Lymphoedema & ongoing swelling
Support for appropriate clients managing an established lymphatic condition, alongside their wider care plan.
Advanced Lymphatics
Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Portrush
Gentle Dr Vodder MLD for lymphatic and swelling support — thoughtful, tailored care with Paul McKirgan at Tidal Clinic.
The approach
Gentle by design.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle, rhythmic manual technique used to support lymphatic movement and swelling management. At Tidal Clinic in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Paul uses the Dr Vodder method, adapted to the person and their needs.
This is not deep tissue massage. Rather than pressing firmly into muscles, MLD uses light, precise movements at the skin. The pressure is deliberately gentle — deeper does not mean better for this work.
Suitability matters as much as technique. Not everyone with swelling is suitable for MLD, and medical guidance may be needed before treatment.
Individual support
Who may benefit from MLD?
Lipoedema / lipedema support
Conservative support for comfort and swelling where relevant — not a cure or a substitute for medical or compression management.
Appropriate post-operative care
Swelling support following some procedures, where medically cleared and planned around timing and surgeon guidance.
Medically advised MLD
For people referred or advised to consider MLD, with attention to the reason for referral and any restrictions.
Ongoing conservative support
An individual plan for maintenance where appropriate, reviewed around your needs rather than a fixed routine.
Your appointment
Care shaped around you.
What happens at an appointment?
We begin with a conversation about your concerns, relevant medical history, existing care and any advice from your medical team. Paul considers the swelling and tissue presentation within his scope of practice, without replacing medical diagnosis or assessment.
Where MLD is suitable, gentle rhythmic work follows a sequence tailored to you. Comfort, dignity and privacy are respected throughout, and you can ask for the approach to be adjusted at any point.
We may discuss a plan or follow-up where appropriate, including how treatment fits alongside your existing management. There is no promise of a particular outcome or requirement to book a fixed course.
Specialist experience
Advanced training matters.
Paul McKirgan is an Advanced Lymphatic & Sports Massage Therapist with Dr Vodder Level 3 MLD / lymphoedema training, including Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy.
He is registered with MLD UK and MLD Ireland, and is a member of the British Lymphology Society.
This specialist training informs careful treatment planning, recognition of when medical input is needed and how MLD fits within ongoing lymphatic care.
Before treatment
When MLD isn't the right first step.
New unexplained swelling, suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cellulitis or other infection, fever or acute illness need medical assessment rather than massage. Seek prompt medical advice; do not use MLD as the first response.
If you are unsure about an existing condition or recent procedure, contact Paul before booking. Treatment can be considered once suitability and any necessary medical clearance are established.
The wider clinic
The right approach, not just one technique.
MLD is part of Tidal's wider toolkit. DEEP OSCILLATION® is another gentle option Paul may use where appropriate, on its own or alongside manual work, depending on your needs and suitability.
If your main concern is muscular tightness rather than lymphatic swelling, Massage & Recovery may be a better starting point.
Explore all Treatments →Common questions
Before you book.
A few questions about MLD at Tidal Clinic. For your individual situation, get in touch.
A gentle place to begin.
Book an appointment for tailored lymphatic support in Portrush, or speak with Paul first if you would like to discuss suitability, your care plan or recent surgery.