berlin-mitte • gendarmenmarkt

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in Berlin-Mitte at Gendarmenmarkt

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in Berlin-Mitte at Gendarmenmarkt

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, physician-prescribed physiotherapy technique that reduces swelling, supports tissue regeneration, and relieves discomfort caused by lymphatic congestion.

At our practice in Berlin Mitte at Gendarmenmarkt, we offer MLD exclusively in combination with Krankengymnastik (KG) - because we believe that lasting results require active, evidence-based therapy.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, physician-prescribed physiotherapy technique that reduces swelling, supports tissue regeneration, and relieves discomfort caused by lymphatic congestion.

At our practice in Berlin Mitte at Gendarmenmarkt, we offer MLD exclusively in combination with Krankengymnastik (KG) - because we believe that lasting results require active, evidence-based therapy.

A physiotherapist massages the lymphatic system of a patient
A physiotherapist massages the lymphatic system of a patient

Easy to reach, bookable immediately

Französische Straße 24

10117 Berlin-Mitte

Phone

+49 30 754 394 470

Email

termine@somana.com

Opening hours

Mon–Thu: 8-8 pm, Fri: 8–5pm

A physiotherapist massages the lymphatic system of a patient
  • 40 years of physiotherapy expertise

  • Evidence-based physiotherapy guidelines.

  • All insurance plans + self-pay

  • 40 years of physiotherapy expertise

  • Evidence-based physiotherapy guidelines.

  • All insurance plans + self-pay

Person with closed eyes
Green leaf
Green leaf
Older women smiling

About Manual Lymphatic Drainage

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage - „MLD“ for short - is a remedy treatment prescribed by a physician and performed by physiotherapists with certified additional training. 

Using soft, rhythmic, circular hand movements with very light pressure, MLD stimulates the lymphatic system. Excess interstitial fluid is directed into functioning lymph pathways, swelling is reduced, and regeneration of the tissue is supported. The technique is gentle and feels relaxing - there is no deep tissue pressure.

At Somana, we deliberately combine MLD with Krankengymnastik (KG) so that decongestion is paired with active movement and self-management strategies - the only combination that produces sustainable results.

Treatment goals

Goals of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

At Somana in Berlin Mitte, we pursue clear, measurable goals with every Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment:

Decongestion

Reducing swelling in tissue caused by surgery, injury, or chronic lymphatic disorders.

Pain Reduction

Relieving the heaviness, tension, and pressure that accompany oedema.

Improving Mobility

Restoring range of motion limited by swelling — reinforced through active exercises in the KG portion.

Supporting Wound Healing and Scar Tissue

Especially after surgery, MLD accelerates regeneration.

Education and Self-management:

You learn how to support your lymphatic system in everyday life — through movement, breathing, skin care, and compression where indicated.

A physiotherapist massages the leg of a patient
A physiotherapist massages the leg of a patient

Fit

Who is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Suitable For?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is suitable for people of all ages who suffer from swelling, lymphatic congestion, or post-operative oedema. At our practice in Berlin Mitte, we particularly often encounter the following areas of application:

Post-operative swelling

e.g. after orthopaedic surgery (knee, hip, shoulder), abdominal surgery, or aesthetic procedures

Post-traumatic oedema

e.g. after sprains, fractures, or contusions

Every treatment is individually tailored to you – based on your symptoms, movement habits, and personal goals.

Steps

Course of a MLD Session at Somana, Gendarmenmarkt

1

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Based on the assessment, we create a treatment plan with clear goals. You will know from the start how the MLD portion and the Krankengymnastik portion fit together — and what is needed between sessions to reach the goal (movement, breathing, skin care, compression management where applicable).

Based on the assessment, we create a treatment plan with clear goals. You will know from the start how the MLD portion and the Krankengymnastik portion fit together — and what is needed between sessions to reach the goal (movement, breathing, skin care, compression management where applicable).

2

Individual Treatment Plan

Based on the assessment, we create a treatment plan with clear goals. You will know from the start what we are working toward.

Based on the assessment, we create a treatment plan with clear goals. You will know from the start what we are working toward.

3

Active Treatment: MLD Combined with Krankengymnastik

The therapy combines Manual Lymphatic Drainage with an active Krankengymnastik component in the same session. The MLD portion uses gentle, rhythmic hand movements to stimulate lymph flow and reduce swelling; the KG portion uses targeted active exercises, deep breathing, and decongestive positioning to multiply and sustain the effect of MLD. This combination follows current guidelines for complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and has been shown to produce significantly better long-term results than passive treatment alone.

The therapy combines Manual Lymphatic Drainage with an active Krankengymnastik component in the same session. The MLD portion uses gentle, rhythmic hand movements to stimulate lymph flow and reduce swelling; the KG portion uses targeted active exercises, deep breathing, and decongestive positioning to multiply and sustain the effect of MLD. This combination follows current guidelines for complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and has been shown to produce significantly better long-term results than passive treatment alone.

4

Home Exercises and Education

You will receive clear explanations of your symptoms and an individual home programme: decongestive exercises, breathing techniques, skin care guidance, and — where prescribed — instructions on putting on and caring for compression garments. This way you maintain the decongestion gained in therapy. The biggest progress happens between appointments.

You will receive clear explanations of your symptoms and an individual home programme: decongestive exercises, breathing techniques, skin care guidance, and — where prescribed — instructions on putting on and caring for compression garments. This way you maintain the decongestion gained in therapy. The biggest progress happens between appointments.

session details

Duration and Frequency

The rules regarding treatment duration and frequency differ depending on the type of insurance. Please feel free to contact us if anything is unclear.

Statutory Insurance

Private Insurance

Duration

Depending on the prescribed duration: 30 or 45 minutes, plus 15–20 minutes of physiotherapy (KG). We do not offer MLD-60 — the remaining treatment time is reserved for active physiotherapy, in line with our treatment philosophy.

Sessions

Usually 6 sessions per prescription

Frequency

1–2 times per week

Validity

Must begin within 28 calendar days of issue date

Long-term

Available for chronic conditions on doctor's prescription

Choose to live healthy and in control again.

Our physiotherapists

Offering Manual Lymphatic Drainage at Gendarmenmarkt

Physiotherapist

3 Years of Experience

Luka

Whether on the tennis court, the basketball court, or playing padel – Luka loves to move. With a bachelor's degree and three years of experience, he focuses on the shoulder and knee, working through movement analysis and targeted exercises.

Health Insurances & Self Pay

Costs & Co-Payments

Statutory Insurance

MLD is a covered benefit under statutory health insurance. With a medical prescription, your health insurance covers the costs. You only pay:

€10 prescription fee

one-time per prescription

10% of treatment costs

as the statutory co-payment

Important: The co-payment is waived with a co-payment exemption (can be applied for through your health insurance if you exceed the income threshold of 2% of gross income – 1% for chronically ill patients).

Important: The co-payment is waived with a co-payment exemption (can be applied for through your health insurance if you exceed the income threshold of 2% of gross income – 1% for chronically ill patients).

Private Insurance and Government Aid

Private health insurance and civil servant benefit schemes (Beihilfe) reimburse fully or partially depending on your contract and status. We’re happy to provide you with an individual fee overview in advance, so you can coordinate with your insurance provider. We bill according to the current fee schedule. A prescription is also required here.

Self-Pay

We currently don't offer MLD as a self pay service.

Welcome

How to find us

Französische Straße 24, 10117 Berlin

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 - 20:00 / Friday: 8:00 - 17:00

termine@somana.com

+49 30 754 394 470

Public transport

Our practice is located in central Berlin Mitte, just steps from Gendarmenmarkt. You can reach us in 5 minutes on foot from U-Bahn Station Unter den Linden (U6+U5), 7 minutes from Hausvogteiplatz (U2) and 10 minutes from Friedrichstraße (S+U).

By bike or car

Bike racks are right by the entrance, and parking garages on Mohrenstraße, Markgrafenstraße and Bebelplatz are within walking distance. At peak times, we recommend public transport.

When you arrive

Our practice is fully accessible. There is an elevator in the building – but it's rather slow, so taking the stairs is usually the faster option. If you need any assistance, just let us know in advance and we'll meet you at the entrance.

FAQ

Everything you need to know before getting started

What is the difference between Manual Lymphatic Drainage and physiotherapy?

Why do you only offer MLD in combination with Krankengymnastik?

Why only 30-minute and 45-minute MLD and not 60 minutes?

How much does Manual Lymphatic Drainage cost with a prescription?

How long does a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session last?

Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage painful?

When should MLD not be performed?