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MASSAGE & BODY WORK
WELCOME
Mark Valderama Professional Massage & Bodywork
(formerly Bay Area Bodyworks)
specialize in corrective massage and bodywork to help alleviate soft tissue injuries and other muscular dysfunctions.
Mark's goal is and will always be, to make you feel better.
If you are an athlete, weekend warrior, long-time chronic pain sufferer or just finally feeling it's time to deal with nagging physical limitations,
he is here to help you.
Mark Valderama, LMT
Founder
Mark Valderama is a former Instructor and an honors graduate of the Massage Therapy program at Carrington College of California (formerly Western Career College). He is California State Certified by CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council) in Massage Therapy. He is a member of ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals), certified in Adult & Infant CPR/AED by the Rescue Training Institute of the American Heart Association, and A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) certified.
Mark has been trained in several massage therapy modalities, including but not limited to: Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, Sports, Trigger Point, Swedish, Cranial-Sacral, Shiatsu, Pre & Postnatal, Reflexology, Hot Stone, Acupressure, Assisted Stretching, Active Release Technique, and currently getting his certification in FAKTR.
Since 2004 Mark has worked as a massage therapist in San Francisco. By working with the best Medical Doctors, Osteopathic Physicians, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Pain Management Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Acupuncturists, Occupational Therapists, & Massage Therapists in the Bay Area he has gained a wealth of knowledge dealing with patients ranging from professional athletes to retirees, and everyone in between who suffer from a wide array of conditions, injuries and soft tissue dysfunctions.
During his career Mark has worked with Cal Sports Massage Therapy Team (CSMTT). The CSMTT offers injury prevention education and preventative care to the numerous athletic teams within the UC Berkeley system. The CSMTT specializes in comprehensive and detailed massage therapy modalities to assist in the rehabilitation of injures, increased endurance and the maximization of performance.
In 2013, Mark was selected to be part of the massage therapy team for Oracle Team USA during the America's Cup, where he provided therapy for the sailing team.
Currently Mark is finishing his certification in FAKTR. The acronym stands for Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation. It is an instrument assisted soft tissue concept that incorporates the latest research and evidence-based soft-tissue techniques into a comprehensive protocol system to treat common disorders of the musculoskeletal system and complicated injuries quickly and easily with impressive results.
Using a combination of his clinical knowledge and specific tissue manipulation techniques, Mark has helped hundreds of people deal with their nagging conditions ranging from muscle sprain/strain injuries, to repetitive stress injuries, to pre & post surgical procedures.
Mark's goal is to help alleviate your pain and get you back to the top of your game.
"I have had injuries, aches and pains ever since I played sports in High School and College. Now that I'm a dad, I wanted to be able to run and play with my daughter and not have those injuries hold me back. Thanks to MVP, I can."
E. F. - client since 2008
Photo credit- Steven Pisano via Visualhunt
Benefits of Massage
We all know massages feel good, but experts estimate that upwards of 90% of disease is stress-related. And nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
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Decreased anxiety.
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Enhanced sleep quality.
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Greater energy.
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Improved concentration.
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Increased circulation.
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Reduced fatigue.
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues not assocaiated with stress. Some of the benefits to bodywork are:
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Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
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Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
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Ease medication dependence.
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Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
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Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
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Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
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Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
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Increase joint flexibility.
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Lessen depression and anxiety.
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Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
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Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
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Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
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Reduce spasms and cramping.
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Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
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Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
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Relieve migraine pain.
"...Success!!! I learned about the difference between a masseuse and a massage therapist. Marks knowledge of anatomy is excellent, his training extensive and because of it and his interest in resolving deep tissue problems he can solve a multitude of muscular/skeletal problems. After a few very focused sessions and specific exercises given I am now FREE of pain and getting back in shape hiking..."
J.L. - Yelp
Photo credit- 316th ESC via Visualhunt.com
Testimonials
We don't mean to brag, but we thought we might share some unsolicited opions from our clients.
Okay, maybe we are bragging a bit, but we love what we do. We are also proud that we can help people become pain free and return to their active lives.
"We rely on Mark's capacities as a practiced and extensively trained bodywork practitioner to enable us to keep training and engaging in active sports and physical activities. As we are getting older and dealing with old sports injuries that get triggered with our active lifestyles, he continues to pride himself in adding new skills such as Active Release Technique (ART) to his arsenal of tension releasing capacities. He is very responsive to conditions that limit us, and it takes on average one 90 minutes focused session with him to free up motion, increase blood flow, and quiet muscle spasms around my neck disc fusions as well as my wife's knee injuries and lower back pain. He prides himself on fixing mysterious body pain and discomfort issues, and even our prime athlete friends are realizing the value of investing in regular sessions with Mark. It is without reservation that we recommend him to people who are ready to tackle their range of motion and pain issues and restore vitality and activity to your life."
A.O. - Yelp
"Massages with Mark are a workout, but of the best kind. As someone who seeks out sports massages (rather than the lull-you-to-sleep kind), I really appreciate Mark's skill and knowledge of therapeutic massage. His massages have helped with my back, my shoulders and my hamstrings, and now I go every 2 weeks proactively. I've also suggested him to 3 friends, all of whom now use him regularly. I highly recommend Mark."
N.T. - Yelp
"I have seen many therapists since being in a car accident several years ago. My neck and back pain would lessen after each session but return, sometimes even just days later. Since seeing Mark, my pain has significantly decreased. Some days I don't even feel the pain anymore. I feel I am moving in the right direction thanks to Mark!"
R.C. - Yelp
"Mark Valderrama, of Bay Area Bodyworks, used hot stones, stretching and ART to bring me from grimacing paralysis (after I tweaked a problem area in my back by lifting my 30-lb. daughter from her crib) to replenished mobility. Mark is excellent - and an uber-amicable guy, to boot."
S.F. - Yelp
"Just echoing the glowing reviews for Mark. I found him through my chiropractors office.
If you want a relaxing massage where someone just goes through the standard routine, do not go to Mark. Mark is there to work on your body and (in the gentlest way possible) pummel those knots into submission and work those kinks out!
I carry my stress in my shoulders/neck so that's always on Mark's hit list. I also spend a goodly amount of time on my computer and I can attest to his skill at working at targeted issues like forearm or wrist pain. I recently signed up for a half-marathon, so now my hips and quads have joined the party. He takes these challenges on with professionalism and enthusiasm and my body thanks him for it."
S.D. - Yelp
"Having suffered for more than a year with sciatic pain which greatly interfered with my active lifestyle and which was not relieved by physical therapy, deep tissue massage, acupuncture and reluctantly a chiropractor who did ART with limited success I was looking for a masseuse who was also certified in ART in the hope for permanent relieve of pain without drugs.
Success!!! I learned about the difference between a masseuse and a massage therapist. Marks knowledge of anatomy is excellent, his training extensive and because of it and his interest in resolving deep tissue problems he can solve a multitude of muscular/skeletal problems. After a few very focused sessions and specific exercises given I am now FREE of pain and getting back in shape hiking.
I am in my 70's a retired health care provider and I recommend him highly. Even if your insurance does not cover it save up for it is worth it if you want to stay active."
J.L. - Yelp
"Mark is the best!!!! I have had a lot of massages from many different people and no one compares to mark!! He is amazing! He is so professional and extremely knowledgeable about what he is doing. Mark is definitely not your typical massage therapist he is ART (Active Release Therapy) certified and it shows in his work. His technique is very personalized for you as he knows we are all different with different needs not just a typical back rubdown you tend to get at some places. He is very dedicated when it comes to his clients I will most certainly be back to see him again! I recommend you do too trust me you wont regret it!!!"
L.O. - Yelp
"I have known Mark for years, and the quality of his work is fantastic. His knowledge is medically-precise and encyclopedic - he truly understands the exact cause of my aches and pains, and works diligently to make them go away. He is also incredibly personable and it's clear that he cares very deeply about making sure I feel better. I can recommend Mark and his services without reservation."
S.B. - Yelp
"Mark V is pretty much amazing! My back and neck were frozen in a state of pain. Mark not only launched a full scale attack on my knots and boulders but also was persistent, pushing past the time frame and not even charging me for it. He is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, modest and full of really great energy. Rather than being all touchy feely this was what I wanted and needed, a real sports medicine therapist. If you can find time with him you will not regret it!"
A.O. - Yelp
"I have pretty bad sport injuries from years of competitive swimming and have been through years of PT, etc. I finally got to go to Mark (covered by my insurance under chiropractor office Dr. Callister) and Mark has literally changed my life for the better. He hs worked through spots that have been extremely painful, injured, tight with scar tissue for the past 15-20 years. I really wish I had Mark when I was a competitive athlete as I would have never gone through all the frustration and pain of balancing 1.5 hrs of PT on top of training 5-6 hours a day. It's been 5 sessions and I feel like such a new person. I am no longer scared to do activity as I used to (scared I would move wrong in some way and the pain would get worse or I would re-hurt myself). If you have sports injuries or any injuries (bad back, etc.) find Mark."
V.C. - Yelp
