FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything You Need To Know Before Your Embody Experience

Whether you're visiting Embody for the first time or you're simply wondering which treatment might be right for you, you'll find some of the most common questions answered below.

If you can't find what you're looking for, you're always welcome to get in touch before booking.

ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

DO I NEED TO KNOW WHICH TREATMENT I NEED BEFORE I BOOK?

Not necessarily.

If you're unsure, choose the treatment that feels closest to what you're experiencing.

Your appointment begins with a conversation about your health history, concerns and goals. Where appropriate, your treatment can be adapted to what your body needs on the day.

If you're unsure whether hands-on treatment is appropriate for your particular condition or circumstances, please contact Kathryn before booking.

ARE YOUR TREATMENTS PERSONALised?

Yes.

No two bodies are exactly the same, and your treatment isn't designed to follow a rigid routine.

Your health history, current presentation and goals are considered when deciding which techniques and areas are most appropriate for you.

WILL MY TREATMENT BE PAINFUL?

Most Embody treatments are designed to feel gentle and supportive rather than painful.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses very light, rhythmic techniques.

Other therapeutic treatments may involve more targeted muscular or fascial work where appropriate.

Your comfort is always important, and pressure and techniques can be adjusted throughout your appointment.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Depending on your treatment, you may be asked to undress to your level of comfort. Professional draping is always used during treatments where required.

For facial treatments, you can remain comfortably dressed.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

No.

Everything you need for your treatment is provided.

Simply arrive with yourself and your completed intake form.

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

WHAT IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic hands-on technique designed to support lymphatic flow and fluid movement.

At Embody, MLD is performed using the Vodder Method®.

IS MLD DEEP MASSAGE?

No.

MLD is very different from traditional deep tissue or remedial massage.

The techniques are gentle, rhythmic and intentional, following the natural pathways of the lymphatic system.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 60-MINUTE AND 90-MINUTE MLD?

The 60-minute treatment is a focused front-of-body treatment.

The 90-minute treatment allows for more comprehensive work through the front and back of the body, with additional time for areas requiring greater attention.

For more widespread, complex or longstanding lymphatic concerns, 90 minutes is recommended.

CAN MLD HELP WITH LIPOEDEMA?

MLD can form part of supportive care for women living with lipoedema.

Treatment is personalised according to your presentation and may be used alongside other management strategies such as compression, movement and care from your broader healthcare team.

MLD does not diagnose lipoedema, and hands-on treatment should complement appropriate medical assessment and management.

CAN YOU TREAT LYMPHOEDEMA?

If you have diagnosed or medically managed lymphoedema, lymphatic treatment may be appropriate depending on your individual circumstances.

Your medical history and current presentation will be considered before treatment.

Where necessary, you may also be encouraged to work alongside an appropriate lymphoedema practitioner or healthcare professional.

LIPOEDEMA & LYMPHATIC HEALTH

DO YOU DIAGNOSE LIPOEDEMA?

No.

Lipoedema is a medical condition and diagnosis should be made by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

However, Kathryn has a particular interest in supporting women experiencing symptoms associated with lipoedema and creating a space where those concerns can be listened to and discussed.

I THINK I MAY HAVE LIPOEDEMA. CAN I STILL BOOK?

Yes.

If you're experiencing symptoms such as disproportionate lower-body size, heaviness, tenderness, easy bruising or persistent swelling, you are welcome to book.

Kathryn can provide appropriate hands-on support and encourage you to seek further assessment where indicated.

You can also explore the Could It Be Lipoedema? section under Learn before your appointment.

DO YOU OFFER COMPRESSION OR LYMPHATIC TAPING?

Where appropriate, compression support and lymphatic taping may form part of your treatment or broader lymphatic management.

These approaches are considered according to your individual presentation and needs.

DO YOU GIVE MOVEMENT OR EXERCISE GUIDANCE?

Movement can be an important part of supporting lymphatic health.

Where appropriate, Kathryn may provide simple movement guidance relevant to your treatment and individual needs.

This is supportive education rather than a replacement for an individualised exercise program from a qualified exercise or health professional.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

HOW SOON AFTER SURGERY CAN I HAVE LYMPHATIC TREATMENT?

This depends entirely on your procedure, stage of healing and individual circumstances.

You must have appropriate medical clearance before receiving hands-on post-operative treatment.

Your surgeon or treating medical professional should advise when treatment is appropriate.

WHAT CAN POST-OPERATIVE LYMPHATIC CARE INCLUDE?

Depending on your stage of recovery, treatment may incorporate:

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage

• Gentle lymphatic techniques

• Fascial and tissue work

• Scar support

• Compression support

• Lymphatic taping

• Movement guidance

Your treatment will always be adapted to your stage of healing.

CAN YOU WORK WITH SCARS?

Yes, where appropriate and once the area has adequately healed.

Scar work can be incorporated into relevant treatments rather than being a separate treatment at Embody.

HEAD, NECK & JAW

DO YOU WORK INSIDE THE MOUTH?

Yes.

Where appropriate, intra-oral release can be incorporated into Head, Neck & Jaw Release.

This allows targeted work through muscles and tissues inside the mouth that can contribute to jaw and TMJ tension.

Intra-oral work is always explained beforehand and performed with your consent.

CAN THIS HELP WITH TMJ TENSION OR JAW CLENCHING?

The treatment can provide supportive hands-on care for muscular tension associated with jaw clenching, grinding and TMJ-related discomfort.

Treatment may include external and intra-oral muscular release, fascial techniques and lymphatic work where appropriate.

FACIAL & SCULPTING TREATMENTS

ARE YOUR FACIAL TREATMENTS TRADITIONAL BEAUTY FACIALS?

No.

The Sculpt & Restore Face Ritual is a muscle-led sculpting treatment rather than a traditional skincare facial.

The focus is on facial muscles, fascia, lymphatic flow, tension and natural facial contours, with minimal skin preparation and care.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCULPT & RESTORE AND BUCCAL SCULPT?

Sculpt & Restore Face Ritual focuses on external facial sculpting, lymphatic techniques, muscular and fascial release, facial cupping and gua sha.

Buccal Sculpt Ritual incorporates all of this with the addition of intra-oral Buccal Therapy, allowing deeper access to the muscles of the cheeks, jaw and lower face.

ARE THE SCULPTING TREATMENTS FOR WOMEN ONLY?

Yes.

Sculpt & Restore Face Ritual, Buccal Sculpt Ritual, The Sensory Nervous System Experience and The Embody Ritual are female-only treatments.

This is clearly indicated when booking.

THE SENSORY NERVOUS SYSTEM EXPERIENCE

WHAT IS THE SENSORY NERVOUS SYSTEM EXPERIENCE?

It's a 90-minute, ASMR-inspired sensory experience designed around gentle touch, sound, warmth, texture, oil massage and sensory tools.

The intention is to encourage relaxation, grounding and nervous-system regulation.

IS IT A MASSAGE?

It's not a traditional massage.

It incorporates gentle oil massage alongside a variety of sensory techniques and tools, with the experience moving through the back, arms, hands, décolletage, neck, face and head.

DO I HAVE TO EXPERIENCE ASMR TINGLES?

Not at all.

ASMR affects people differently.

Some people experience tingling or a deeply calming response, while others simply enjoy the gentle sensory input and opportunity to slow down.

THE EMBODY RITUAL

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE EMBODY RITUAL?

The Embody Ritual is our most comprehensive two-hour experience.

It brings together full-body lymphatic, muscular and fascial techniques with head, neck, jaw and facial sculpting.

Depending on what your body needs, your treatment may also incorporate techniques such as gua sha, facial cupping, warm towels and nervous-system-focused care.

CAN I CHOOSE WHAT WE WORK ON?

Absolutely.

Your priorities and concerns are discussed at the beginning of your appointment, and the treatment can be adapted as we work.

The intention is to create a complete experience rather than simply move through a predetermined sequence.

BOOKING

DO I NEED TO COMPLETE AN INTAKE FORM?

Yes.

New clients receive an online health history and intake form after booking.

Please complete this before your appointment so Kathryn can review your relevant health information and understand what you'd like support with.

IS A DEPOSIT REQUIRED?

Yes.

A 25% deposit is required to secure your appointment and is deducted from your treatment total on the day.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

At least 48 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Appointments changed with less than 48 hours' notice will forfeit the booking deposit.

Your deposit may be transferred to one new appointment provided the appointment is rebooked and attended within 6 weeks of the original appointment.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS MY APPOINTMENT?

Appointments missed without notice incur a fee of 50% of the scheduled treatment cost.

WHAT IF I'M RUNNING LATE?

Please contact Kathryn as soon as possible.

Every effort will be made to accommodate you, however your treatment may need to be shortened if necessary to avoid delaying the next client.

PRIVATE HEALTH REBATES

CAN I CLAIM MY TREATMENT ON PRIVATE HEALTH?

Some treatments incorporating remedial massage techniques may be eligible for a private health rebate depending on your health fund and level of cover.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage on its own is generally not claimable as remedial massage.

If claiming is important to you, please check directly with your health fund before booking.

WHERE IS EMBODY LOCATED?

Embody Lymphatic Co is based in Bonbeach, in a private treatment space designed to provide a calm and comfortable experience.

Your booking confirmation will provide the details you need for your appointment.

WHEN SHOULD I NOT BOOK A TREATMENT?

There are circumstances where hands-on treatment may not be appropriate or may require medical clearance first.

If you have a new, unexplained or significant health concern, recent surgery, acute infection, significant swelling or another condition you're unsure about, please contact Kathryn before booking.

If you are experiencing an urgent or potentially serious medical issue, seek appropriate medical care rather than booking a massage or lymphatic treatment.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

You don't have to figure everything out on your own.

If you have a question about a treatment, your health circumstances or which appointment may be appropriate for you, you're welcome to get in touch before booking.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

That's okay.

We'll start with a conversation.

Then we'll take it from there.