Dena Denali
Integrative Orthopaedic Medical Massage Therapist
Results-Driven Care in Okotoks, AB
With over 24 years of clinical experience, I provide orthopaedic assessment-driven, myofascial release-based massage therapy that integrates multiple modalities to address complex cases. My work supports individuals navigating injury, surgery, disability, athletic performance demands, and even early-life or geriatric complications — both human and canine.
This is no ordinary massage
Every session is grounded in clinical reasoning, anatomical insight, and outcome-based care. Whether you’re a high-performance athlete, a complex long-term disability case, expecting a joint replacement surgery, or a sport dog struggling with performance issues — I tailor care based on your story, your goals, and your physiology.
A FOUNDATION OF HANDS-ON LEARNING & CLINICAL CURIOUSITY
I graduated with a 2,200-hour Massage Therapy Diploma from the Foothills College of Massage Therapy in Calgary. In pursuit of continued advanced study in orthopaedic medical massage, myofascial release, and other rehabilitation techniques I traveled across North America to learn from the best.
For two decades (2002–2022), I served with the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team, providing acute and ongoing injury care to elite rodeo athletes alongside a cross-disciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, chiropractors, and athletic therapists. My results-based approach has been further shaped by sponsoring national level athletes and by being a Trainer for Junior Hockey (2002-2004) and a traveling Teach Assistant for the Center For Pain Management (2013-present).
These combined experiences sharpened my adaptability, clinical reasoning, and respect for collaborative care. Helping patients overcome countless high-impact injuries, move through complex recoveries, and achieve results on accelerated treatment timelines has been exceedingly rewarding.
A TURNING POINT: My Own Recovery Journey
In 2008, a rollover motor vehicle accident changed my life. Though initially discharged from an out of province hospital with “no injuries,” it was eventually discovered that I had multiple spinal fractures and disc herniations plus a sternal rib dislocation. This delay in diagnosis lead to permanent nerve damage, cervical fusion surgery, a two-year long-term disability recovery plus an 18-month gradual return to full-time work.
Navigating Alberta Health Care, insurance systems, and long-term disability as a patient was eye-opening. Dismissal, delays, confusion, and loss of function were all part of my experience, but I refused to accept “you likely won’t recover” as my prognosis — yes, that’s a direct quote!
Fighting back with my own clinical knowledge, self-directed integrative treatment choices, and unfaltering perseverance — I healed over time. I returned to part-time practice in 2010 and full-time by 2012 and did so by re-engineering my clinic for longevity and sustainability.
My journey has deeply shaped the way I advocate for others today.
My Practice Today
New patient cases that fall within my four Specialties are welcomed on a triage basis. My goal is to resolve complex challenges, discharge patients with confidence and collaborate with the rest of their health care team for ongoing maintenance. For more details on how this works click here.
New patient appointments begin with a comprehensive 45–60 minute intake, including full history, postural analysis, orthopaedic testing, and treatment planning. I work with:
- Pre-surgical optimization and post-surgical recovery
- Long-term disability claim support & complex rehab
- Chronic or “mystery” pain cases that haven’t improved with other providers
- Motor vehicle accident (MVA) injuries
- Repetitive strain & functional limitations
- Individuals with acute injury looking for efficient, strategic recovery
- Injured or performance-limited youth, amateur, and professional athletes
I also collaborate with insurance companies and other health professionals regularly. I offer detailed reports (for a fee), referral recommendations, and insights that often bring clarity to long-stalled cases.
A Life’s Work
Perseverance. Fortitude. Dedication.
They aren’t just traits I bring to the table — they’re the reason I’m still here, doing what I love.
This is more than a career. This is my life’s work. Each patient —whether two-legged or four — brings a story, a challenge, and an opportunity for resolution.
If you’re trouble-shooting an injury, preparing for surgery, rehabilitating post-op, managing disability, or simply looking for better answers than you’ve been given…
Welcome. You’re in the right place.
EXPANDING THE SCOPE: Canine Massage Therapy
In 2006, I earned certifications in BodyTalk, AnimalTalk, and Equine Sport Massage Therapy, to support horse-and-rider synergy. In 2020, with human contact halted due to COVID, I shifted my focus to canine care and earned certification as a K-9 Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist.
But more importantly, I bring lived experience. I am a dedicated dog sport competitor, trainer and breeder—REEL Australian Cattle Dogs. Together with my dogs we have achieved many titles and Canadian Kennel Club Top Dog rankings in Conformation, Herding, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Trick Dog, Scent Detection, and Barn Hunt.
I know the physical and emotional investment that goes into competitive dog sports and I also know the heartbreak of seeing a promising dog sidelined by preventable strain or undiagnosed pain.
I use similar assessments and myofascial techniques with dogs as I do with people. I pay close attention to their body language and respect their boundaries. Whether it’s a sport dog, a senior pet, or a struggling neonate, my goal is the same…
