Raven Massage Therapy Victoria BC and South Island

06/26/2021

We are closed for Canada Day July 1st. Wishing all of Canada a happy, safe, and healthy Canada Day!!!
www.RavenMassageTherapy.com

06/20/2021

Contact www.RavenMassageTherapy.com or call 250.884.2838 to find out if your insurance covers part or even all of your massage!

06/14/2021

A massage to be booked today at www.RavenMassageTherapy.com!

06/08/2021

Swedish massage therapy is often considered "classic massage" because of its long history in the West and broad use and benefits. It is ideal for general relaxation and loosening of tight muscles particularly in the lower back, upper back, shoulders, and neck.

***What Happens with Swedish Massage?***
There are four core movements in this type of massage therapy:
- Long strokes
- Kneading
- Circular movements
- Passive joint movements

Typically this type of massage involves the entire body and can be used to relax you, release tight muscles and joints, stimulate nerve endings, increase lymph drainage and improve circulation. Although pressure can vary from very light, to medium, to very firm pressure, at Raven Massage Therapy the goal is to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. Even very light massage can have great healing results!

We usually use some form of oil or lotion which greatly improves your comfort, especially during the long strokes and circular movements. If you have any allergies or preferences, please let us know!

***Do All Treatments Include Swedish Massage?***
Most treatments, even those that include deep tissue massage or triggerpoint massage, begin with Swedish massage due to its relaxing benefits. A warmed and relaxed muscle or joint will be more accessible, easier and more comfortable to work after you have relaxed.

Swedish Massage Victoria BC | Relaxing massage for tension, pain relief, muscle tension, & mobility. Upper back pain, lower back pain, neck and shoulders.

06/08/2021

02/28/2021

Has it been a while since your last massage? Get relaxation and pain relief this week with Derek! www.RavenMassageTherapy.com

02/24/2021

Did you know that your insurance may cover part or all of your massage? Contact Derek to find out if your extended health can be billed. 250-884-2838. www.RavenMassageTherapy.com

02/16/2021

It's sad when it stops but worth it for the days of relaxation and reduction in pain! Book your massage with Derek at www.RavenMassageTherapy.com!

02/12/2021

Mental health challenges including stress, anxiety, depression, and a host of other conditions negatively affect up to half of all people at some point in their lives. There are many forms treatment can take. Did you know that massage therapy can be a treatment option? Research is showing that massage therapy can have positive impacts on your mental health. www.RavenMassageTherapy.com/services-massage/massage-therapy-mental-health-victoria-bc

- The Research on Massage and Mental Health -

The Massage Therapy Research Review by Tiffany Field (Field 2014) found moderate pressure massage to help alleviate depression and anxiety. One study showed a drop in cortisol levels, the "stress" hormone, in those receiving massage. Other evidence included EEG readings indicating a relaxation response. While receiving massage areas of the brain involved in anxiety and stress management showed improved function.

Much of the research is still new and there is many more questions to be answered but early findings are very promising. In one small scale study, massage therapy appeared to be as effective as psychotherapy at treating long-term anxiety and depression. This was based on weekly 50 minute sessions and the results were comparable to those typical in duration and effect with psychotherapy.

- Massage Therapy for Stress Relief, Anxiety and Depression -

Stress is an unfortunate part of our daily lives, and relief from stress has enormous health benefits ranging from improved cognitive function to reduced strain on our cardio vascular systems. Massage therapy has been found to raise our stress handling hormones, seratonin and oxytocin in sessions as short as 10 to 15 minutes when done by a trained massage therapist.

Millions of Canadians suffer with anxiety and depression conditions. Several recent studies including Military Medicine have shown marked relief from general anxiety disorders in people receiving Swedish (moderate pressure) massage. Some researchers speculate (this is still being studied) that the combination of hands on physical touch and creating an interpersonal relationship based on trust and care is part of why massage therapy is proving effective on these sorts of mental health conditions.

- Massage is a Low-Risk Treatment Option -

When performed by a trained and registered massage therapist, massage is a low-risk treatment for diverse conditions, including depression and anxiety. It has no negative interactions with other treatments such as counselling, psychotherapy, and medication based treatments. Speak with your health professional about adding massage therapy to your treatment plan. Many insurance providers cover massage therapy all or in-part.

Adding massage therapy by a registered massage therapist (RMT) like Derek can have positive impacts on your overall mental health. Although not a magic wand, regular massages reduce stress, anxiety and depression and improve your feelings of connectedness, relaxation and general well-being.

Book your massage at www.RavenMassageTherapy.com!

12/04/2020

Listen to your Captain!
And comment your most beloved Star Trek character from any Trek series or movie. Data... forever and always!

12/02/2020

--What is Trigger Point Massage Therapy?--

Trigger point therapy, rather than an individual technique, is a combination of several types of massage used to specifically reduce the pain associated to trigger points, nodules or "knots".

These knots are most commonly associated with muscles. We've all had that one stubborn lump in our shoulder or neck!

Trigger points can also form in the myofascial tissues, the connective tissues throughout our entire bodies. Wherever these trigger points form, you are likely to be experiencing pain, tightness or lack of mobility, which a massage can help with.

--What Causes Trigger Points?--

There is no one individual cause of trigger points. There a many and often a few negative causes come together over time to make any existing trigger points worsen. Common causes of trigger points include:
- Overuse of a muscle over time (eg. Think sitting hunched over a desk for 8 hours a day!)
- Overuse of a muscle in a single event (eg. Lifting something too heavy)
- Muscle trauma or injury
- Overcompensating for a injury
- Psychological factors including stress and anxiety

Regardless of the causes, trigger point therapy can offer relief from the pain and tension associated with these knots.

-- What Happens with Trigger Point Therapy? --

As with deep tissue massage, trigger point massage usually starts with a relaxing form of massage such as Swedish massage. This will help to warm your muscles up and get them relaxed in preparation for dealing with the knots. It will also allow Derek to feel what muscles and systems are involved, often finding smaller trigger points around the areas of primary concern.

He will then work the trigger points, ensuring you remain as comfortable as possible during the process. Techniques may include:
- Kneading
- Myofascial release techniques
- Static pressure
- Circular or sweeping movements over and around the trigger point

-- Do All Treatments Include Trigger Point Massage? --

Not necessarily but it is very common. Even if specific trigger points aren't the reason why you booked a massage, it's very rare for anyone to have no trigger points.

Often during a treatment for relaxation or another issue, trigger points will be found. Derek will let you know what and where it is and what his adjusted treatment will be like. He'll quickly go over what techniques he will use so that there aren't any surprises.

Because trigger points are often sensitive and at least somewhat painful to start with, Derek will check in more often when working on any trigger points. As with all massage, your comfort is vital. Always feel free to let him know what you comfort level is.

Trigger point therapy doesn't have to be (and shouldn't be!) extremely painful. It takes a bit of time, patience, and communication, but those knots can be worked out!

-- Aftercare for Trigger Point Massage Therapy --

Home work will be assigned! The massage itself is just the first stage of healing. Derek will recommend a number of at-home activities to help you heal and reduce any possible soreness. This can include:
- Hydrotherapy - Ice, other cold or heat to be applied to specific muscles or joints
- Stretching - This will keep the newly loosened muscles flexible and the blood circulating
- Exercises - To properly work those muscles and strengthen the areas around them for support

Book Your Trigger Point Massage Today!
https://www.ravenmassagetherapy.com/services-massage-therapy/trigger-point-therapy

11/30/2020

Imagine Mr. Bean if he'd gotten regular massages. A lot less stress. Less funny, but less stressed. Don't become a Mr. Bean for lack of a massage!
(Comment your favourite Mr. Bean episode! My fave was the first I ever saw, "Mr. Bean Takes a Test.")

11/27/2020

Check out our Stressed-Hamster app at https://ravenmassagetherapy.janeapp.com/ /1.
Okay, it's really the online massage booking platform but it's good for humans too!

11/24/2020

Myofascial release massage is an integral part of pain management massage both for specific conditions and more generally. Here you will learn what it is, how it helps, and if it's something that could benefit you.

https://www.ravenmassagetherapy.com/services-massage-therapy/myofascial-release-massage

What is the Myofascia?
Your body is filled with fascia. Those are the tissues throughout your body that connect and support all your organs and structures. The myofascial layer is the parts of those layers involved in the muscle and skeletal systems that help you to move freely and pain free. There is no part of your body that doesn't have fascia! Your fascia should be soft and elastic and move with your body.

What is Myofascial Release Massage Therapy?
Myofascial release massage focuses on those tissues. The first step is for Derek to start with gentle massage to find stiff areas or trigger points where the myofascial layer has "bunched up" or become otherwise bound.

The massage to release myofascial anchored areas is generally slow and steady pressure. Additionally, your massage therapist should work the muscles around the area to ensure that the whole area becomes loose and pliable. If the muscles aren't released, new trigger points in the myofascial layer are likely to develop. These areas although not always near the pain source, can restrict muscle and joint movements, which adds to the overall muscle pain.

Do You Need Myofascial Release Therapy?
There are a number of indications for myofascial release massage including general pain and stiffness, myofascial pain syndrome, chronic headaches, venous insufficiency.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome:
Some people experience a chronic pain issue called myofascial pain syndrome. This is a serious disorder caused by tension and sensitivity in the fascia. If often manifests as specific trigger points that can be quite painful. This may not be a specific or localized pain, rather feeling like a general stiffness, pain, or difficulty moving in a large area.

General and Chronic Back Pain:
An overall or general pain, especially in your back, can often be eased through myofascial release massage. This pain can be caused by binding or trigger points in the fascia of your back, which is very common with modern lifestyles that include desk and computer work and excessive sitting.

Headaches:
Chronic or lingering headaches can also be caused by myofascial tension in the neck, shoulders, or head. Gentle myofascial release massage can definitely alleviate these types of headaches and help to prevent them in the future.

Venous Insufficiency:
Lastly, some people who experience blood pooling in deep veins (most often the legs) can get a lot of relief from this massage therapy. This is called venous insufficiency. It causes significant pain due to veins and other tissues stretching to accommodate the excess blood. Myofascial massage, in conjunction with other therapies, can reduce the pooling and the pain associated with it.

If you think myofascial release massage therapy could benefit your health, book a treatment with Derek today! Before and during the treatment he will assess your situation and treat your issues such as back pain, head aches, trigger points, stiffness and leg pain.

Book a Pain Relieving Myofascial Release Massage Today!
https://ravenmassagetherapy.janeapp.com/ /1

10/27/2020

Deep Tissue Massage: What is it, Does it hurt & Aftercare/Homework

Deep tissue massage is similar to but goes deeper than Swedish Massage. It is great for sports massage (including for runners), people with injuries and back pain.

Book Your Appointment Today!
https://www.ravenmassagetherapy.com/services-massage-therapy/deep-tissue-massage-victoria-bc

What Happens with Deep Tissue Massage?
Using common massage techniques such as long, circular, and kneading strokes, the massage therapist works through the muscles layer by layer. Targeted areas include:

- Muscles
- Tendons and ligaments
- Fascia (connective tissue that holds you together!)

Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
Deep tissue massage can definitely be more intense. That is why Derek will start with relaxing techniques first, before moving into deeper tissues when your muscles are warmed up.

Do All Treatments Include Deep Tissue Massage?
Not at all! It depends on what your situation is and the area being addressed. During your assessment and interview, Derek will let you know if deep tissue massage is indicated and why.

Aftercare for Deep Tissue Massage
Home work will be assigned! The massage itself is just the first stage of healing. Derek will recommend a number of at-home activities to help you heal and reduce any possible soreness. This can include:

- Hydrotherapy - Ice, other cold or heat to be applied to specific muscles or joints
- Stretching - This will keep the newly loosened muscles flexible and the blood circulating
- Exercises - To properly work those muscles and strengthen the areas around them for support

Find out more about Deep Tissue Massage and book your appointment with Derek!
https://www.ravenmassagetherapy.com/services-massage-therapy/deep-tissue-massage-victoria-bc

10/15/2020

Raven Massage Therapy website is live and bookings are available!
Please visit www.RavenMassageTherapy.com to learn more about Raven Massage, Derek, and to book your appointment!

30, 45, 60, and 90 minute massage treatments available starting Monday November 2nd.

Massage therapy services at RMT | Swedish massage, deep tissue, triggerpoint therapy, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, sports massage, back pain and more!

09/23/2020

Raven Massage Therapy coming soon to University Heights Shopping Centre (and beyond!)
Derek is in the process of opening a treatment room at University Heights. Currently he is available for mobile massage anywhere on the southern Vancouver Island including Duncan, the Cowichan Valley, Mill Bay and more.
Additionally a website is soon to launch!
Please Like and Follow to keep up to date on these exciting developments!
Ph: 250-884-2838
Email: Admin@RavenMassageTherapy.com