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

Yes, both lymphatic drainage and traditional massage can be beneficial during cancer treatment. MLD is gentle and soothing, but also helps optimize lymphatic function. Other massage approaches can ease muscle tension and manage stress.

If you’re concerned, consult your oncologist before massage therapy during cancer treatment to ensure it fits your care plan. I avoid massaging tumor sites and radiated areas, as these become sensitive and fragile. Mepitel Film can help protect irritated skin from clothing friction.

A seroma is a pocket of fluid that can build up under your skin after surgery or an injury. It usually shows up within days or weeks as a soft, painless swelling that you can feel or see beneath the skin. Seromas are common after surgeries that remove significant amounts of tissue or lymph nodes, like breast procedures or lymph node removal.

While lymphatic massage, taping, and compression can help manage seromas, you may need your surgeon to drain it with a needle.

Swelling duration varies for everyone and depends on several factors including the type of surgery you had, your age, overall health, and if you are following your surgeon's recovery instructions.

Most people experience swelling for about 2 to 8 weeks after surgery. However, if you've had liposuction, swelling can last anywhere from a few months up to a year as your body fully heals.

Yes. After booking your first appointment, you'll receive health intake and insurance forms via email. Simply complete and submit them online.

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.