PREToria East

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Pretoria East

Specialist hands-on MLD in Silverwoods Country Estate for swelling, fluid retention and post-surgical recovery

Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Pretoria East

Looking for manual lymphatic drainage in Pretoria East? Charlton Botha provides specialist lymphatic drainage massage from Silverwoods Country Estate, close to Silver Lakes, using the Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, in which he is formally trained and certified.

Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD uses gentle, precise and rhythmic movements designed to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid and support the management of swelling, fluid retention and post-operative recovery where appropriate.

Every treatment is tailored to the individual, with careful screening before your session to make sure manual lymphatic drainage is suitable for you.

Book Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Pretoria East

Specialist one-to-one Manual Lymphatic Drainage with Charlton Botha, a Vodder-trained and certified therapist with 16+ years of hands-on experience.

60-Minute Session

A full one-to-one Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment, including a brief assessment before we begin.

R350

One clear price. No packages or add-ons required to book your first session.

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Vodder-Trained Therapist

Every treatment is personally provided by Charlton Botha, ITEC, trained and certified in the Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

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Pretoria East

Private treatment studio in Silverwoods Country Estate, conveniently located near Silver Lakes.

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What to Expect at Your Manual Lymphatic Drainage Appointment

Your first appointment starts with a short consultation so Charlton can understand why you're booking, any relevant medical or surgical history, and what you would like help with. He'll also screen for anything that could make Manual Lymphatic Drainage unsuitable before treatment begins.

MLD feels very different from deep tissue massage. Using the Vodder Method, Charlton works with gentle, precise and rhythmic movements designed to encourage lymphatic fluid movement. You shouldn't expect heavy pressure — the lymphatic vessels being targeted lie close to the surface of the skin.

You'll be kept comfortably covered throughout your treatment, with only the area being worked on exposed. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for afterwards.

MEET THE FOUNDER & your therapist

Vodder-Trained Manual Lymphatic Drainage with Charlton Botha

Charlton Botha manual lymphatic drainage on a patient in his professional treatment room in Pretoria East

Every MLD appointment is personally delivered by Charlton Botha, an ITEC-qualified massage therapist with more than 16 years of hands-on experience.

Charlton is formally trained and certified in the Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a specialised gentle technique designed to support the movement of lymphatic fluid.

  • VODDER-TRAINED MLD

  • ITEC QUALIFIED

  • 16+ YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

  • EVERY SESSION WITH CHARLTON

VIEW CHARLTON'S QUALIFICATIONS →

Your Questions Answered...

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD, is a specialised form of hands-on treatment that uses very light, rhythmic movements to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid through the body's lymphatic pathways.

Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD does not rely on firm pressure. The movements are gentle and methodical because lymphatic vessels lie close to the surface of the skin.

People commonly book MLD when they are dealing with swelling, fluid retention or a feeling of heaviness, or when lymphatic support has been recommended as part of their recovery.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Used For?

Clients book manual lymphatic drainage for a number of reasons, particularly where swelling or fluid movement is the main concern.

  • Swollen feet, legs or ankles

  • Oedema and fluid retention

  • A feeling of heaviness or puffiness

  • Localised swelling

  • Appropriate lymphatic support after illness or treatment

  • Gentle support where conventional massage pressure is inappropriate

  • Post-operative swelling where MLD is appropriate and medical guidance has been followed.

Recovering from surgery? We have a dedicated service for post-operative swelling, tissue recovery and fibrosis management.

Are There Any Reasons I Shouldn’t Have a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

In most cases, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, safe, and effective therapy — especially for those recovering from cosmetic surgery, dealing with swelling, or supporting their immune system. But like any hands-on treatment, there are a few situations where this wouldn’t be the best fit.

You shouldn’t have lymphatic drainage massage if you currently have:

An infectious skin condition, active rash, or open wound

Fever, acute infection, or illness

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or history of blood clots

Certain heart conditions or kidney problems

Active cancer, unless cleared by your medical team

Recent fat transfer (e.g. BBL) or tummy tuck without clearance

Unhealed fractures, bruising, or hernia

If you’re pregnant, always check with your doctor before booking a lymphatic drainage treatment.

Even if you’ve recently had liposuction, BBL, or tummy tuck, you’re usually fine to start gentle post-op lymphatic massage after a few days — but it’s important to make sure the swelling and incision points are at the right stage.

If you’re not sure whether this is the right therapy for you, we’re happy to help. Just send us a text before booking and we’ll advise honestly — no pressure, no upsells.


Please note:
Manual lymphatic drainage is a complementary therapy, not a substitute for medical care. If you’re ever in doubt, check with your GP before coming in.

When Should You Not Have Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

In most cases, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, safe, and effective therapy — especially for those recovering from cosmetic surgery, dealing with swelling, or supporting their immune system. But like any hands-on treatment, there are a few situations where this wouldn’t be the best fit.

You shouldn’t have lymphatic drainage massage if you currently have:

An infectious skin condition, active rash, or open wound

Fever, acute infection, or illness

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or history of blood clots

Certain heart conditions or kidney problems

Active cancer, unless cleared by your medical team

Recent fat transfer (e.g. BBL) or tummy tuck without clearance

Unhealed fractures, bruising, or hernia

If you’re pregnant, always check with your doctor before booking a lymphatic drainage treatment.

Even if you’ve recently had liposuction, BBL, or tummy tuck, you’re usually fine to start gentle post-op lymphatic massage after a few days — but it’s important to make sure the swelling and incision points are at the right stage.

If you’re not sure whether this is the right therapy for you, we’re happy to help. Just send us a text before booking and we’ll advise honestly — no pressure, no upsells.


Please note:
Manual lymphatic drainage is a complementary therapy, not a substitute for medical care. If you’re ever in doubt, check with your GP before coming in.

How do you stimulate lymphatic drainage?

During MLD, Charlton uses light, rhythmic strokes and specialised Vodder techniques to encourage lymphatic fluid towards appropriate drainage pathways. The pressure is deliberately gentle rather than deep or forceful.

How will I feel after a lymphatic drainage massage?

Responses vary. Some clients notice reduced feelings of heaviness or puffiness and feel very relaxed afterwards. Others may simply notice gradual changes over subsequent sessions. Charlton will explain what is realistic based on why you have booked.

How do I know whether MLD is appropriate for me?

Charlton will ask why you are considering lymphatic drainage, any relevant medical history and whether you are currently under medical care. If MLD is not appropriate for you, he will tell you rather than recommending treatment unnecessarily.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Pretoria: Common Questions

How much is lymphatic drainage massage in Pretoria?

A 60-minute MLD appointment with Charlton is R350.

Is Charlton trained in manual lymphatic drainage?

Yes. Charlton is formally trained and certified in the Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and is also ITEC qualified.

Is lymphatic drainage massage painful?

No. MLD is beautiful treatment. It uses light, rhythmic movements rather than the firm pressure associated with deep tissue massage.

Where are MLD appointments held?

Appointments take place in Charlton's professional treatment room in Silverwoods Country Estate, Pretoria East.

Can I have lymphatic drainage after surgery?

MLD may form part of appropriate post-operative recovery, depending on your procedure, stage of healing and medical guidance. For surgery-specific treatment, see our dedicated Post-Surgery Massage in Pretoria service.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of where necessary. Towels are used throughout your appointment so you remain appropriately covered.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Silverwoods, Pretoria East

Appointments take place in Charlton's private treatment room in Silverwoods Country Estate, Pretoria East, convenient for Silver Lakes, Hazeldean and surrounding Pretoria East areas.

R350
60-minute appointment
By appointment only

Parking: free onsite parking

ADDRESS

102 Silvergrove Cres, Silverwoods Country Estate 0054

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