Connective tissue massage vs lymphatic drainage — two treatments, separately or together
Two techniques, two systems, two separate treatments. What the difference is, what each one costs, and when it makes sense to put them in a single appointment.
Book a free consultationWhat is lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a treatment aimed at the lymphatic system — the network of vessels that drains lymph fluid and plays a role in fluid balance and immune defence. The treatment stimulates the drainage of lymph fluid through gentle, rhythmic movements or through a device-assisted technique.
There are two main forms: manual lymphatic drainage (with the hands), and device-assisted lymphatic drainage, in which a device applies controlled pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system. At Bodyfix the lymphatic drainage is pressotherapy: device-assisted, 30 minutes, available only at Legmeerplein 7. It is a separately bookable treatment at €45 — you can book it on its own or alongside a connective tissue massage.
Lymphatic drainage is aimed at supporting fluid drainage. Many clients experience a lighter feeling after a treatment. With conditions such as lymphoedema, lymphatic drainage can offer support as a complement to medical care, but does not replace it. With any medical complaint, always consult your doctor first.
- ✓
Aimed at lymphatic drainage and fluid balance
- ✓
Gentle, rhythmic technique — not aimed at deep tissue structures
- ✓
Can offer support with oedema — as a complement to medical care
What is connective tissue massage?
Connective tissue massage — also known as fascia technique or connective tissue technique — is manual work on the connective tissue, or fascia, of a zone agreed beforehand: deep, targeted pressure, with the intensity adjusted to your comfort. We do not claim that the Bodyfix Method releases internal adhesions or repairs the tissue structure. A change in how something feels does not prove such an effect. Discuss unexplained or persistent complaints with your healthcare provider.
Connective tissue massage is deeper in nature than a classic relaxation massage. Many clients experience a more intense sensation during the treatment, but also feel that the tissue is more supple afterwards. The technique differs from lymphatic drainage: the work goes by hand into the connective tissue, not by device into the lymphatic system.
At Bodyfix we work with manual connective tissue massage as the core of the treatment. You can read more about the technical background in our knowledge base.
- ✓
Aimed at the fascia — the deep connective tissue
- ✓
Deep, targeted manual technique — more intense than surface massage
- ✓
Relevant with cellulite, scar tissue and recovery after a pregnancy
The difference at a glance
At first glance, connective tissue massage and lymphatic drainage look alike — both are massage techniques that work on the body — but they target different systems and have a different aim.
| Technique | Suitable for | Sensation | Bodyfix approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lymphatic drainage | Aimed at the lymphatic system; can offer support with oedema, as a complement to medical care | Light, rhythmic, relaxing | Pressotherapy — 30 minutes for €45, on its own or alongside a massage |
| Connective tissue massage | Cellulite and skin quality, scar tissue, the stomach after a pregnancy | Deeper, more intense — many clients experience a pleasant tension | Manual, consultation first via Bodyreading |
| The Ultimate Bodyfix Massage | Both in one appointment, when the bodyreading points that way | Deep manual work, plus 30 minutes of pressotherapy | €115, €185 or €255 — the separate rates added up |
Separately or together — how you book it
Connective tissue massage and lymphatic drainage are not each other's competitor. They are two separate treatments working on different systems, and either can be booked on its own. When they are held in a single appointment, that is the Ultimate Bodyfix Massage.
No evidence has been provided that the Bodyfix combination works better than both parts on their own. What we can say: they are two different kinds of work on two different systems, and the bodyreading decides whether one or both are needed. You can discuss beforehand whether combining makes sense in your situation.
The combination is not sold as standard. The prices simply add the separate rates together: there is no combination discount and no combination surcharge. The full breakdown is on the page about the Ultimate Bodyfix Massage and on packages & prices.
- ✓
Two systems, two treatments — bookable separately or in one appointment
- ✓
Lymphatic drainage on its own: pressotherapy, 30 minutes, €45
- ✓
Together: the Ultimate Bodyfix Massage — €115, €185 or €255
- ✓
A medically careful approach: a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care
The Bodyfix approach
Both treatments sit within a broader way of working: the Bodyfix Method. Every treatment starts with a Bodyreading. This is an assessment of the tissue and posture, so that the treatment fits the client's specific situation — not a standard protocol.
Bodyfix has worked as a connective tissue and fascia practice in Amsterdam-Zuid since 2008. The method was developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula, and the practitioners are trained in it by her in-house. Bodyfix is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 207 reviews.
You can read more about the background of lymphatic drainage at Bodyfix on the lymphatic drainage Amsterdam page. The combined approach is described on the page about the combination treatment of lymphatic drainage and connective tissue in the knowledge base.
Bodyreading
Consultation first: an assessment of tissue and posture before the first treatment, so that the approach fits your situation.
Connective tissue massage
Deep, targeted manual pressure on the connective tissue of the agreed zone, with the intensity adjusted to your comfort. Many clients experience that the tissue feels more supple afterwards.
Device-assisted lymphatic drainage
30 minutes of pressotherapy, booked alongside as a separate €45 treatment. Not a fixed part of every session: the bodyreading decides whether it is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Unsure about connective tissue massage, lymphatic drainage or the combined approach? Below are the most frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between connective tissue massage and lymphatic drainage?
Connective tissue massage is deep, targeted manual pressure on the connective tissue, with the intensity adjusted to your comfort. Many clients experience that the tissue feels more supple afterwards. We do not claim that the Bodyfix Method releases internal adhesions or repairs the tissue structure. Lymphatic drainage at Bodyfix is pressotherapy: device-assisted, 30 minutes, aimed at the lymphatic system and not at the connective tissue. They are two separate treatments, and either can be booked on its own.
Do I always get both at Bodyfix?
No. Manual connective tissue massage and device-assisted lymphatic drainage are two separate treatments, and either can be booked on its own. The drainage is pressotherapy: 30 minutes for €45, available only at Legmeerplein 7. Put them in one appointment and it is called the Ultimate Bodyfix Massage: €115, €185 or €255 for 1 to 3 zones of connective tissue massage plus 30 minutes of pressotherapy. No evidence has been provided that the combination works better than both parts on their own; the bodyreading decides what is needed.
Is the combination treatment also suitable for lipoedema or lymphoedema?
Many clients with lipoedema or lymphoedema visit Bodyfix as a complement to their medical care. The treatment is aimed at connective tissue and lymphatic drainage and can offer support, but it does not replace medical advice or treatment from a doctor or specialist. Always consult your treating doctor about these conditions before starting a treatment.
How does a consultation at Bodyfix work?
Every first treatment begins with a free consultation (10-minute booking slot). During the consultation the therapist discusses your situation and carries out a Bodyreading — an assessment of the tissue and posture — so that the treatment fits your specific situation. The consultation is entirely without obligation and does not replace a medical consultation. Book your free consultation here.
Have any other questions? Take a look at our frequently asked questions or get in touch via contact.
We look first, then plan
In ten minutes we look and feel what is going on, and tell you which of the two treatments — or both — is up first. Free and without obligation, a 10-minute booking slot at Bodyfix Amsterdam.
Book a free consultation