Tag Archive for: Registered Massage Therapist

Emily Kersey – Registered Massage Therapist

Registered Massage Therapist - Victoria BC

Welcome Emily Kersey, our newest registered massage therapist to join the Diversified Health Practitioner Team!

Emily has a diverse education in both Eastern and Western massage techniques. Her education in Yoga Therapy, Thai Massage, Ayurvedic and Swedish massage has enabled her to examine both energetic and musculoskeletal health.

Emily has been fascinated with bodywork since childhood after sitting in on her mother’s massage appointments. At fifteen she started taking yoga, which brought body awareness into her life and prompted interest in the field of health. Then, while taking a university gap year working at a wellness center, she saw the amazing results massage brought clients and was eager to learn these skills herself.

The Eastern Therapy Bodywork diploma program at Pacific Rim College offered an approach to healing that brought together yoga, massage and therapy. The Yoga Therapy education there initiated her own journey of healing, solidifying the effectiveness of body movement in health maintenance. The Thai Massage education taught her manual skills to use while the client is in yoga-like poses, creating an application for Emily’s yogic knowledge within massage practice. Ayurveda introduced her to energetic medicine which forever changed Emily’s perception of how to find balance in all aspects of life to achieve overall health.

After starting a home practice, Emily realized that this education alone was not sufficient to meet some of the more complex physiological needs of clients. It was at this point she chose to attend the Canadian College of Massage Therapy. Emily studied and worked with many issues during school such as chronic pain and workplace related issues. Much of her clinical studies were specific to autoimmune disorders, bringing to light the positive influence massage has in pain management. She is passionate about addressing myriad health concerns and bringing the totality of her educational experiences to improving the lives of her clients.

Clinic Days: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

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Unique Benefits of Massage

AnneSofie-Spa 285Massage therapy is widely known for reducing stress and tension; but massage therapy can do more than just relax your body.  Here are some unique and extra benefits of massage therapy.

Combat Sedentary Life Style –  Sitting at a desk all day places stress on your neck, low back and shoulders; leading to postural stress on your body.  Massage will lengthen and strengthen your ligaments and muscles which become weak from sitting for prolong periods of time.

Reduces Muscle Pain – A massage treatment will increase and improve your circulation, which will help to reduce muscle aches and pains.  Massage therapy slows the production of proteins known as cytokines, which cause inflammation and pain.

Reduce Anxiety and Depression – A massage treatment can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels that help reduce depression. Massage therapy can also reduce a stress hormone (cortisol) which helps to decrease stress symptoms such as high blood pressure, and anxiety.

Improves Sleep – Massage therapy promotes relaxation which helps the body to relax and encourages restful, deep sleep.

Boosts Immunity – Having a massage will help boost white blood cells and decreased stress hormone levels.  White blood cells play a large role in defending the body from disease, bacteria and infection.

There are many different types of massage, here are a few types:

  • Deep-tissue Massage – Massage to relieve severe tension in the the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
  • Myofascial Release – Massage that helps to release tension in the connective tissue surrounding the muscles.
  • Neuromuscular Therapy- Massage to relieve acute or chronic pain.
  • Sports Massage – Massage to help prepare for and recover from sports activities and injuries.
  • Swedish Massage – Massage to help relax and energize you.

Diversified  Health’s registered massage therapists will use a combination of techniques that include massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercises such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercises and patient education to help you achieve the wellness you are looking for.

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Meaghan Le Lievre, RMT

Diversified-Health-meaghanMeaghan Le Lievre has been a healthcare practitioner with Diversified Health since December 2015, and has quickly become a favourite with her clients, building trust and results with each person she treats.

A graduate from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, she is committed to continuously learning through clinical experience and on-going education in her field.

Meaghan is interested in how the body heals innately; how it functions in the presence of various stressors, and how individuals subjectively view their own health. Recognizing that the body and mind work together to maintain balance, it is her intention with her practice to help remove any blocks that may compromise the system.

The summer months bring a specific type of injury caused by being more active, and many of Meaghan’s clients are seen this time of year for injuries of “over use”.  These would include injuries such as shin splints and rotator cuff injuries, as well as more pre and post treatment massages after various races such as the MEC runs and Iron-man events. During the rest of the year, the majority of her clientele seek her expertise for help combating the aches and pains caused by everyday life.

Meaghan is actively involved in the dance community, and treats many local dancers who suffer with hyper-mobility issues or injuries. Meaghan has been dancing with  the Passion and Performance Troop for the past 6 years.

When not practicing Meaghan can be found training at her local gym, spending time outside with her dogs hiking and training for triathlons, as well as finding time to spend with her family and friends.

Meagan’s clinic schedule is Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.  She is currently taking new patients.

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Diversified Health’s RMT – Cassandra Shkrabuik

Cassandra partially optimized proof in sRGB for internet - CopyOne of the benefits of any health or wellness program is not just the treatment, but the experience you have with your health care practitioner.  Many clients have had the same chiropractor, massage therapist or acupuncturist for years, and during that time have developed a deep trust and respect for their practitioner.

Cassandra Shkrabuik is one of Diversified Health’s registered massage therapists. Cassandra graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in a 3000 hour RMT program in 2012.  She has lived on the island for seven years and has fallen in love with the highly holistic nature of the island.

Recently I sat down with Cassandra and asked her some questions on massage therapy and on her life.

Q: Is there a benefit to having a longer massage session ( over 60 minutes )

A:  The main benefit to a longer massage is deeper relaxation, and clients suffering from multiple health issues can have all of them addressed in one session.

Q: What are 3 benefits of a massage?

A:  1. Improved circulation – Having an increase in blood flow and circulation to areas of your body helps promote cell growth and organ function.

2. Elimination of toxins through the skin  –  Skin eruptions are an indication of toxicity and the body’s attempt to eliminate them, so massage can increase the circulation to the skin and de-congest the pores.

3 The feeling of well-being  –  Massage increases the available levels of dopamine and this explains the satisfaction experienced during and after a massage. Also, serotonin regulates mood and has a calming effect; a low serotonin level has been implicated in depression, and massage seems to increase the level of available serotonin, producing an overall sense of calm.

Q: How often should you have a massage to achieve maximum health benefits?

A: Everyone is different, but with no health issues, every 4-6 weeks is a good place to start.

On a more personal note:

Q: Where is your favorite place to “chill” on the weekend?

A:  Walking and hiking in any forested area.

Q: Favorite music style?

A: Most of my day is spent listening to calming soft music with my clients, so when I get home I enjoy the fast beat of Electro-jazz and any good classic rock songs that gets you going.

Q: If you can only eat one type of food what would it be?

A:  SUSHI!!!

Q:  Name one thing that most people don’t know about you.

A: Most people don’t know that I foster cats with behaviour issues and also feral kittens.

Q: What event is a must see for you in Victoria?

A: Anything to do with fireworks, specifically Canada Day and the Symphony Splash.

Q: Where is your favorite place to “snoop” in the city?

A: With out a doubt china town, because there is always something going on!

*Cassandra works Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please contact our front desk to book an appointment with Cassandra.

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