Jessica Joy
Jessica Joy believes that within the body there is an innate intelligence beyond what our conscious minds could ever fully understand.
I’ve been a massage practitioner since 2012, graduating from Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy in Seattle, WA. I also hold certifications in wellness counselling, craniosacral therapy, trauma-informed touch, and various other modalities, such as lomi lomi and warm bamboo massage.
Most recently, I became certified in comprehensive breast and chest post surgical recovery massage, in order to provide the community with needed and hard to access care during critical phases of healing. I am passionate about working with the trans community as a caring ally, as well as with women who have been so often overlooked and under served within healthcare.
My touch is gentle yet intentional and effective. I take the time to really listen to my clients and build a relationship of trust where the therapeutic work can happen within a non-judgmental and supportive environment. All types of bodies, gender expression, and neurodiversities are welcome in my space! Feel free to reach out in order to discuss your unique accessibility needs.
I am also currently an undergraduate student at the University of Victoria, majoring in Gender Studies, with a minor in Psychology. My goal is to go on to earn a Masters degree in Counselling and Art Therapy. I hope to integrate all that I've learned from my years as a bodyworker into my future work as a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
When I'm not studying or at the clinic, I enjoy rock climbing, swimming in natural bodies of water, or reading a good book.
I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey!
Stand alone craniosacral sessions are also available as an integrative add on to other services at VCA, or for any time a nervous system reset is needed.
Breast and Chest Post Surgical Recovery Massage
Whether you are pursuing gender-affirming top surgery, on a recovery journey from breast cancer, or simply undergoing breast reduction or augmentation, I am here to lend my heart and hands to the healing!
Most other types of surgery involve extensive rehabilitation and after care, but for breast and chest surgeries, the options are limited. The massage methods that I utilize are research-backed and shown to speed healing, minimize complications, improve ranges of motion, decrease pain and discomfort, and help you to mentally/emotionally/spiritually adjust to your new body.
I am honoured to work with you in your recovery journey, combining skill with good listening and an inclusive, trauma-informed space. Whether you are 1 week post-op, 6 months, 5 years or beyond, techniques are generally light touch and suitable for all stages of healing.
Types of procedures I am trained to work with:
Cancer-related mastectomies
Transmasculine top surgeries
Transfeminine Breast Construction
DIEP flaps and other types of reconstruction
Breast implants and expanders
Lymph node removal
Breast reductions
Breast lifts
Post-surgical massage can help to:
Speed up the healing process
Treat and prevent lymphedema
Help prevent and treat complications
Improve the look and feel of surgical scars
Open up the rib cage, especially if a binder has been used pre-surgery
Resensitize the skin
Increase ranges of motion and reduce neck and shoulder tension
Reduce pain from expanders
Help prevent or treat capsular contraction
Prepare the body for implants pre-surgery
Help work through and release medical trauma
Help somatically integrate your new form
Your initial session will be 75-minutes, in which we will review your health history and clarify your specific needs and goals in working together. Follow up sessions are 60-minutes, though for those in the chronic stage of healing, 90-minute full-body massage combinations can be booked, upon request.
If you'd like to discuss the details of your specific procedure and treatment needs, you can e-mail me at info@jessicajoybodywork.com to schedule a time to speak.
**Oncology patients require a doctors note of permission to receive massage**