articles
Beyond the Table: The Process of Ongoing Recovery
We have all been there. You leave your massage therapy appointment feeling like a brand-new person. Your shoulders are down where they belong, your lower back feels spacious, and that nagging tension headache is gone. But what comes next is key.
Initial Assessment and Massage
No matter what your treatment focus is, whether it be relaxation, athletic conditioning, pain relief, pregnancy, rehabilitation or injury recovery, an initial assessment is always required. It's worth noting that every session has elements from the following list but...
Does massage remove toxins?
The idea that massage can somehow flush out toxins from the body has been around for a long time but what does that really mean? What toxins are supposedly being flushed out of the body? What are the mechanisms responsible for this detoxification? Is your massage...
Do I need to remove my clothes to get a massage?
Absolutely not. It’s really up to the individual how much clothing is removed. Most swedish massage techniques use oil or lotion so skin-on-skin contact is helpful. However, the massage therapist can work around any clothing that you choose not to remove so if you’re...
Back Pain Facts and Myths
Many thanks to the Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario for this great blog post: Back pain is common – up to 80% of Canadians will experience back pain at least once in their adult life. Despite how common it is a lot of misinformation exists about...
Does massage increase circulation?
When I was in school, we were taught that one of the benefits of massage was that it increases circulation. Consequently, most massage therapists have been saying this for years but is it true and, if so, what do we mean by it? Let's take a look at this question more...
Tips for the Best Computer Workstation
It is much better to prevent injuries than to heal them.
Stretching
Stretching, when done properly, can do more than just increase flexibility. Learn about the elements of good stretching and in what order to stretch your body parts.
Choosing the Right Backpack
Strapping on a backpack is part of a student's daily ritual but choosing the right one takes some careful consideration and possibly even some negotiation. It's a challenge because you'll want to find something your child is going to like but that's also functional...
Pregnancy Aches & Pains
Q: Is there any way to minimize the aches and pains of pregnancy between massage treatments? A: Pregnancy produces some profound bodily changes in a very short space of time. Muscles and joints are having to continually adjust as the baby grows in order to move and...
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...
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...