Looking for arthritis treatment in Victoria? Sync Massage Therapy in nearby Colwood offers clinical care for joint pain. Just 15 min from downtown.
Sarah Mitchell
Verified Patient Review
"Significant relief after just 3 sessions. The specialized pathway here was a game changer."
If you're living with arthritis in Victoria, you already know how it can chip away at the things you love. Maybe it's that morning stiffness that keeps you from your walk along Dallas Road. Perhaps it's the joint pain that makes gardening in your backyard feel impossible. Or maybe you're just tired of planning your day around what your joints will let you do.
I'm Daryl Stubbs, owner of Sync Therapy in Colwood, and I've spent over a decade helping people in Victoria, Langford, and Colwood navigate exactly this challenge. As both a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Athletic Therapist, I've worked with hundreds of arthritis patients—and I understand that you're not looking for someone to simply "manage" your condition. You want your life back.
The good news? Victoria has an exceptional network of arthritis specialists, and when you connect with the right team, real improvement is possible. This guide will show you exactly who these specialists are, what they do, and how to access the coordinated care that makes the biggest difference.
Arthritis affects over 6 million Canadians, and here in Greater Victoria, it's one of the most common reasons people seek treatment at clinics like mine. But "arthritis" isn't just one condition—it's actually an umbrella term for over 100 different types of joint disease.
The two most common types I see are:
Osteoarthritis (OA): The "wear and tear" arthritis that develops when the protective cartilage cushioning your joints gradually breaks down. It typically affects weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, and the spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage. Unlike OA, RA often affects joints symmetrically (both hands, both knees).
Other forms include psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile arthritis—each requiring specialized assessment and treatment.
The reality of arthritis extends far beyond joint pain. My patients describe:
This isn't just about physical limitations—it affects your independence, your social connections, and your mental health. That's why effective arthritis care requires more than just treating the joint itself.
Effective arthritis management isn't a solo effort—it requires a coordinated team of specialists, each bringing their unique expertise to your care. Here's who you need to know.
Your family physician is typically your first stop and remains central to your care coordination. They'll:
Finding a family doctor in Victoria: If you don't currently have a GP, visit the Health Connect Registry or call 8-1-1 to register.
Rheumatologists are medical doctors specializing in arthritis and autoimmune conditions. They're essential for:
Victoria's rheumatology landscape: Most rheumatologists practice through Island Health or private clinics. Expect wait times of 3-6 months for initial consultations, which is why early referral from your GP is crucial.
This is where my work intersects with your arthritis care. As a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)) and Registered Massage Therapist at Sync Therapy, I work alongside physiotherapists to help you move better and with less pain.
Physical therapists focus on:
Athletic therapists (like myself) specialize in:
The advantage at Sync Therapy? You work with one practitioner who holds both RMT and CAT(C) credentials, meaning your massage therapy and movement rehabilitation are seamlessly integrated—no bouncing between multiple practitioners.
While I incorporate massage therapy into my treatment approach, many Victoria-area RMTs specialize specifically in arthritis care. Benefits include: These specialists can provide tailored techniques that focus on relieving joint pain and increasing mobility. Additionally, they often collaborate with other healthcare providers to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses individual needs. For those seeking back pain treatment options in Victoria, these RMTs may also offer integrated therapies that complement traditional methods.
What makes Sync Therapy different: My triple certification (RMT + CAT(C) + Holistic Nutritionist) means we can address not just the physical symptoms, but also the inflammatory component through targeted nutrition counseling—something most clinics can't offer under one roof.
Occupational therapists help you adapt your environment and modify activities to protect your joints:
Local resource: Island Health offers occupational therapy services, and several private practitioners operate in Victoria and Langford.
When conservative treatment isn't enough and joint damage is severe, orthopedic surgeons may be your next step:
Victoria's surgical resources: Most orthopedic procedures are performed at Victoria General Hospital or Royal Jubilee Hospital through Island Health.
Here's where Sync Therapy offers something truly unique in Victoria's arthritis care landscape. As a Holistic Nutritionist in addition to my therapy credentials, I can help you address arthritis from the inside out.
How nutrition impacts arthritis:
Chronic inflammation is at the heart of most arthritis types, and your diet plays a significant role in either fueling or fighting that inflammation. Research shows that certain dietary patterns can measurably reduce inflammatory markers in the blood.
What we address in nutritional counseling:
Your personalized nutrition plan:
At Sync Therapy, I create individualized nutrition strategies based on:
This isn't about restrictive dieting or unrealistic overhauls. It's about strategic, science-backed adjustments that reduce inflammation and support your body's healing capacity—complementing all your other arthritis treatments.
The result? My patients often report that combining manual therapy, movement training, and targeted nutrition gives them better outcomes than any single approach alone. That's the power of addressing arthritis from multiple angles with one practitioner who understands how it all connects.
Depending on your needs, your team might also include:
There's no one-size-fits-all arthritis treatment, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't being honest. What I've learned over the past decade is that the most successful outcomes come from a combination of therapies, tailored to your specific situation.
Everything starts with knowing exactly what you're dealing with. Your rheumatologist or physician will use:
1. Medication Management
Your medical team may prescribe:
2. Manual Therapy and Bodywork
At Sync Therapy, I use:
These hands-on techniques don't just feel good—they create measurable improvements in range of motion and pain levels. Incorporating these strategies into a regular routine can lead to sustained mobility and comfort. Additionally, individuals seeking hip pain relief options will find that these techniques can serve as a natural complement to other treatments. Ultimately, the combination of hands-on methods and personalized therapy approaches can significantly enhance overall quality of life.
3. Therapeutic Exercise
Movement is medicine, but it has to be the right movement:
Victoria's natural environment makes this easier—the Galloping Goose Trail, Esquimalt Lagoon, and numerous neighbourhood parks offer perfect low-impact walking routes.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Small changes create big results:
5. Assistive Devices When Needed
Sometimes tools make life easier:
What sets us apart is the integration. When you work with me, we're addressing:
You're not juggling multiple practitioners with different philosophies. You're getting comprehensive care from one practitioner who sees the complete picture and adjusts your treatment plan as you progress.
That's why Sync Therapy has been voted Best Massage and Rehab Clinic in Victoria six years running, with over 107 Google reviews at 4.9 stars. Our patients experience results because we treat the whole person, not just the joint.
Knowing what care you need is one thing. Actually accessing it is another. Here's how to navigate the system efficiently.
Most specialists in BC require a physician referral. If you don't have a family doctor:
Be realistic about timelines:
Pro tip: While waiting for specialist appointments, start with treatments you can access immediately. At Sync Therapy, I regularly work with patients who are on rheumatology wait lists—we start improving their function right away rather than waiting months to begin treatment.
Virtual care has expanded dramatically:
MSP (BC Medical Services Plan):
Extended health benefits:
WorkSafeBC or ICBC:
Arthritis Society of Canada:
Island Health Programs:
Local Support:
Sync Therapy is located at 132-328 Wale Road, Suite 120 in Colwood—strategically positioned to serve Victoria, Langford, and the West Shore. Benefits of our location:
Managing arthritis isn't just about what happens in the clinic—it's about how you live your daily life in our beautiful community.
Our mild climate and natural landscape offer unique advantages:
Year-round outdoor activity:
Water-based exercise:
Community connection:
Don't give up what you love—adapt it:
I work with patients to maintain their active Victoria lifestyle—because quality of life matters just as much as pain reduction.
The most successful patients become active participants in their care:
Q: Do I need a referral to see you at Sync Therapy?
No. Massage therapists and athletic therapists don't require referrals in BC. You can book directly, and many patients start treatment with me while waiting for specialist appointments.
Q: Will massage therapy cure my arthritis?
Arthritis has no cure, but massage therapy and athletic therapy can significantly improve your pain, mobility, and quality of life. We focus on managing symptoms and optimizing function.
Q: How is athletic therapy different from physiotherapy?
Both are excellent options. Athletic therapists specialize in musculoskeletal injury assessment and rehabilitation with a strong focus on functional movement. The main practical difference is that physiotherapy is more commonly covered by extended health plans, though many plans now cover athletic therapy as well.
Q: Can nutrition really make a difference with arthritis?
Yes. Research consistently shows that anti-inflammatory dietary patterns can reduce inflammatory markers and symptoms in arthritis patients. It's not a replacement for medical treatment, but it's a powerful complement.
Q: How long will I need treatment?
Arthritis is typically a chronic condition, so ongoing management is common. However, treatment frequency evolves—you might start with weekly sessions, then move to bi-weekly, then monthly maintenance, or come in during flare-ups.
Q: What if I can't exercise because of pain?
That's exactly why you need professional guidance. I design programs specifically for where you're at right now—starting with gentle range of motion and gradually building strength as your pain decreases.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We direct bill to most major insurance providers for massage therapy services. Athletic therapy and nutrition services are submitted through your extended health benefits, and we provide detailed receipts for reimbursement.
You don't have to accept pain and limited mobility as your new normal. With Victoria's exceptional network of arthritis specialists and a comprehensive treatment approach, significant improvement is possible.
Your journey starts with understanding exactly what's happening with your joints and creating a clear plan forward. At Sync Therapy, your initial assessment includes:
Ready to get started? Book online at synctherapy.ca or call our Colwood clinic.
If you haven't already:
Every day you wait is another day living with unnecessary pain and limitation. The arthritis specialists in Victoria are ready to help—you just need to take that first step. Exploring the various back pain treatment options Victoria has to offer could be the key to regaining your quality of life. By consulting with experienced professionals, you can receive tailored advice and solutions that address your specific needs. Don’t let pain dictate your daily activities any longer—take action and discover the relief that awaits you.
At Sync Therapy, I've guided hundreds of patients from that first appointment where they could barely walk without pain, to confidently hiking our local trails and living the active life they thought they'd lost.
That can be your story too.
Sync Therapy
132-328 Wale Road, Suite 120
Colwood, BC
Serving Victoria, Langford, and Colwood
Award-winning care. Evidence-based results. Your path to moving better starts here.
Daryl Stubbs is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), Certified Athletic Therapist CAT(C), and Holistic Nutritionist with over a decade of experience helping Greater Victoria residents overcome chronic pain and movement limitations. Sync Therapy has been voted Best Massage and Rehab Clinic six consecutive years, with 107+ five-star Google reviews.
Multi-award winning clinic specializing in complex recovery since 2012.
Senior therapists with over 10,000 combined clinical hours.