Dana Deren Massage Therapy

05/21/2026

I find as humans we are quick to apologize for what we deem to be ‘negative emotions or feelings’. I have caught myself apologizing for expressing my feelings on numerous occasions. I think it’s important to know you never have to apologize for expressing how you feel during your treatment session. You showing up and voicing your beliefs, feelings, aches and sensations is a gift for us - your healing doesn’t begin with me, it begins with you…and all the parts of you that feel comfortable enough to be seen, heard and held. You being in my space, alive to share your history, is a gift.🫶

05/16/2026

If you have ever wondered why you feel stuffy when lying face down on a massage table here is why.
➡️Your nose is line with turbinates. These are bony shelves wrapped in tissue that are packed with blood vessels. When you are standing upright, gravity pulls blood down and away from your head. Everything stays open and you can breathe easy. When you lay face down, that all changes. Blood moves toward your head. This causes the tissues in your nose to swell and your passages to narrow. That stuffiness is often your blood vessels, and not your sinuses filling up with mucus. Gravity might also be sending some mucus forward which is why you feel the need to blow your nose after turning over. This is called positional nasal congestion.
I always have Kleenex on hand please so never be afraid to ask for a tissue.

05/05/2026

Have you ever wondered what your body is trying to tell you? I hear over and over again after a treatment that an individual had no idea they were holding that much stress. Sometimes we need to take a step away from our day to day activities to lean in and listen to our bodies. There are many different options that help us tune into our bodies. I believe massage is one of the tools that can provide some insight into what our body is holding. As a massage therapist I listen with my hands. I can’t always tell you why you are feeling what you are feeling but I can help you to release some of the tension you are holding. The body, unlike our mind is not able to perform okayness. May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada. Let’s do ourselves a favour this month and tune into what our body is trying to tell us.

04/23/2026

Legs up the Wall is a gentle restorative pose used in yoga, somatic therapy and nervous system regulation practices.

This pose activates the parasympathetic nervous system (your rest and digest state).
It stimulates the vagus nerve, helping regulate anxiety, emotional overwhelm and stress.
It gently reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
It supports lymphatic drainage and improves circulation, especially in the lower body.

How to do it:
1. Find a clear wall and a yoga mat, towel or blanket for comfort.
2. Sit sideways against a wall with one hip touching it.
3. Gently move your legs up the wall as you lower your back to the floor.
4. Adjust your sitting bones as close to the wall as is comfortable. If you are new to this pose it is okay to start further away from the wall. If you have tight hamstrings you can keep a slight bend in the knee.
5. Let your arms rest by your sides with your palms up.
6. Close your eyes, breathe slowly, and maintain the pose for 5-15 minutes. If that timeframe feels too long, move out of this position when it feels right for you.
7. To come out, bend your knees and gently roll to one side. Rest for a few breaths before sitting up.

Bonus points if you find a cute sidekick to join you 🫶

04/20/2026

There has been a lot of discussion lately on what one can do to relax and feel less tension in the body. There has also been talk about treatment tools and force. In my opinion real relief doesn’t come from force. It comes from safety. Pain and symptoms is how our body communicates with us. When your nervous system feels safe, everything shifts. That is when you will feel tension release and your body will finally let go. You don’t need to be fixed. You just need to feel safe enough to let go. And don’t forget that life will always ebb and flow. Look after yourself the best way you know how and find providers that can offer the support you need. 🫶

04/08/2026

A great reminder when the hands and bodies are feeling tired from this work 🫶

I truly have one of the most rewarding jobs out there! And I greatly appreciate other RMT’s when i treat myself to my own massage 💆‍♀️

Like and share to show some appreciation for all the amazing body workers that you trust with your care!

03/24/2026

As a registered massage therapist (RMT) I have completed studies in pathology but I am not able to treat disease in a medical sense. I am unable to cure illnesses or replace medical care. Massage therapists study pathology to recognize when massage is safe. As a RMT I can modify techniques for specific conditions, advise when massage is contraindicated, and work safely with clients undergoing medical procedures.

While you may have a health condition, I can offer the ability to help manage symptoms, reduce stress, improve comfort and support overall well-being. This ensures massage supports your health rather than interferes with it.

Therapeutic massage is important for self-care, health maintenance and overall wellbeing. If you ever have questions and wonder if massage is right for you please ask.

Your health shapes how you lead, love and live. Don’t take it for granted. Take good care of yourself 🫶

03/19/2026

Interesting study from the U of A for treating Trigeminal Neuralgia. Worth the read, especially if you know anyone that has been diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia!

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/folio/2026/03/gamma-knife-trial-offers-hope-trigeminal-neuralgia.html?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQo8L5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeOJ7CgXYfUzHad2zx1xl_TooUpczo61PchIg81G1SLMzigPCSay58u2UY22s_aem_aKZjc8M5RahXUFMs8hiBrg

People suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, one of the most painful conditions there is, may have new hope for long-lasting relief thanks to a U of A clinical trial to offer Gamma Knife surgery soon after diagnosis.

02/22/2026

I am very proud to share a work space with strong female business owners. There are currently 4 women operating their own businesses inside Centered Physiotherapy. Wishing Connected Kids Therapy Services an amazing year!

02/03/2026

Please note office will be closed February 13-17, 2026.

Online booking will be available at https://danaderenmassage.janeapp.com.

Any booking requests via email or phone will not be returned until February 18. Thank you so much for your understanding and continued support.

Hope you all have a wonderful Family Day Weekend! 🫶

01/29/2026

The month of February has one appointment remaining 😱 🥰
If you were hoping to snag an appointment next month, book it now. As always please continue to utilize my waitlist, it is very helpful when last minute cancellations occur. Thankful for everyone that has walked through my doors and continues to keep me working 🫶