Hello! I’m Catherine, an experi­enced RMT based in Victoria, BC.

Yes, manual lymphatic drainage can provide supportive relief for some menopause symptoms by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

MLD may help with:

• Fluid retention and bloating - gently reduces water retention and abdominal puffiness
• Poor circulation - improves blood flow, reducing cold hands/feet and promoting warmth
• Sleep quality - promotes deep relaxation and stress reduction for better rest
• Muscle tension and joint stiffness - eases aches and improves mobility
• Stress and anxiety - activates the body's relaxation response, calming the nervous system
• Skin changes - supports healthy circulation for improved skin tone and texture

Neither clinic I work from has parking reserved for clients. However:

• At Brix Wellness you can park anywhere in the Royal Oak Shopping plaza.
• At Tall Tree there is free parking on Menzies Street and at the James Square Shopping Plaza, plus paid underground parking next to the library.

Yes, this treatment is do-able if you have facial hair. However, the focus will be on other parts of your face and neck.

For the most effective treatment, I recommend arriving with a clean-shaven face or neatly-trimmed beard. While facial hair doesn't prevent you from receiving a massage, shorter hair allows better access to your facial muscles and tissues, especially around the jawline and for any intraoral work, which are key components of the therapeutic session.

No, they're not the same thing. Think of therapeutic massage as an umbrella term; deep tissue massage is just one technique under that umbrella. Deep tissue targets deeper muscle and fascial layers, using firm pressure and concentrated techniques where needed. Let’s face it, some people simply prefer a deeper approach, have chronic pain, injury, postural issues or other reasons.

The key difference is intensity: therapeutic massage can range from light and relaxing to firm and targeted, while deep tissue massage prioritizes firm, precise pressure and friction strokes to affect change in deeper muscle and connective tissue layers. Ultimately, it’s a different approach to accomplishing the same goal - helping you feel better.

Yes. Everyone has different pain tolerance, skin sensitivity, and health conditions that affect how massage feels. Some discomfort is normal when working on muscle tension, inflammation, sensitive areas, or when a nerve or other tissue is causing pain. You may feel slightly achy for a day or two afterward as your body releases tension.

Lymphatic drainage is gentle and typically causes no discomfort.

Good therapeutic discomfort feels like “hurts so good,” while sharp pain may mean the pressure is too intense. But with trigger point release, this is also a normal response. Just let me know - I'll adjust my pressure or technique.