👋 I’m in Victoria, BC, welcoming clients at Brix Wellness Victoria and Tall Tree Health (James Bay).
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Yes. You're welcome to wear a mask during your session if that makes you more comfortable. I’m also happy to wear a mask during your treatment if you prefer. Just let me know your preference when you arrive.
Not at all - the choice is entirely yours. Some clients prefer silence, while others enjoy light conversation. I’ll follow your lead throughout the session. Before we begin, we'll discuss your preferences and any specific goals you have for your massage to ensure you get exactly what you need. My priority is creating a comfortable, judgment-free environment where you can truly unwind.
I don't provide lymphedema bandaging or compression garment fittings myself, but this service is available through medical pharmacies and garment fitters around the city. If you're looking for light support, off-the-shelf compression garments may be a good option.
Good brands include: Sigvaris, Juzo, Medi, and Jobst.
Note that for custom garments, a doctor's note is required.
To maintain hygiene standards, I kindly ask that you refrain from bringing furry companions to your appointment. If you have a service animal, please notify me in advance so we can discuss any necessary accommodations.
Yes. After booking your first appointment, you'll receive health intake and insurance forms via email. Simply complete and submit them online.
I recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you a moment to get settled and use the restroom if needed.
I use unscented fractionated coconut oil and shea butter lotion during massage sessions. Occasionally, I may use scented products, but I'll always ask about any sensitivities beforehand to ensure you're okay with it.
During your first visit, we'll discuss your treatment goals and health history, followed by an assessment. Conversations during follow-up visits are usually shorter. After your massage, we'll check in to discuss future goals, homecare recommendations, and answer any questions about the treatment.
I understand you may want to go straight to the massage, but these conversations are required by the CCHPBC and insurance companies to ensure quality care and public safety.
Neither clinic I work from has parking reserved for clients. However:
Yes, both locations are accessible overall.
At Brix Wellness, the treatment room isn't large enough to fit ambulatory aids like walkers or wheelchairs. At Tall Tree, the room can accommodate them.
Brix Wellness is in the Royal Oak Shopping Plaza at #4480 West Saanich Road. Coming from the south, you'll pass Subway and Medical Labs—that's our building. Enter on the north side, across from Floyd's Diner (separate pink building), through the clear glass door labelled "Oakview Building" next to Travel Direct. Head up to the second floor and you'll find us in unit 207.
The Tall Tree James Bay location is a ground floor unit at #555 Superior Street. We're next to Good Earth Coffee, just across from the legislator building.
I understand that plans can change! You may cancel or reschedule your massage appointment free of charge as long as you give at least 24 hours' notice. Simply log into your online booking portal or give the clinic a call.
No, I don't offer direct billing for ICBC or WorkSafe BC claims. You'll pay when you come in, and I'll provide you with a comprehensive receipt that makes it easy to submit for reimbursement.
I accept cash, credit, and debit cards.
I also offer direct billing with most major health insurance plans, including Telus Health, Pacific Blue Cross, Medavie, Sun Life, Green Shield, and Empire Life (among others).
This is standard practice at most clinics. Your card simply holds your spot—it won't be charged unless there's a late cancellation (less than 24 hours' notice) or a no-show.
You have control over your comfort level during your massage. You may undress to whatever degree feels best for you - some clients prefer to keep underwear on, while others choose to undress completely. A sheet will always be provided to ensure your privacy and warmth throughout the session.
It depends on how you're feeling. If your muscles are sore or inflamed, ice or cooling lotion can help. If you're experiencing tired, achy muscles, heat options like a warm shower, epsom salt bath, or warming ointment may provide relief.
Yes, this is perfectly normal. During massage, pressure applied to the lower back or abdomen can stimulate the urge to urinate. If your body is retaining fluid, you may also experience increased urination and bowel movements afterward. These are natural responses as your body processes the treatment.
Focus on self-care by staying hydrated, eating well, and engaging in gentle activities like walking or simply relaxing. Most importantly, stay calm and listen to your body. If you're recovering from surgery, continue wearing compression garments and follow your surgeon's recommendations.
Getting one or two lymphatic massages a few days before surgery can be beneficial for many patients, but always consult with your surgeon first to ensure it's appropriate for your specific procedure. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) helps enhance your lymphatic system's ability to manage inflammation and promote more efficient healing by increasing the contraction rate of your lymphatic vessels.
Yes, feeling nervous about getting a massage is completely normal. Common reasons include first-time jitters, body image concerns, past experiences, personal boundaries around touch, physical sensitivities, health considerations, cultural or religious beliefs, and trauma history.
Your comfort is the priority. As your massage therapist, I'm here to listen to your concerns, respect your boundaries, and adapt the treatment to your needs. You have complete control over your massage experience and can communicate what feels comfortable or not so good at any time.
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.
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.
Some pre-appointment suggestions:
Lymphatic drainage doesn't directly cause weight loss – though social media images may suggest otherwise. These dramatic before-and-after photos often don't show the full recovery process, swelling reduction, and other treatments involved.
What can MLD do? Reduce fluid retention and improve circulation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Absolutely, most people can benefit from a lymphatic massage. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) works by facilitating the drainage of fluid and waste from the body's spaces, preventing swelling amongst other things.
One of the key benefits of MLD is that it activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Lots of people fall asleep with the light and repetitive hand motions of the technique.
MLD supports the immune system, helping the body fight off viruses, inflammation, and bacteria. Additionally, skin health can be improved by enhancing the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells.
My primary method is Dr. Vodder's MLD — a gentle, oil-free technique using skin-stretching and rhythmic pumping to stimulate the lymphatic vessels. I occasionally use the Joana Medrado Method, using lotion for more flowing strokes with lymph node pumping.
I also offer maderotherapy, which is not lymphatic massage itself, but a complementary practice. Wooden tools soften congested tissue (cellulite, fascia, fibrosis, water retention) into a gel-like state to aid lymphatic drainage.
Manual lymphatic drainage is generally safe and has few side effects. However, there are some instances where receiving MLD may not be recommended. Please review the contraindications listed here to determine if MLD is suitable for you. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to get in touch with me.
The frequency of MLD massages varies depending on your specific condition, the severity of your symptoms, and the purpose of your treatment – whether it's for therapeutic benefit or overall wellness. For a more detailed answer to this question, please refer to my article "How Often Should I Get a Lymphatic Massage?"
Yes, manual lymphatic drainage can provide supportive relief for some menopause symptoms by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
MLD may help with:
As often as you want! Weekly or monthly face massage treatment sessions are both beneficial. Regular treatments help reduce stress, tension, increase circulation and minimize swelling.
If weekly visits aren't feasible, every 2-3 weeks is good for wellbeing and many other benefits - treating your face, neck and scalp to a massage is the ultimate self-care.
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.
I suggest waiting 14 days after Botox and 28 days after dermal filler before booking a face massage therapy with intra-oral component. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is safe any time after injectables.
The treatment is 60 minutes, and includes the face, neck, and scalp, with lymphatic and intra-oral components. If you prefer to skip the intra-oral massage, that's perfectly fine.
This is meant to be a restful, self-indulging treatment so that you can bliss out - we don't want to rush this experience! If you'd like to include additional areas like your back or shoulders, this treatment is adaptable or you can always book a longer session.
Intra-oral massage involves me wearing vinyl gloves while I manipulate muscles and tissues inside the mouth, the cheeks and jaw area - using kneading and an upward lifting motions. This is a relaxing treatment, though sometimes the technique is quite vigorous. This helps relieve tension from headaches, jaw tightness, teeth grinding, dental work, and more! It's typically not painful - I've even had clients fall asleep. Many clients say they feel more space in their face and cheeks afterward – they feel lighter.
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.
No, deep tissue massage isn’t my preferred treatment style. My approach is a mixture of relaxation and therapeutic techniques with the same outcome goal as a deep tissue massage: to help you feel better. I focus on softening adhesions and reducing muscle restrictions using techniques that don't rely on heavy pressure. I use targeted "stripping" motions that work both deep and superficial muscle layers while minimizing discomfort for my clients.
If you are someone who trains intensively – like weightlifters and athletes – or those dealing with chronic tightness and pain often seek out deep tissue work. If this sounds like you, I'm happy to connect you with another RMT. However, many clients are surprised to discover that a regular therapeutic massage can be just as effective. Either way, I want to make sure you get the treatment that's right for you.
After a massage, you might notice a temporary increase in inflammation in your body. Don't worry, it's part of the healing process! To learn more on this topic, please see my article "Wait, Why Does Massage Increase Inflammation?".
Massage works on muscle proprioceptors in a variety of ways, such as through stimulation and relaxation. You can learn more on this topic through my article "The Impact of Massage on Your Body’s Internal Positioning System".
Massage aims to helps with chronic tension, repetitive injuries, poor posture, and more in several ways:
I use Swedish massage techniques including long, flowing strokes, gentle kneading, and soothing movements to release tension throughout your body. The pressure is always adjusted to your comfort level, and we can incorporate more focused therapeutic work while maintaining a relaxing intent.
Each session is personalized; we can target problem areas, include face or scalp massage, or provide full-body treatment. The goal is to calm your nervous system, melt away muscle tension, and leave you feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.
We'll start by discussing your health history, goals for the massage, and doing a brief assessment. After answering any questions, I'll give you privacy to get settled on the table.
When I return, I'll ensure you're comfortable with pillows, blankets, and room temperature. During the massage, I'll guide you through some deep breaths and check in regularly about pressure. Feel free to ask questions or request adjustments anytime.
Afterward, I'll step out while you get dressed. Once ready, we can discuss how you're feeling and I can share simple self-care tips if you'd like.
It depends on how much tension you're carrying and what your body needs. If you've been stressed or anxious lately, your muscles might be holding more tension than you realize.
Some mild soreness can be normal, especially if your muscles were really tight to begin with. This is actually a good sign - it means the massage is helping to release built-up stress and knots. Any soreness should fade within a day or two, leaving you feeling better.
Absolutely. Everyone relaxes differently. If chatting helps you unwind, feel free to talk throughout the session, or just at the beginning to get comfortable. If you prefer quiet time to zone out in silence, that's perfectly fine too!
Your mood might change from visit to visit; sometimes you'll want conversation, other times peaceful silence. Just do whatever feels right for you at the moment. There's no wrong way to relax.
Yes. When you get a massage, your body shifts into relaxation mode - the opposite of fight or flight. Your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure drops, and your stress hormones take a break - basically, your nervous system gets the signal that it's safe.
As the tension melts away from your muscles, your whole body finally gets to let out that big sigh of relief it's been holding onto. Afterwards, you might feel that pleasant kind of tired - like you just had the most amazing nap. It's your body's way of saying "thank you" for giving it permission to really relax. You'll likely wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
It varies based on how many procedures you had, how aggressive they were (for example, if they were done overseas), any complications, and your body's healing process. Your surgeon will let you know when it's safe to start — usually within the first few days to weeks — once they've confirmed your initial healing is progressing well.
We'll determine your specific plan at your first appointment. For more info, see my Recovering from Cosmetic Surgery page.
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.
No, post-op lymphatic massage massage isn't required, but it can be a supportive addition. Your body's lymphatic system works every day and will heal you all on its own - that's its job.
Post-op massage can help you throughout the stages of healing, ensuring that your lymphatic system operates optimally by encouraging lymphatic vessel contraction. Immediately after surgery, your first goal may be to help reduce swelling, pain, stress and bruising. As you progress, I can help with fascial restrictions, managing fibrosis, and forming a nice flat scar - I’ll aid however I can.
No, I don't provide incisional wound drainage services. As a Registered Massage Therapist in Canada, I'm not licensed to open incisions or manually drain fluids from the body - that falls outside my scope of practice.
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.
You can choose whatever position works best for you - whether that's lying on your back, on your front, or staying seated throughout the session. I'll provide plenty of pillows and bolsters to support your body properly. I want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible!
Feel free to bring any special pillows you might need too, like a BBL pillow or anything else that helps you feel more comfortable. We'll work together to find the setup that feels right for you during your recovery.
In-clinic massages cost less because everything's already set up at one location. For mobile massage, you're paying for more than the convenience of the massage itself—I'm at your location for at least 90 minutes total (even for a 60-minute massage) once you factor in my travel time, parking, setup and breakdown, plus my supplies.
Yes, I offer services for up to 2 people per appointment.
Yes, I bring my massage table to all mobile appointments. I will massage clients on my table only, not in personal beds or wheelchairs.
I offer the following treatments for my mobile massage service:
Note that I do not offer deep tissue or heavy-pressure massage in general.
No, same-day appointments are not available for mobile massage services. I require at least 72 hours advance notice to properly schedule and prepare for your session. If you have questions about booking or need help with scheduling, please feel free to reach out – I'm happy to assist!
Yes, I welcome clients with mobility challenges. To ensure I can serve you effectively, there are a few things to consider before your appointment:
For safety reasons, you'll need to be able to get onto and off the massage table either independently or with minimal assistance. You should also be comfortable either turning over during the session or, if needed, briefly getting off the table for repositioning.
If you have questions about whether massage therapy would work well for your specific situation, I'm happy to discuss your needs when you get in touch with me.
I serve people in downtown Victoria, BC, including James Bay, Esquimalt, and Oak Bay.
Cancellations or changes require at least 24 hours' notice — this allows me to offer that time slot to another client. I understand that unexpected situations come up, particularly illness, so please get in touch as soon as possible if you need to adjust your appointment.
Please note that no-shows will be charged the full fee.
Start by sending me an email. I'll get back to you by email or phone, and we'll have a short conversation before anything is confirmed. This is a chance for you to ask questions, share a bit about yourself and what you're hoping to get out of the session, or raise any concerns.
Once we've spoken and both feel comfortable moving forward, I'll lock in your booking.
Yes, as long as you provide this information before your massage.
