Mobile lymph drainage therapist

Visit clients at home for gentle lymph drainage sessions, with only a portable table and your training.

Startup costA$1.5k to A$6k
Monthly revenueA$800 to A$4k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

Gentle, slow manual lymphatic drainage treatments in the client's home, for wellbeing, puffiness or general swelling. You bring a portable massage table, linen and oils. Clients with medical swelling may need a referral or GP clearance.

Your first three steps

  1. Complete a recognised massage qualification and a manual lymphatic drainage course if you don't already have them
  2. Get public liability and professional indemnity insurance, an ABN and a portable table
  3. Offer discounted first sessions to friends, then ask local GPs, physios and wellness clinics if they will refer clients
Who pays

People wanting relief from puffiness or heaviness, people recovering from cosmetic or other surgery (with their surgeon's approval), and older or less mobile clients who prefer a home visit.

How it makes money

A set price per session, usually 45 to 90 minutes, plus a travel fee for longer trips. Course packages of several sessions bring repeat bookings.

Skills that help
  • Specific lymph drainage training
  • Calm, caring manner with clients
  • Knowing when to refer to a GP or specialist
  • Booking and travel planning
Watch out for
  • Check which qualifications and association membership you need for insurance and health fund rebates
  • Learn the contraindications (such as infection, blood clots or heart conditions) and always refer when unsure
  • Don't claim to treat or cure medical conditions such as lymphoedema unless you are properly trained and working with their health team
  • Check your insurer covers visits to clients' homes
  • Plan for your own safety when visiting new clients alone

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: mobile lymph drainage therapist

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile lymph drainage business in Australia?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your training, portable table and linen, and insurance. Get quotes for your course and cover before committing, as these are estimates only.

How much can a mobile lymph drainage therapist earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you book and how much you travel. The estimates start from about 8 hours of work a week.

What should I check before offering lymph drainage at clients' homes?

Check which qualifications and association membership you need for insurance and health fund rebates, and that your insurer covers home visits. Learn the contraindications, refer when unsure, and avoid claiming to treat conditions like lymphoedema unless properly trained and working with the client's health team.

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