articles
Hot or Cold?
Q: Is it better to apply hot or cold when you have pain? A: This is a loaded question without an easy answer but, as a general rule, ice is best for acute injuries and inflammation and heat is best for sore muscles and stiffness. Here's a look at a few common...
How does reflexology work?
Q: What is reflexology and how does it work? A: The answer depends on separating fact from fiction. Fact: There are over 7200 nerve endings in each foot which have extensive interconnections, through the spinal cord and brain, with all areas of the body. Fiction:...
Covid, the Flu or a Cold?
It's very difficult to distinguish between these different infections because their presentations are so similar, especially the symptoms of Covid and the flu. However, there are some symptoms that occur more frequently with one over another. To compare the symptoms...
Do you accept tips?
Most RMT’s generally discourage tipping because it puts our skills on par with the service industry as opposed to the health care industry. Would you tip your dentist or your doctor? Likely not. If a client really wants to tip me, I won’t say no but it’s really not...
Taking Care of Your World
A Covid 19 Roadmap I've spent a number of hours over the last month or so contemplating how much of my identity is wrapped up in my work. I miss my clients and I miss helping people but I think there will ultimately be some surprising benefits to our current...
Water Intake and Massage
Q: Is it important to drink water after a massage? A: No, it isn't. Your body's fluid balance remains relatively stable with very little variation whether you drink 4 daily glasses of water or 12. That's not to say that dehydration can't happen. It can. Dry...
10 Massage Do’s and Don’ts
It's not unusual for me to field a number of questions before, during or after a treatment about what the proper etiquette is for a massage. The questions range from simple expectations to legalities and can sometimes cause a bit of apprehension so I thought it...
Do you have a pregnancy pillow or table?
Q: Do you have a special pregnancy table or pillow so I can lie on my stomach during my massage? A: No. Although it's very tempting to want to lie face down for your treatment there is no evidence to support the safety of this position during pregnancy and there are...
Should I Cancel My Massage if I’m Sick?
Short answer: Yes Long answer: Yes, please! Many of us stuggle at this time of year to stay ahead of the latest virus and it's important to know when it may be necessary to reschedule or cancel your appointment. Massage is awesome! We know this to be...
No Pain No Gain? NO WAY!!!
Q: I believe in the "No Pain, No Gain" idea and usually don't speak up when a therapist is hurting me. I find bodywork to be more effective when it's deep and painful. Is this true? A: ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Pain is how your body signals you to back away from a potentially...
28 Reasons I’ve disliked, or even hated, a massage (and why you should speak up!)
I’ve had a lot of massage treatments over the last couple of decades. Some of them were before I trained as an RMT when I was a professional dancer and had no money but most happened later. I have occasionally been blown away by my experience but mostly not. Granted,...
Aromatherapy – How to Use Essential Oils Safely & Effectively
ABOUT AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy is the art of using pure essential oils extracted from many parts of natural botanicals to enhance wellness of the body, mind and spirit. The chemistry of the essential oils interacts with our own chemistry to relieve stress, comfort...
Massage and Pregnancy
Listing the benefits and practice of massage during pregnancy and after delivering, including infant massage.
Training Errors
Training errors most commonly seen are those that result in excessive loads on the body. These include volume/distance and intensity. Many recreational sports performers often do not realize that the elite sports performers they sometimes try and emulate have devoted...
Golfing
Golfing is an a great form of exercise because it includes walking, lifting and repetitive arm movements giving you the benefits of aerobic and strengthening exercise programs all at once. As with any exercise, however, it can also lead to strain or injury. Simple...