Do I need to be an athlete?

Not at all. Athletic therapists work with athletes and non-athletes alike. If an injury or pain is making it harder to work, exercise, play a sport, or enjoy everyday life, athletic therapy may be able to help.

What does an athletic therapist treat?

Athletic therapists primarily treat injuries involving muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. This can include sprains, strains, overuse injuries, joint pain, sports injuries, and other movement-related concerns.

What happens during treatment?

Treatment is customized to your injury and lifestyle goals. Athletic therapy uses an active, movement-based approach to rehabilitation. Your therapist may combine hands-on therapy and exercise therapy to help you feel and move better. Athletic therapy can also address balance, strength, and endurance, and may include taping and education to help you manage symptoms and return to your activities.

Why choose athletic therapy?

Athletic therapy may be a good fit if you're recovering from a muscle, bone, or joint injury; want to return to a sport, activity, or active lifestyle; are looking for a movement-based assessment and treatment plan that may include hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, and progressive rehabilitation; or your extended health plan includes coverage for athletic therapy. If you're unsure whether to start with a physiotherapist, kinesiologist, chiropractor, registered massage therapist, or athletic therapist, contact our team and we'll help you find the right place to start.

Can athletic therapy help with old injuries?

Yes. Athletic therapy can help with both recent and longstanding injuries. Your therapist can assess whether lingering pain, weakness, stiffness, or movement limitations may be contributing to ongoing symptoms or making it difficult to return to certain activities.

I just injured myself today. Should I wait until I can exercise to see an athletic therapist?

You do not necessarily need to wait until you can exercise to see an athletic therapist. An athletic therapist can assess a recent injury and provide guidance on appropriate early-stage management and rehabilitation. Seek immediate medical care if you experience severe or unbearable pain, a visible bone deformity or misaligned joint, an inability to bear weight on the limb, numbness or tingling, or a cold or blue limb. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or primary care provider.

Can athletic therapy prevent injuries?

Athletic therapists can identify areas of weakness, mobility restrictions, and movement patterns that may affect how your body handles physical demands. They can then develop a plan to improve strength, mobility, and resilience.

Is athletic therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies between extended health benefit plans. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm whether athletic therapy is included in your plan and whether a referral is required.

Can athletic therapy be covered by ICBC?

Yes, athletic therapy may be covered by ICBC depending on your claim and approved treatment. Contact us and our team can help you determine your coverage options.

Gentle, hands-on care for swelling and fluid buildup

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

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Light touch, thoughtful care

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Your lymphatic system moves fluid through your body. When fluid builds up in your tissues you may feel puffy, achy, heavy, or tight. Lymphatic drainage massage uses light, slow, rhythmic strokes to increase lymphatic vessel contraction, moving more fluid toward your lymph nodes. It feels nothing like a deep tissue massage.

Lymphatic drainage massage can help you with:

Support for swelling and healing after liposuction or other plastic surgery, such as facial procedures or a tummy tuck. Care follows your surgeon's instructions.

Gentle care for swelling from sprains, strains, or other injuries, alongside the rest of your recovery plan.

Support for managing lymphedema, as well as swelling and inflammation after cancer treatment or surgery in coordination with your health care team.

Light, calming treatment for areas that feel puffy, heavy, or full, such as the face, legs, abdomen, or ankles.

Meet Catherine Walton

Catherine Walton

Registered Massage Therapist

Catherine has been a massage therapist since 2007 and holds a Dr. Vodder lymphatic drainage certification. She is trained in pre- and post-operative care and works with people managing swelling, bruising, and other symptoms after surgery, lymphedema, general lymphatic wellness related to stress or hormones and swelling and healing with cancer treatment. She also offers face-focused massage for jaw tension, headaches, and relaxation. Catherine describes herself as quiet and empathetic. She cares about helping you feel comfortable and heard.

If you're looking for support with swelling, recovery, or lymphatic health, book an appointment with Catherine at Tall Tree James Bay.

Care Tailored to you

What to Expect

Each session is planned around your health concerns, goals, and what is causing your swelling and other lymphatic related symptoms. Pressure stays light, and your RMT will check in with you throughout.

Book an appointment or contact us to learn more.

Your RMT will ask about your general health, swelling, any recent surgeries, or conditions (lymphatic or autoimmune etc). They will look at the area and start gentle lymphatic drainage if it is right for you. You will leave with a plan for next steps.
Follow-ups build on your first visit. Your RMT will check what has changed and adjust treatment. The number of visits depends on your needs and goals.
Bring any after-care or treatment instructions from your surgeon or doctor.

FAQs

Very gentle. Your RMT uses light, slow strokes that gently stretch the skin. Many people find it relaxing.
After your surgery, most people start about 4 to 7 days post-surgery. It’s also beneficial to have a treatment a day or so pre-surgery. Always check with your surgeon first.
No referral is needed to book with an RMT. If you recently had surgery, please get your surgeon's okay first.
It depends on what is causing your swelling and how your body responds. Your RMT will talk with you about a plan after your first visit.
Many extended health plans cover registered massage therapy. Check your plan to see what is included.
Not always. If you have a fever, signs of infection, new swelling in one leg, or swelling that came on suddenly, see your doctor first. Your RMT will also review your health history before treatment.
At Tall Tree James Bay in Victoria with Catherine Walton, RMT.

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How to Book

Lymphatic drainage massage is available in person at our James Bay clinic in Victoria.

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Gentle, hands-on care for swelling and fluid buildup