Traveler’s Boost: Why MLD Beats Deep Tissue After Long Flights
Aloha, jet-setter! Whether you’ve just landed on Maui from the mainland or are returning home after a long trip, you know the signs: swollen ankles, puffiness, fatigue, maybe even a persistent fog. As someone with 30 years’ experience in massage therapy, I’ve seen these travel-side effects countless times—and there's a powerful antidote that works even better than deep tissue massage: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).
Why Travel Causes Swelling
When you're squeezed in economy or even business class for hours, your lymphatic system slows to a crawl. Fluid pools in your legs, waste products linger, and you feel heavy and groggy—it’s a textbook recipe for travel fatigue and puffiness
Even traveling by train can cause our lymph to become sluggish. So remember, as my teacher says, “If you’re alive then Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is good for you.”
What MLD Does Differently
MLD is a gentle, rhythmic, skin-stretching massage technique—developed in the 1930s by Emil Vodder—that encourages lymph to flow naturally toward your nodes. Ditch the trendy deep pressure, just light strokes that tell your body’s drainage system, “Keep Flowing”
Here’s the Science
Do you know what your Lymphatic System is?
Here is a basic anatomical chart of the lymphatic system with nodes and lymphatic organs included.
In sports medicine, MLD has been shown to reduce swelling effectively in cases like ankle sprains and wrist fractures—offering tangible relief. Read an article from the National Library of Medicine about Lymphatic Drainage Massage by clicking the green highlighted link which says ‘National Library of Medicine’
Spas like those at Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire report guests using MLD post-flight experience reduced jet lag, improved glow, and better sleep.
MLD vs. Deep Tissue: Why Gentleness Wins
You might be used to that “hurts so good” sensation from deep tissue massage—and that’s perfectly fine if it works for you in managing chronic muscle tension.
But after travel, when your tissues are inflamed and your system is already under stress, deep pressure can cause more harm than good. MLD works with your body, easing puffiness, supporting detoxification, and boosting circulation—without the soreness or bruising.
I encourage you—no, I challenge you—to skip the deep tissue next time and try MLD instead. You might be surprised by how much more effective gentleness can be.
Travel-Ready Routine
Hydrate early—start at least 24 hours before travel.
Move during flight—ankle pumps, walk aisles when possible (bouncing on your toes although that may look a little odd to some).
Book an MLD session as soon as you land. Let me reawaken your circulation so you’re ready to enjoy Maui.
Ready for Your Passport to Recovery?
Whether you’re a cosmetic surgery patient, a jet-lagged traveler, a frequent flyer, or someone who already understands the benefits of effective over painful, MLD offers a gentle reset that deep tissue cannot match.
If you’re a cosmetic provider in Hawaii, I’d love to connect. Let’s help your patients recover beautifully and feel refreshed—with safe, targeted bodywork that supports their healing journey.
Book your post-flight MLD today to experience the difference. Let me help you step off the plane and into a whole new world of relaxation and recovery. Call now for an appointment (808) 264-8643
Laura Cavanaugh, LMT Himat #9554
