Real Certification.
Real Results.
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.
$125 for a 60-minute session HSA & FSA accepted No referral needed to start
Not ready for a full session? Start with a $50 First Visit Consultation — assessment, a plan, and an honest answer about whether we can help.
Openings this week — call or text (810) 360-3068
The Certified Difference
Not all lymphatic massage
is created equal.
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.
| What to Look For | Typical Chiro / Spa | Certified Lymphcare |
|---|---|---|
| State-licensed therapist | No | Yes |
| MLD-certified technique | Sometimes | Yes, Always |
| Medical intake & assessment | No | Yes |
| Contraindication screening | No | Yes |
| Post-surgical lymphedema care | No | Yes |
| Compression bandaging (CDT) | No | Yes |
| Patient education program | No | Yes |
| Accepts HSA/FSA | Rarely | Yes |
Our Services
Comprehensive
Lymphatic Care
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.
Certified Lymphatic Drainage Session
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.
Targeted Area Treatment
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.
Extended Drainage Session
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.
Consultation & Care Planning
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.
Compression Bandaging Consult
A 60-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).
Therapeutic modalities — cupping, kinesiology taping and other complementary techniques — can be added to any session for $15, when your therapist judges them appropriate for you. Choose them alongside your session when you book.
Save with Packages
Treatment Packages
Wellness Package
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 PackagePost-Op Recovery
Our 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 PackagePost-Op Recovery
A 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
Who Benefits from
Lymphatic Therapy?
Lymphatic drainage therapy has evidence-based applications across a wide range of conditions. Our licensed OTs can properly assess whether you're a candidate.
Patient Education Program
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.
- Anatomy of the lymphatic system explained in plain language
- How to perform simple self-drainage at home
- Compression garment selection and fitting guidance
- Skin care and infection prevention for lymphedema patients
- Nutrition and lifestyle modifications that support lymphatic health
- How to identify flare-ups and when to seek medical attention
- Resources and support groups for lymphedema patients in Michigan
Patient Experiences
What Our Patients
Are Saying
Read and leave reviews on our Google profile →
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
Meet Your
Care Team
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.
Licensed by the State of Michigan
All therapists hold active Michigan Occupational Therapist licensure — a legally recognized healthcare credential.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Certified
Formally trained in MLD through accredited programs (Vodder/Földi method) — not abbreviated weekend workshops.
Complete Decongestive Therapy Trained
Full CDT training enables us to manage diagnosed lymphedema cases that other practices cannot safely treat.
Ongoing Continuing Education
Our team stays current with advances in lymphatic research and therapy through regular professional development.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
Is lymphatic drainage from a chiropractor the same as what you do?
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.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
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.
Will my insurance cover this?
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.
How is MLD different from a regular massage?
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.
How many sessions will I need?
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.
Is it safe after cosmetic surgery?
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.
Can I book the compression bandaging session online?
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).
What are the therapeutic modality add-ons?
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.
Not ready to book?
Ask us first
Most people arrive unsure whether lymphatic therapy is right for their situation, or which service they need. Tell us what is going on and Erin will reply personally — no charge, no obligation, and no marketing list.
Find Us
Conveniently
Located in Brighton
Serving Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Milford, South Lyon, Novi, Ann Arbor and surrounding Livingston, Oakland and Washtenaw counties.
Address
333 E Grand River Ave
Brighton, MI 48116
Booking
Book online in seconds
or call/text (810) 360-3068
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Payment
Cash, Credit/Debit, HSA & FSA cards accepted
333 E Grand River Ave Brighton, MI 48116
Ready to Feel the Difference?
Book with Brighton's dedicated independent lymphatic drainage practice. Real certification. Real expertise. Real results.
Book Your Appointment TodayAppointments Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm · Saturdays by arrangement — call or text (810) 360-3068