Tensor Fascia Lab
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Lymphatic Drainage, ScarWork, and Structural Integration.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy – Frequently Asked Questions
What is lymphatic drainage therapy (LDT)?
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps remove excess fluid, waste, and immune cells from tissues throughout the body. Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) is a gentle, hands-on approach that supports the natural movement of lymph fluid through this network.
It uses very light, rhythmic touch to encourage drainage and help reduce fluid retention in the tissues.
How is LDT different from a regular massage?
LDT uses far lighter pressure than most forms of massage. Rather than working into muscles, it works with the skin and the vessels just beneath it, using slow, precise movements designed to follow the direction of lymph flow.
The intention is to support the lymphatic system's own function rather than to release muscular tension.
Is LDT painful?
LDT should not be painful. The touch used is intentionally light, and the technique relies on precision and rhythm rather than pressure. If anything feels uncomfortable during the session, please let me know.
How do I prepare for a session?
Drinking plenty of water in the one to two days before your session helps the body manage fluid movement more effectively. It is generally advisable to avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine in the hours before your appointment.
Wearing or bringing loose, comfortable clothing is helpful, and it is best to avoid applying lotions or oils to the skin on the day of your session.
What should I expect during a session?
LDT uses very gentle, rhythmic movements applied to the skin. The pressure is light — significantly lighter than a typical massage — and many people find it deeply relaxing.
You will be positioned comfortably on the table with appropriate draping. Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes.
What should I do after a session?
Drinking plenty of water after your session helps support the body's continued lymph movement. It is advisable to rest if you feel tired, avoid strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day, and limit alcohol for 24 hours after your session.
These steps give the body space to integrate what has shifted during the treatment.
Is it normal to feel tired or need to urinate more after a session?
Yes, both are common responses. LDT encourages the body to move fluid that may have been stagnant, which can lead to increased urination as fluid is processed and eliminated.
Feeling tired or even slightly emotional after a session is also a recognised response and generally settles within a day or two.
Who can benefit from LDT?
Practically everyone. LDT is commonly used to help manage post-surgical swelling and fluid retention, support recovery from illness or injury, and assist with general fatigue or a sense of heaviness in the body.
It is also used pre-operatively — preparing the body and tissues before surgery to promote better healing and recovery afterwards. Beyond therapeutic use, LDT has a notable detoxifying effect and is known to support skin health and contribute to anti-aging through improved circulation and tissue quality.
Many people seek it simply as part of regular wellness care — it is not just something to turn to when something feels wrong, but genuinely beneficial as an ongoing practice.
Are there situations where LDT may not be appropriate?
LDT is not recommended in certain situations, including active infection or fever, blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, acute congestive heart failure or kidney failure, and active or untreated cancer.
If you have a history of cancer, please discuss this before booking — LDT may still be appropriate with medical clearance. When in doubt, consulting your healthcare provider first is always advisable.
How many sessions do I need, and how often should I come?
This depends on your individual situation and what you are coming in for. Some people notice a meaningful shift after a single session, while others benefit from a short course of sessions spaced one to two weeks apart.
We will discuss a realistic plan based on your goals at or before your first session.
ScarWork – Frequently Asked Questions
Why might a scar benefit from treatment even if it looks healed?
Scar tissue forms as part of the body's natural healing process after surgery, injury, or trauma. Even when a scar appears fully healed on the surface, the tissue beneath can remain restricted or less mobile than the surrounding tissues.
These restrictions may influence how nearby tissues move and how tension travels through the body. In some cases this can contribute to discomfort, altered movement patterns, or a feeling of tightness around the scar.
ScarWork is a gentle hands-on approach that works with the quality and mobility of the scar tissue, helping the area integrate more comfortably with the surrounding tissues.
What kinds of scars can ScarWork help with?
ScarWork may be applied to a wide range of scars once the tissue has fully healed. This includes scars from surgery, injuries, burns, and other forms of trauma.
Common examples include caesarean section scars, surgical scars, arthroscopic procedure scars, and scars from accidents or burns. Each scar is assessed individually to determine whether the approach is appropriate.
When can ScarWork begin after surgery or injury?
ScarWork can usually begin once the scar has fully closed and the tissue has completed the initial stages of healing. The scar should not be open, inflamed, or showing signs of infection.
In some situations, particularly after major surgery or medical treatment, obtaining clearance from your healthcare provider may be recommended before beginning treatment.
For individuals with a history of cancer or radiation-related scarring, consulting your physician or oncology team before receiving ScarWork is advisable.
Are there situations where ScarWork may not be appropriate?
ScarWork should not be performed on scars that are still healing, inflamed, infected, or not yet fully closed. In some situations, medical clearance may be recommended before treatment begins.
If you are uncertain whether ScarWork is appropriate for your situation, discussing your scar with a healthcare professional before booking is advisable.
Can ScarWork help with older scars or keloid scars?
Yes, ScarWork can be beneficial for scars of many ages, including those that formed months or years earlier. Even long-standing scars may continue to influence surrounding tissues and movement patterns.
Keloid scars require more careful evaluation. Because keloids involve excessive scar tissue growth, treatment suitability varies from case to case, so it is best to discuss this before booking.
What changes might I notice after ScarWork?
Many people notice changes in the texture and mobility of the scar tissue, such as a softer feel or improved movement in the surrounding area.
Some individuals also report increased comfort, reduced sensitivity, or improved ease of movement in nearby joints or tissues.
Is ScarWork treatment painful, and how many sessions are usually needed?
ScarWork is generally performed using gentle and precise techniques. Most clients experience the treatment as comfortable, although mild sensitivity may occasionally be felt when working with restricted areas.
The number of sessions varies depending on factors such as the age, size, location, and quality of the scar tissue. Some scars respond quickly, while others benefit from a more gradual process over several sessions.
Structural Integration – Frequently Asked Questions
What is fascia?
Fascia is a connective tissue network that surrounds and connects muscles, bones, organs, and other structures throughout the body. It plays an important role in how forces move through the body and how we maintain posture and movement.
How is Structural Integration different from massage?
Structural Integration focuses on how tension and support are organised across the entire body rather than working only on isolated areas of discomfort.
The approach looks at how different regions influence one another within the body's structural system and works with the fascial network to improve overall organisation and movement.
What can I expect during a session?
Sessions typically involve hands-on work combined with observation of posture and movement. Clients may occasionally be asked to move or change position during the session so different structural relationships can be assessed and addressed.
How often should I come, and when might I notice change?
When working in a series, sessions are typically spaced one week apart, close enough to maintain momentum and far enough for the body to integrate what has changed.
When you might notice change depends on the individual. Some people notice shifts in posture, breathing, or comfort after the first session, while for others the changes develop more gradually as the work builds over time.
Does the 12-Series Structural Integration work last?
The structural changes from the 12-Series tend to be lasting because they reflect how the body has reorganised itself, not just temporary relief from a single session. Most people find the changes hold well over time.
Some return for occasional sessions as their body continues to evolve, but this is a choice rather than a requirement.
Do you have to commit to the full 12-Series before starting?
The 12-Series works as a progressive process, so commitment matters. The deeper changes come from working through it in sequence.
However, we always begin with a first session. This gives you the chance to experience the work firsthand, and gives me the opportunity to understand your situation and confirm that I am the right fit for what you are looking for. No commitment to the full series is needed before that first conversation.
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