replacement, ACL reconstruction, and certain plastic surgeries. Suitability depends on your procedure and medical clearance.
MLD may help manage certain types of post-traumatic swelling. Your therapist should first assess your symptoms and ensure that urgent injuries, fractures, or blood clots are not suspected.
The number of sessions depends on swelling, the type of surgery or injury, healing progress, and rehabilitation goals. Your therapist can recommend an individualized treatment schedule.
Sessions at In Step Physical Therapy Centre are typically 45–60 minutes. Your therapist will determine the appropriate treatment duration based on your condition, recovery stage, and clinical needs.
By helping manage swelling and discomfort, MLD may make movement more comfortable for some patients. It complements rehabilitation exercises rather than replacing prescribed physiotherapy.
A referral may not be required for massage therapy services, but requirements can vary depending on your treatment and insurance plan. Confirm coverage and medical clearance needs before booking.
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Reach Us
- Address - 10667 113 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3H6
- Phone - (587) 409-1754
- Email - info@instepphysio.ca
- Business Hours - Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
- Business Hours - Sat: 8 am – 4 pm