TruStrength Performance & Rehab

Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Denver

Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Denver

Feeling swollen, stiff, or stuck in recovery mode? Whether you’re bouncing back from surgery, managing chronic inflammation, or trying to optimize recovery between workouts, lymphatic drainage massage can help your body heal faster, feel lighter, and move better.

At TruStrength Performance and Rehab in Denver, we don’t just treat pain—we rebuild trust between your body and your mind. Our approach to lymphatic therapy blends cutting-edge science with hands-on care to help active adults and athletes recover faster, reduce inflammation, and perform at their highest level.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a gentle, rhythmic technique that stimulates the movement of lymph fluid through your body’s natural drainage pathways.

Your lymphatic system is like your body’s internal sanitation network. It helps flush out toxins, waste, metabolic byproducts, and excess fluid from tissues. Unlike your circulatory system, the lymph system doesn’t have a central pump—so when it becomes stagnant, waste builds up, and healing slows down.

Manual lymphatic drainage works by gently mobilizing this fluid, allowing your immune system to function more efficiently and reducing painful swelling in the body. It’s a powerful, non-invasive therapy that supports recovery from surgery, injury, overtraining, and illness.

How Does Lymphatic Massage Actually Work?

Lymphatic massage focuses on stimulating the superficial lymph vessels located just beneath the skin. These vessels rely on:

  • Muscle contractions

  • Breathing patterns

  • Gravity

  • Manual stimulation

to move lymph fluid back toward lymph nodes, where it can be filtered and drained from the body.

Our therapists at TruStrength use specialized light-pressure strokes and rhythmic pumping techniques to:

  • Open lymphatic capillaries and vessels

  • Encourage detoxification

  • Reduce swelling and edema

  • Activate parasympathetic relaxation (rest and digest mode)

  • Boost nutrient delivery and tissue regeneration

This technique is especially useful when your system is overloaded or compromised, such as:

  • After surgery

  • During intense training cycles

  • With autoimmune or inflammatory conditions

  • Following illness or stress

  • During travel or hormonal changes

When Should You Consider Lymphatic Drainage?

At TruStrength, we work with a wide range of patients seeking functional recovery and long-term results—not just temporary relief.

You might benefit from lymphatic drainage if you:

  • Recently had orthopedic or cosmetic surgery

  • Experience chronic swelling or heaviness in your limbs

  • Have limited mobility due to inflammation

  • Suffer from fatigue, brain fog, or chronic illness

  • Feel “puffy” or inflamed after travel or training

  • Have lymph node removal due to cancer treatment

  • Are recovering from an acute injury or trauma

  • Deal with skin issues (like acne or eczema) related to toxic buildup

This is also an ideal therapy for athletes in recovery mode, especially during deload weeks, post-competition phases, or during intensive programming blocks when tissue load is high.

How TruStrength’s Approach is Different

We’re not a spa. We’re not a massage chain. We are a performance-focused rehab clinic that integrates manual therapy, physical therapy, and strength training into every treatment plan.

At TruStrength, your lymphatic drainage session may include:

  • Pre-session swelling and tissue quality assessment

  • Combination of drainage and myofascial techniques

  • Movement-based activation to support lymph flow

  • Education on breathwork, hydration, and self-care strategies

  • Recovery planning around your workouts or surgery timeline

We believe in bridging the gap between the medical world and the fitness world. That means you don’t just lie on a table—you learn how your body works, how to support it between sessions, and how to stay in motion while healing.

What You’ll Feel After Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Many patients report feeling:

  • Lighter and more mobile

  • Noticeable reduction in swelling

  • Increased energy and alertness

  • Improved breathing and digestion

  • Calmer and more relaxed overall

In some cases, you may notice increased urination or a mild detox effect after the first session—this is a natural sign that your body is flushing out built-up waste products.

Who is Lymphatic Therapy in Denver Ideal For?

We work with people who are serious about their recovery and health. That includes:

  • CrossFit athletes with shoulder, knee, or wrist inflammation

  • Powerlifters or Olympic lifters dealing with joint swelling after meets

  • Busy professionals recovering from travel-related bloat or burnout

  • Moms recovering from c-section or abdominal surgery

  • Post-cosmetic surgery clients navigating early-stage healing

  • Post-cancer survivors who need gentle support without heavy pressure

  • Weekend warriors who push hard and want to bounce back quicker

  • Chronic illness patients managing swelling, fatigue, or brain fog

We do not provide “fluff” sessions or relaxation massage. If you want to move better, feel stronger, and stay in control of your recovery—this is for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lymphatic massage painful?
No. It is one of the most gentle forms of manual therapy. We use very light pressure and slow, intentional strokes to avoid triggering your sympathetic nervous system.

How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your goals. Some post-op patients benefit from 2–3 visits per week for the first two weeks. Others may come in monthly for general wellness. We’ll guide you based on your needs.

Can I combine this with physical therapy?
Yes. Many of our clients pair lymphatic drainage with movement therapy, strength work, or post-surgical rehab. It’s all part of your plan.

Backed by Experience and 5-Star Results

Our team is led by Dr. Zach Harmon, PT, DPT, CF-L1—a physical therapist, strength coach, and athlete who knows what it means to train and heal at a high level. He and the team at TruStrength have helped hundreds of athletes, professionals, and post-op patients achieve real recovery with fewer setbacks.

With over 200 five-star reviews and a trusted reputation in the Denver community, we’re proud to be a go-to destination for those who want more than just basic care.

Book Your Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Denver Today

You don’t have to feel heavy, inflamed, or stuck in recovery mode. If you’re ready to move better, reduce swelling, and take control of your recovery—we’re here to guide the way.

Contact TruStrength Performance and Rehab in Denver to schedule your session.

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After experiencing tendonitis in my shoulder and associated pain which was affecting my workouts I went for physical therapy with Zach. After 2 meetings my shoulder is improving with increased strength, mobility and decreased pain. Before it affected my sleep. Now I can sleep and with more appointments my shoulder will further improve and my workouts have already improved. So far very satisfied and I recommend him for any physical therapy. I will post an update with further improvements.

I have worked with Zach since 2019. At first it was to improve my form during weight lifting. Then it turned into seeing him for the chronic migraines I had for nearly 10 years and had just accepted that they would be a part of my life after seeing several PTs and chiropractors prior to meeting Zach. Turns out some precise neck strengthening quickly cured that ailment. I have now been migraine free for several years. Then, when I had a dirt bike accident and tore my PCL, Zach was there for all of it, from initial assessment after the accident, to prehab to gain strength before surgery to improve overall outcomes, and for post op physical therapy.
Zach’s passion for his work and dedication to his patients health and wellbeing is truly amazing!