There is no magic in order, so why do you work so hard to clean up your world?
Let it snow and let it be. There is a speck of hidden beauty everywhere around you that you overlook most of the time. So why not take the time? Despite the pressure to get everything ready in time for the holidays and stressing out about deadlines, why not pause for a moment and appreciate the hidden beauty of the holiday season? The end of the year is the season of gratitude and reflection. This holiday season we wish you a bounty of solitude and little moments with yourself. May the magic find you and reflect the beauty of your heart. This is the time to appreciate You.
With our online booking system, you can manage your appointment schedule and yes, you can also manage your payments.
Just ask our front desk assistant to register your credit card in our secure booking system. Every time you come for a treatment and need to pay, we can charge your account and email you the necessary receipt for your online insurance claim. This way you do not need to line up and wait at the front desk.
If you have family members coming for appointments and you want to pay for their treatments, your credit card can be linked to their account. These arrangements can help make everyone’s visit go smoothly.
Insurance Tips for the End of 2019
How to Fully Benefit from Your Insurance Benefits?
If your policy year is the same as the calendar year, there is no time left for postponing. You can still creatively make the most out of your benefits by considering the following suggestions:
If you have a mobile application with your insurance company go to the coverage information and check under Paramedical Benefits if you are covered for the following practitioners:
Regarding Osteopathy: The following insurance companies will cover the osteopathic treatment if included in the policy:
Great-West Life Green Shield Canada Manulife Financial Sun Life Desjardins Insurance Cowan Insurance Group Chambers of Commerce
If your coverage is with Industrial Alliance or Blue Cross, you may not be eligible for coverage.
Please be aware that direct billing is not available for this type of service, however, the cost can be reimbursed upon submitting your receipts online. If you are new to this service, take advantage of the discount and use your benefits just in time before the benefits expire at the end of the year.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL
One Hour Massage Gift Certificate
Buy 3 and Get 1 Free Some conditions apply. Please inquire for details. Offer ends on December 24, 2019.
Although pain can develop anywhere in the back, low back pain occurs most frequently. Symptoms of back pain can range from mild to debilitating. Pain may develop suddenly after an injury or develop gradually due to wear and tear.
In some cases, back pain is chronic, which means it is ongoing. Long-lasting back pain can affect all areas of a person’s life including employment. Back pain can lead to increased absences from work and decreased productivity.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Many different factors can cause back pain. Something as simple as picking up a heavy object in the wrong way can lead to back pain. The most common causes of back pain include:
Muscle strain: Muscle strain is one of the most common causes of back pain. Poor posture or awkward lifting can place added stress on the ligaments or muscles in the back, which leads to discomfort.
Bulging discs: The discs in your back act like a cushion or shock absorber for each joint segment in the back. The material inside a disk can leak out and press on the nerves in the back.
Arthritis: Arthritis can lead to painful joints, such as the knees, fingers, and hips. It can also lead to lower back pain due to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord.
Skeletal abnormalities: Skeletal abnormalities can be present since birth or develop later in life. If the spine is irregular, added pressure may be placed on the muscles, ligaments, or nerves.
Trauma: Back pain can also occur as a result of injury to the spine or the back muscles.
Complications of Back Pain
Back pain, especially if chronic, can cause complications. If left untreated, problems with the lower back may lead to pain in other areas of the body. For instance, if your lower back hurts, it may change how you move or walk, which can lead to hip or leg pain.
In some cases, back pain can force you to decrease your activity level. Leisure activities, hobbies, and exercise may be reduced, which can have a negative effect on your quality of life.
Any chronic pain can cause emotional issues. People with chronic pain can develop depression and anxiety. Frustration can also develop if it’s difficult to get the pain under control.
Treatment for back pain may include cortisone injections, surgery, and medications. In some instances, narcotic pain meds are prescribed, which can lead to dependency, causing a whole new set of problems.
Types of Massage Most Effective for Back Pain
Depending on the severity of the pain and the underlying cause, massage therapy can be useful in decreasing back pain. Massage treatment may ease spasms, muscle tension, and stiffness. The most effective type of massage technique may depend on the cause of back pain. The following types of massage may be useful in treating back pain:
Deep tissue massage: Deep tissue massage involves applying direct pressure to the muscles and connective tissue. Manipulation of both the top layer and deeper layers of the muscles is included. Deep tissue massage may be most effective for back pain due to a muscle strain. Because it involves direct and firm pressure, it may not be comfortable for people with arthritis in their spine.
Myofascial release:Myofascial release and osteopathic manual therapy nvolves the manipulation of the fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding the muscles. The fascia supports the muscles. Myofascial release involves massaging and stretching the fascia, which may decrease pain and tension.
Swedish massage: Swedish massage involves combining deep pressure in one direction with light manipulation in the other to promote relaxation of the muscle. It can reduce stiffness and soreness in the muscles of the back. It may also be helpful to decrease inflammation and improve circulation in back muscles.
Lumbar quadratus muscle massage: The lumbar quadratus muscle connects the pelvis to the last rib. It plays a role in pelvic stability and keeping your spine in correct alignment. The muscle can become irritated, which is a common cause of lower back pain. Massage and stretching of the muscle can decrease tension and reduce back pain.
Considerations
If you have chronic back pain, it’s helpful to see your doctor or back pain specialist to determine the underlying cause. Massage therapy for back pain is usually safe for most people, but there may be instances when it is not recommended.
It’s also essential to talk to your massage therapist and provide an explanation of your symptoms. Your therapist may recommend certain types of massage depending on the severity of your pain. Be sure to also mention additional symptoms, such as numbness or tingling.
Massage can be helpful in decreasing back pain. But it’s important to remember; it’s only one part of an overall plan to keep your back healthy. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise including core work, along with proper lifting and posture are also vital to keep your back strong and pain-free.
A massage can be a great way to relax. But massage therapy can be used for much more than just a way to unwind.
Massage therapy can be helpful in treating various emotional issues and improve overall well-being.
Common Emotional Issues
Stress affects almost everyone at one time or another. Stressors may be one-time incidents, such as dealing with an illness or the loss of a job. But stress can also become chronic. Chronic stress may come from relationship problems, work issues or common factors, such as traffic and bills. In some cases, everyday stress may take its toll and lead to emotional problems.
When you are under immense stress, your body reacts to the stressor as if it were dangerous; physiological and hormonal changes take place. Your breathing and heart rate may increase, and your muscles tense up. This response is known as the flight or fight response—which can be useful in certain instances. But over time, chronic stress can lead to other issues, both physical and emotional.
As time goes on, stress can affect your digestive system, sleep, and suppress your immune system. It can also lead to emotional issues, such as depression, anger, and anxiety.
Conventional Treatment for Emotional Problems
Conventional treatment for emotional problems often involves the use of counseling and medications, including antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. In some cases, such as with severe depression or anxiety, medications may be needed, especially until the mood is stabilized.
Although medications may be needed in certain instances, it can also have a downside. Side effects from medications for depression and anxiety can include weight gain, fatigue, and insomnia. Dry mouth, nausea, and a loss of libido may also occur. Plus, the use of medication may involve trial and error until the correct drug and dosages are found.
Counseling is also a common conventional treatment. Counseling can be an effective way to deal with emotional issues. But it can take several months to feel the benefits of counseling.
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Massage
Massage can have several emotional and mental health benefits. It can promote healing, decrease pain, and improve range of motion. When someone feels better physically, it can also help with emotional issues.
Decreased pain, a physical benefit of receiving massage therapy, may contribute to psychological improvement, because chronic pain can lead to psychological issues, including depression.
There are several additional emotional and mental health benefits of massage including the following:
Decreased depression and anxiety: Massage can be helpful in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, in some people. The relaxing effects of massage can lead to the release of chemicals in the brain called endorphins, inducing feelings of calmness and relaxation. Massage therapy also may improve symptoms of anxiety. For example, according to the American Massage Therapy Association, studies indicate that massage can decrease anxiety in patients receiving cancer treatment.
Promote feelings of peace: Massage not only feels good, but it can also promote feelings of calm and peace. Regardless of the type of massage, it may increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of pleasure.
Reduce tension and stress: A massage can help bring awareness to areas of tension in your body. As your body relaxes, you may feel the stress and tension slip away. Massage may also cause a reduction in the stress hormone, cortisol.
There are a few different factors to keep in mind if you are considering trying massage therapy to improve your emotional health. Make sure you choose the right type of massage for your symptoms. Various types of massage are beneficial for different reasons.
Other types of massage including trigger point and deep tissue may be good options if the pain is also an issue.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to which type of massage may work best to boost mental health.
Regardless of what type of massage you choose, it is important to speak to your massage therapist about your symptoms and any concerns you may have. You can locate a registered massage therapist (RMT) in Ontario through the rmtfind.com through the registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO). Your healthcare provider may also be able to make recommendations.
Keep in mind: massage therapy does not have to replace traditional treatment for emotional problems. It can be used alongside conventional treatments. One of the great things about using massage therapy as a complementary treatment is there are no major negative side effects and/or contraindications.
If you are an athlete, you know how important it is to train hard and take precautions to avoid getting hurt.
But even with the proper gear and preparation, athletic injuries happen. Treatment for athletic injuries varies based on the type and severity of the problem. In some cases, massage may be a good option to decrease pain and speed up recovery.
Common Athletic Injuries
Athletic injuries run the gamut from mild sprains to serious injuries to the bones, muscles or joints. Injuries can occur due to sudden forces, such as colliding with another athlete or hitting the ground. Swiftly moving in a different direction can also lead to an injury, such as twisting the knee or injuring the back.
Repetitive movements that are common in certain sports can also lead to athletic injuries. For example, it’s common for baseball pitchers to injure their elbows from repeating the same motion when pitching.
There are all kinds of athletic injuries that massage therapy may help including the following:
Sprains
Strains
Twisted knees
Muscle spasms
Overuse injuries
Types of Massage for Athletic Injuries and Pain Relief
Different methods of massage can be used to treat athletic injuries and provide pain relief. When it comes to athletic injuries, there is not a one size fits all approach. The type of massage recommended may depend on the injury and pain level, along with personal preferences. In some cases, a combination using different types of massage may be most effective. Typical massage methods used for athletic injuries include:
Sports massage: Although some therapists use the terms interchangeably, sports massage is not the same as deep tissue massage. Sports massage involves the manipulation of the muscle itself to promote healing while being careful not to damage the tissue any further. Sports massage can aid in flushing lactic acid and other wastes from the muscle, allowing nutrients to flow better. Different techniques may be used during a sports massage. For example, effleurage, which involves the gentle application of pressure with the thumbs, may be used. The pressure can be varied depending on the muscle that is worked. This technique is often used to increase blood flow to the injured muscle.
Myofascial release:Myofascial release or osteopathic manual treatment nvolves the therapist applying firm pressure to the myofascial connective tissue. Myofascial release can be helpful for athletic injuries to decrease pain and improve range of motion.
Massage for athletic injury can be beneficial in several ways. Manipulation of the soft tissue through massage increases the flow of nutrients including oxygen to the muscle, allowing the body to heal itself. Athletic massage also has the following benefits and effects on the body:
Improved circulation: Improved blood flow promotes healing and may shorten recovery time. But that’s not all—massage encourages the execration of certain fluids that negatively affect tissue repair.
Prevention of adhesions: After an athletic injury, scar tissue can sometimes develop. Adhesions or scar tissue can affect the range of motion and lead to decreased athletic performance. Massage can prevent or break down adhesions.
Decreased stiffness: Athletic massage can decrease muscle tension and soreness and reduce cramping, which may improve soft tissue function.
Improved flexibility: As the muscle relaxes and loosens, the range of motion can improve. Increased flexibility can decrease the chances of future injuries and improve performance.
Promotes relaxation: Regardless of the type, massage can have a sedative effect on the nervous system. Endorphins are released, which can decrease discomfort and the need for pain medications in some cases.
Tips for Athletic Massage
If you’re going to have massage therapy for treatment of an athletic injury, there are a few things to keep in mind. One important consideration is that in some cases, healing must occur before massage is recommended. Also, massage should not replace medical care for sprains, fractures or serious injuries. Instead, it should be used as part of an overall treatment plan.
Before your massage, be sure to drink plenty of water. If you’re dehydrated, the muscles can stiffen, which means your massage may be more painful. Additionally, avoid eating a heavy meal for at least three hours before your massage. Lying face down on the massage table with a full stomach is uncomfortable. Plus, massage relaxes your body and slows down your systems including digestion.
When you have a massage for an athletic injury, it may not be as relaxing as other types of massage. Although it depends on the kind of massage and techniques use, sports and deep tissue massages involve firm pressure. Some people don’t find those types of massage as relaxing as Swedish massages.
Member of College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
I have been a registered massage therapist since 2013. My fascination with human anatomy has driven me to pursue this field. My background as a physiotherapist back in my home country, Philippines, provides me with further knowledge on how to treat various neuromuscular injuries and conditions. After graduating from Everest College in 2012, I have worked in several rehabilitation clinics that have allowed me to serve my clients with great success. Some of the conditions I have experience in include motor vehicle injuries as well as workplace and sport-related injuries. I believe that touch therapy is essential to everyone, regardless if it is for therapy or relaxation. In the near future, I will be pursuing my certification in pediatric massage therapy to increase the range of individuals that may benefit from massage therapy.
Modes of massage therapies I have extensive skill in:
Do you want to feel strong and healthy this season? Do you want to stay fit and active?
Then the Winter Wellness Program offered by our Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Bianca Drennan, is perfect for you. Following summer, it can be difficult to get back into a healthy routine. This, combined with the change in temperatures and impending holiday season (Thanksgiving, Halloween, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years), can lead to fatigue, feeling run down, weight gain, and colds/flu. Why wait for those things to happen when you can prevent them from happening in the first place? Why wait until January to make health resolutions when you can be a step ahead? Over the course of 3 months, Dr. Bianca Drennan will work with you on your health goals and help you achieve optimal, long-term wellness to get you through the change of season. Whatever your concerns, whether it be weight loss, prevention, hormonal concerns, digestive dysfunction, or mood, the Winter Wellness Program can get you back in balance. Do yourself, your body, and your loved ones a favour by learning what you can do to stay strong and healthy this season, and take the necessary steps to achieve your goals.
Comprehensive intake based on information from patient forms, including acute and chronic health concerns
Goal setting
Take home 7-day diet diary
Week 2 – Beginning the Wellness Program (60 minutes)
A complete general physical exam
Evaluation of 7-day diet diary
The detailed wellness treatment plan including dietary, lifestyle, supplemental, and/or botanical recommendations individualized to each patient’s health concerns and goals
Week 4 – Wellness Check-In (15 minutes)
Check-in on the recommended wellness treatment plan, modifying as necessary
Identifying any remaining concerns and potential treatments
Identifying any obstacles to cure
Developing ways to stay on track
Week 8 – Wellness Follow-Up (45 minutes)
Follow-up on the recommended wellness treatment plan
Evaluating successes and areas for potential improvement
Consistent and regular monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan
Week 12 – Final Wellness Follow-Up (45 minutes)
Re-evaluating goals, setting long-term goals to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle
Determining the next steps to achieve and maintain long-term wellness
