Hans Lutters – Expert in Massage Therapy & Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Hans Lutters is a highly respected Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapist, recognised for his clinical expertise, leadership, and commitment to advancing care in his field. Originally from the Netherlands, Hans gained his foundational qualifications in Massage Therapy and MLD before relocating to Christchurch, New Zealand in 2007. Soon after, he established Hands On Clinic, a thriving centre for lymphatic and massage therapy.
A Collaborative, Patient-Centred Approach
Working alongside the trusted multidisciplinary team at the Sports Clinic in Christchurch, Hans and his team collaborate with podiatrists, physiotherapists, doctors, and chiropractors to deliver integrated, patient-centred care. With over two decades of clinical experience, he specialises in the treatment of primary and secondary lymphoedema, lipoedema, and chronic pain, applying a broad range of therapeutic skills to improve patient outcomes.
Advanced Qualifications and Therapeutic Approach
Initially trained in the Vodder method in the Netherlands, Hans furthered his expertise in New Zealand and Australia, completing additional training in Casley Smith and Vodder techniques. He is a qualified Level 1 & 2 Vodder therapist and in 2025, he achieved the highest level of Vodder qualification, Level 3. His treatment approach incorporates Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), Kinesio taping, compression therapy, specialist bandaging, and patient education.
A Leader in MLD Education
Recognising the limited training opportunities in MLD for massage therapists in New Zealand, Hans launched the Hands On Lymphatic Drainage Level 1 & 2 training courses in 2009. Drawing on over 20 years of practice and research, these courses equip health practitioners and physical wellness professionals with consistent, evidence-informed techniques, empowering them to assess and treat clients effectively. Hans’ dedication to professional education has raised the standard of MLD practice nationwide, benefitting countless patients and communities.
As a qualified teacher (ROC) originally from the Netherlands, Hans is a member of the Massage Association of New Zealand (MANZ) and an accredited member of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA).
High Performance Sport
Hans is an accredited provider for High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) and a long-standing member of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) Core Health team, having proudly served as a massage therapist at every Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games since 2014. This includes:
- 2014 Commonwealth Games – Glasgow
- 2016 Olympic Games – Rio de Janeiro
- 2018 Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast
- 2021 Olympic Games – Tokyo
- 2022 Commonwealth Games – Birmingham
- 2024 Olympic Games – Paris
Since 2012, Hans has worked with high-performance athletes from around the world, New Zealand representative teams, individuals living with chronic conditions, and patients requiring palliative care. Whether working with elite athletes or those seeking relief from long-term illness, his focus remains the same: improving quality of life, promoting recovery, and sharing the benefits of MLD and massage therapy through both treatment and education.
Qualifications & Affiliations
Director
Massage & Lymphatics Therapist
- Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Level 6, Massage Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ)
- Dr. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage Level 3 - Lymphedema
- Dr. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage Level 2 - Applied MLD
- Dr. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage Level 1 - Practical
- Certified in Casley Smith Method
- Kinesio Taping KT1 Fundamental Concepts - Qualified
- Kinesio Taping KT2 Advanced Concepts & Corrective Techniques - Qualified
- Kinesio Taping KT3 Complex Clinical Conditions & Muscle Combinations - Qualified
- Certified in Dry Needling (Joannes Boele van Hensbroek)
- Accredited provider for High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) and the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) since 2014
- Member of the NZOC Core Health team with participation as massage therapist at:
- 2014 Commonwealth Games – Glasgow
- 2016 Olympic Games – Rio de Janeiro
- 2018 Commonwealth Games – Gold Coast
- 2021 Olympic Games – Tokyo
- 2022 Commonwealth Games – Birmingham
- 2024 Olympic Games – Paris
- Accredited member of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA)
- Accredited provider for Southern Cross and other insurances