Experience the difference… but what is the difference?

Have you ever gone for physiotherapy and your therapist was treating two or three other people at the same time? You spend an hour at the clinic but maybe get 15 minutes of one-on-one time with the therapist – the rest of the time is spent on hot packs, TENS machines, and doing exercises in a curtained-off room by yourself. 

If this sounds all too familiar, sadly you are not alone. It is a typical treatment model in the world of physiotherapy. Unfortunately, it is one of the reasons people shy away from physiotherapy when they get injured or need rehabilitation for their aches and pains. 

At Bloom Therapy, our treatment model is a truly one-on-one experience. That means from start to finish, your time in clinic is spent entirely with your physiotherapist to address your needs. The extra time with your therapist will allow them to educate you on the issue, develop a treatment plan, and execute that plan in an unrushed environment. 

If you’re looking for a change from the traditional clinic model, we’d love to show you the difference.

- Thanh Tang, MScPT 

What to do after a Motor Vehicle Accident

If you have been in a car accident you are entitled to accidents benefit coverage regardless of who was at fault. Let us help clarify the process by breaking it down for you.

1. File a report with the police

The first thing you are going to need to do is file an accident report with the police.

2. Contact your insurance company

You must file both an accident claim and an injury claim. You will need to tell them you are filing for both and they will assign a different adjuster for each.

3. COMPLETE AB-1 FORM

It is important for you to know that by completing the AB-1 Form you may be eligible to start a limited number of treatments with your primary health care provider prior to confirmation from your insurance company. This form MUST be filed within 10 days of the accident. Your Primary Health Care Provider at Bloom can submit both your AB-1 and AB-2 to your adjuster.

4. Book an assessment

When it comes to the assessment, you can see any Primary Health Care provider. This includes our Physiotherapist or Chiropractor, or your Medical Doctor. They will complete an AB-2 Form with you and submit this form directly to your insurance company.  We recommend this appointment is booked within 10 days of your accident to get pre-approved for treatments under the “Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols”. Even if you are not feeling any symptoms we suggest booking an assessment. Symptoms like whiplash often have a delayed onset and you don’t want to miss your window for filing a claim.

5. ASSIGNMENT OF TREATMENTS

Once an assessment has been completed on your injuries, your medical professional will assign either 10 or 21 treatments. These treatments can be used towards physiotherapy, chiropractor, acupuncture or massage therapy. You have control over which modality or combination of modalities you would like to use, keeping in mind the advice of your medical professional. Note that if your first assessment is performed by a physical therapist or chiropractor, this may count as two treatments out of your 10 or 21.  A diagnosis by a medical doctor will not use up any of your treatments. The decision is entirely up to you. 

6. INSURANCE CONFIRMATION

If you choose to use Bloom Therapy as your team for your MVA treatments, we will have the ability to directly bill your insurance company. Before proceeding with your treatment we recommend that you receive confirmation from your insurance company that you will be covered and for how many treatments. Once you know how many treatments you are covered for (10 or 21), we recommend that you track how many treatments you have received. Any treatments outside of your protocol will not be covered by your insurance.

7. Provide clinic with necessary information

As soon as it becomes available to you, please provide the clinic with the following information:

• Name of the insurance company

• Name of your adjuster dealing with your injury claim and their contact information.

• Claim number

• The date of your accident

We understand that this seems like a lengthy process but taking the right steps from the beginning will lead to a smoother and ultimately more effective treatment plan! 

The Energy of Acupuncture

Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, Acupuncture has been used around the world as a holistic health treatment to help prevent, diagnose, and treat pathologies of various types and severity. The traditional explanation for Acupuncture’s effectiveness is that it harmonizes the flow of energy in the body through the manipulation of recognized Acupoints. Even modern science has taken interest in these claims and has successfully confirmed the existence of these Acupoints, or bioenergetic centers that beset the human body.

As children, we all learn about the circle of life and the importance of the sun’s light beaming down onto the plants so they can photosynthesize this energy into food. Nutrients and energy are then passed down the chain until it finally reaches your dinner plate. It doesn’t matter if you’re eating steak and potatoes or quinoa with vegetables, they all come from the same beginning and provide the same thing in the end, energy; it cannot be created nor destroyed and can only be transformed, infinitely. It is this simple foundational belief that acts as a bridge between modern science and ancient healing methods.

Sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, tongue depressors, and reflex hammers, are some of the tools a modern physician can use to help examine and diagnose the current state of energy, or health of your body. Unfortunately, modern medicine tends to look and treat the human body similar to Mr. Potato Head, a children’s toy, where the broken or uncooperative part of the bodily system can be changed and manipulated without affecting the whole. Traditional healing methods such as Chinese Medicine look at the human body and bodily systems like dominoes, the cascade of energy flows from one cell to the next, one system to the other, from beginning to end, and in many cases, back around again.

Needles, cups, moxibustion, and herbs are some of the tools an Acupuncturist can use to help adjust and harmonize this continuous circle of life. Understanding that energy is not only within us, but also surrounding us, constantly flowing through and around us, is where the strength in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine lie. Rather than separating the parts of our whole, these traditional methods recognize that family, friends, food, and foes are all comprised of energy, and affect our flow. In this realm of healthcare, it is clear that financial, spiritual, physical, and childhood fears now act as dominoes in our remaining years.

We can see energy in the sky, or even taste it in a chicken thigh, cry all day or laugh it away, energy always has something to say. When we separate the energy of our bodies into individual parts, it becomes just a thumb or a toe, but when we bring it back into a whole, energy is all that we know. From ancient beliefs to modern reliefs, Acupuncture helps to control the flow.

- Bavi

Are you intrigued? Book an appointment with Bavi to dive deeper into how acupuncture can help you. 

Massage And Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which people experience widespread pain throughout their body. This achiness presents itself on known points called Tender Points (not to be confused with Trigger Points). The symptoms, including generalized muscle pain, affects 2-6% of the adult population, primarily women. Symptoms can be aggravated by overexertion, lack of exercise, stress, depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, and extremes in temperature. People who suffer from Fibromyalgia are often told to exercise when their energy levels are high, focusing on improving posture, stretching and increasing endurance. They are also encouraged to listen to their body for signs of pain and fatigue and to alter their lifestyle accordingly. Exercises like walking, swimming and yoga are encouraged.  

So how does massage help?

There are a few ways in which massage therapy can help manage the pain of Fibromyalgia. When we are stressed or anxious, it is common to hold tension in places like your shoulders, neck and hips. Spending some time on the massage table will create a safe and relaxing space where you can learn to manage the stresses in your life and let go of that tension. Massage therapy is also known to release neurotransmitters such as serotonin (the happy ones) and decrease levels of cortisol (the sad ones). Once we get your body to relax, skilled RMTs are able to find specific areas of tension, or trigger points, that can be released, leading to better circulation, increased mobility and decreased pain. There is evidence found in a Swedish study suggesting that massage therapy can decrease the levels of myoglobin in the blood stream, which is a protein thought to be leaking out of muscle tissue contributing to increased levels of pain. Additional studies show that massage therapy can decrease stiffness and improve sleeping patterns in sufferers, helping you to reach a deeper, more restorative sleeping pattern, one necessary to rebuild and heal tissues.

Where do I go from here?

At Bloom Therapy we treat many clients with Fibromyalgia with great results. If you are interested in trying massage therapy as a treatment, we suggest that you begin with a 30 minute session to see how your body reacts. This syndrome varies widely between individuals and we want to make sure we don't overwork and fatigue your muscles. From there we can work up to a 60 minute treatment reaching towards sessions once a week.  Each treatment is individualized and based on how you are feeling that particular day, leaving you in full control. Communication is key in a treatment for Fibromyalgia. Our aim is to improve your quality of life by decreasing pain levels, increasing mobility and decreasing feelings of anxiety and depression. If you are ready for a restorative nights sleep, book and appointment with us today. Still have questions? Feel free to give us a call!

Massage And Grief

As Massage Therapists we support individuals through many different hurdles throughout their lives. Dealing with a new born, a child acting out at home, a fight with a spouse, a personal health scare or the death of a loved one, to name a few. No, we are not psychologists, but we are human, and we are fantastic listeners. Sometimes that's all one person needs. Someone who is uninvolved in the rest of their lives who they can talk openly and honestly with, without fear of judgement. I have had many regular clients who have come in, shoulders slumped, breathing shallow and energy lacking, people who I know well enough to read their signs, who are finally able to open up and share their grief. I have heard of grandfathers, brothers, daughters and husbands passing. A friend who has been diagnosed with cancer. A husband who has lost a job. Many times the clients sharing their stories are considered to be the Strong One, the one people depend on. They have not yet had the chance to deal with their own sorrow. Other times it has been months and their support system has moved on while their grief still feels raw.  There have been times where I have held and hugged them. Times where my hands stilled to allow them the chance to release their emotions. Many, many tissues passed around. 

Beyond listening, we have the privilege of healing through touch. Helping you to open up emotionally and physically. Think of the last time something devastating happened to you. My guess is that you were curled up in a ball, shoulders hunched, protecting your heart. People would give you polite hugs, but you barely felt them. They were scared to get too close, to ask too many questions or to see you cry. On the table we are able to reveal those deeply buried feelings, to let them out and give them a voice. We are able to open up your chest and free your heart from its burdens. We can support with our hands. And most importantly we can help you feel whole, valued and worthy again. Slowly we can pick up all the pieces and rebuild. We can't take away all the pain but we can surely help guide you on the path to healing.  

I had the honour of giving my Aunt her very first massage only months after losing her husband, my uncle. She was grieving, tears were shed and fears were verbalized. It was a challenge I was confident I could handle. We communicated throughout the treatment to make sure she was always comfortable and talked about different pain points, physically and emotionally. By the end of the massage I think we both felt a sense of healing, I know I did. I was reassured the next day when I received a text message from her. Now I could have just taken this message and posted it on our Testimonials page, but I think it deserves more than that. She put into words why I am so passionate about Massage Therapy and reassured me that I was on the right life path. With her permission, I will share her experience with you. 

"Kristy, I wanted to make sure you understand the impact you had on me by providing my first massage treatment. I was concerned about my body weight but you were non-judgemental and only made me feel beautiful. This was important to my comfort level, but it also reminded me of how Ron used to make me feel because he saw past the weight and always see me as the 97 lb. girl he married. Your touch also made me realize how much I've missed being touched since Ron died. Your beautiful space, the wonderful music, the peacefulness you provided me on Sunday has stayed with me still and I'm so grateful. I'm looking forward to my next massage now that I realize how professional and compassionate a massage therapist has to be to provide such an uplifting experience."

I am so proud of her coming to see me and sharing her experience during such a vulnerable time in her life. It still brings tears to my eyes when I read it as I am so grateful to have been given the chance to affect her so deeply, especially someone I love so dearly. While this may have been her first massage ever, it took an enormous amount of courage for her to come in. I love this. And I love taking on brand new clients, shifting them from terrified to empowered. But this is also one reason I encourage clients to come in for regular massages. You never know when you will be hit with tragedy. It is already difficult trying something new, but when you are grieving it seems impossible. If you have built that relationship of trust with your therapist, that fear fades away and you will benefit so much more from your treatment. 

I challenge other massage therapists reading this to remember compassion, acceptance and gratitude. Compassion for people whose whole story you will never know. Acceptance for all body types and viewpoints. Gratitude for having someone trust in you during a time where they feel trapped and vulnerable. We are placed in a position of power and there are so many amazing ways we can use it. Never underestimate the power of touch. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those who have shared their story and their grief with me. I am honoured to have been a part of your healing. 

Kristy.

Bloom After Baby - Postnatal Massage

Having a baby is such a fantastically beautiful and life changing event. From the very beginning you feel your body adjust. After announcing your pregnancy you are flowered with congratulations and questions;  are you going to find out the gender? Have you decorated the baby's room? How are you feeling? What can I do for you? The attention continues as your belly begins to grow. Strangers come up to you and ask when you are due. You begin to feel your baby moving. Your whole identity shifts. You start to glow.  You are entrusted with this precious life and you are on a mission to ensure the best possible environment. 

Then, your new bundle of joy is born. People flock to your house to hold them. They bring gifts and food. They start setting up play dates. They forget your name...well not really, although it feels as if you no longer exist as an individual. You are pushed to the side. Simply the carrier of this cute, tiny human. People eventually stop bringing you food and, often unintentionally, start bringing judgement. You start feeling the unrealistic pressure to be the "perfect" mom. You are left isolated to go through the changes that your body is experiencing. To deal with the stretch marks. To rein in your unpredictable hormones. Pressured to act as if your baby is perfect, and happy, and sleeping all the time. Your light begins to fade. When you think about it, it is surprising that more moms don't experience postpartum depression. Or maybe we just don't hear about it.

Following the birth of your child it is crucial that you make time for self care. But too often mothers feel guilty leaving their baby alone. How in the world are you supposed to find time between diaper changes, feeding and laundry while still making sure they feel loved?!  You are constantly on the move and when nap time comes you are exhausted. There is no way you can carry on like this! You deserve to relax in the midst of all the chaos a new baby brings home with them.  When alone time becomes a thing of the past it is essential that you begin to carve it out once again. It will give you the strength to return home and meet the needs of your baby with more love and compassion.

The benefits of postnatal massage are numerous. It is a great way to soothe sore and strained muscles. If you are nursing, you may be experiencing neck and shoulder tension due to poor positioning. You may be carrying your baby with your dominant arm and begin to notice an imbalance in your spine and hips.  Headaches due to lack of sleep and stress can be subdued. Achiness from sleeping in positions you didn't think were possible can be relieved. We can increase circulation and decrease any residual swelling. And most importantly we can give you the chance to feel whole, valuable and precious once again. We can create space for you to breathe, slow down and even cry if you need to. We know parenting isn't easy and thats ok. 

So how do we make it happen? Ask for help. Talk to someone you love and trust and ask them to look after your little one while you get a massage. Leaving them with someone trustworthy will ensure that you can relax further. Schedule in advance. Book your massage when you know your husband will be home, or when your parents are in town. Talk to them in advance and make sure it works for everyone. Do a trade. Maybe you and another mommy friend can take turns watching each others littles while the other can indulge. Talk to your doctor. If you had a C-section or a difficult delivery, your doctor can provide a timeline that is appropriate for you. This permission may help you feel more comfortable.

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of having a massage right away, know that we are not here to judge. Your stretch marks are beauty marks. You can continue to wear your bra if you are lactating. We will adapt to your needs. We are simply here to help you get your GLOW back. 

Raising a High Level Athlete

With the Rio 2016 Olympics coming to a close we now have a nation of young athletes who are left in awe and lit up by their new heroes.  We have had the chance to watch the BEST in the world compete against one another and they were absolutely incredible. Sitting on this side of the TV screen we are shown the highlights, the wins and the losses. We get to know the athletes and we cheer on our favourites. But it is easy to forget about the challenges, the injuries, and the long hours spent training. Most of these athletes have spent their entire lives preparing for this one, single event. Countless hours have been spent with their coaches, parents working two jobs and driving back and forth to practice, families sacrificing holidays for more training hours and money spent on gym time rather than amusement park rides.

Growing up a child of a highly competitive mother who was a National level Gymnastics coach, I have received an inside look at the physical and mental challenges that are involved in being a high level athlete. I was lucky enough to watch two Gymnastics World Championships with my mom and my sister; one in London and the second in Belgium. I have worked beside World Class coaches and their athletes. I have a brother who ranked 5th in the world in Tae Kwon Do only to break his leg in an exhibition fight during trials to the Athens Olympics. I have seen the highs and the lows first hand. I have taken part in the sacrifices made to ensure another gets to follow their dreams. And I have seen these dreams being shattered. So when I see a gymnast break their leg on their first vault after they have already qualified for finals on another event, or a swimmer who dives too early and is nearly disqualified, you can bet I am close to tears, as I  know how much work has just been lost with one wrong move. My mom would say this is why I was never a great competitor, but you can bet I won team spirit award!

When it comes to sports there are many factors that can affect how far an athlete will go. It takes an entire team to get one athlete to the Olympics; coaches, parents, siblings, physiotherapists, massage therapists, school teachers, dieticians, community support, and even psychologists.  For any high level athlete it is extremely important that they learn to listen to their body and trust their instincts. From a young age, athletes are pushed to their limits, their potential shining through in the eyes of a well trained coach in a matter of minutes. In the world of gymnastics, kids can start participating at the age of 18 months, basically as soon as they are able to walk. By age 4, coaches are looking for kids who are talented, flexible, strong, and hard working. By age 6 they are already training a couple of days a week.  A female gymnast peaks around age 17. This is an incredibly young age and these athletes must be taught from the beginning how to understand and communicate what their body is telling them. 

Ensuring your child has a good, supportive and educated team can mean the difference between success and failure. But as a parent there also needs to be a great level of trust with all the members of the team. It can be difficult to step back and let someone else take over. At a certain level, your child will spend more time with their coach than with you. So what can you do to keep your child safe and supported?

• Remind them that no matter what happens you are proud of who they are and what they have accomplished. They need to know their mistakes do not define who they are. 

• Never push them too hard. You cannot make someone love a sport, and it takes a certain passion to develop the skills necessary to win.

• Teach them how to communicate. Ask them how their body is feeling, how they are feeling mentally. Teach them how to express those feelings. This way they can have a more enriched relationship with their coaches.

• Don't let them quit. It is never easy to accomplish your dreams no matter what they are. Everyone wants to quit at some point. Have an expectation that once they start something it is their responsibility to finish it. Once the season is over, if they still aren't fully committed, this is the time to reassess the end goal. 

• Ensure they are taking care of their bodies. Speak to their coaches to get insight on how you can help. Do they need to work on certain stretches? Would they benefit from seeing a massage therapist, physiotherapist or chiropractor? Should they be doing any hydrotherapy?

• Fuel their bodies. Send them to training with fruits and veggies. Encourage them to drink lots of water. Starving your kids or putting them on a diet is NOT the goal here. Teach them to respect their bodies. Moderation is key, not deprivation. So let them eat that piece of cake!

Massage therapy can play a huge role in the journey of an athlete. When it comes to sports massage there are three different phases. Pre-Event massage is a fast paced treatment, done without any oils or lotions, used to wake up the muscles, increase circulation and hype-up the athlete. Post-Event massage is a much slower treatment focusing on tissue drainage and soothing fatigued muscles. Most important is the Maintenance massage where athletes of all levels can benefit. This is done between events and used to decrease recovery time, reduce potential injuries, and allow for more intense practice intervals. 

One aspect of sports massage that is not often talked about is the psychological benefits. By making massage a part of the routine, a safe space is created for the athlete to process the highs and the lows of their sport. Whether they take this time discuss it with their therapist or not, it is a great way for them to focus on their body and their breathing, to mentally go over their techniques and to deal with any major set backs in their training. It is not uncommon for athletes to go through a period of depression when their career is suddenly ripped out from under them due to injury or their time has come naturally to retire. By having that comfortable routine established and the space available to them, they have the potential to navigate through this major life change and go through the expected stages of mourning in the privacy of the treatment room.

We can't say enough here at Bloom how important it is for kids of all ages to spend time on the table. Especially if we are expecting them to work and make decisions like adults. Being an athlete isn't easy but as a team we can create kids who not only excel at their sport but who grow into responsible, hard working and driven adults. 

Avoid Back to School Burnout - A Teachers Guide.

We all know its coming, you can feel it in the air...and the lineups at Staples. The glorious, holiday filled summer is coming to an end. That means one thing. Back to school. Lesson planning begins, the students pour through the doors and you are learning a whole new set of names. You have to decide if you want to coach the basketball team, volunteer for the drama production and supervise the school dance. On top of all that you have marking, report cards, project planning and parent teacher interviews. It is not an easy job and we commend you for taking on the challenge and raising our youth to be stellar and contributing citizens. Although everyone gets super jealous of your summer holidays, we all know that Teachers deserve a couple months off during the year to recharge and reconnect with their families. But you don't have to wait until the summer to refuel and focus on yourself. All it takes is a few minutes a day and some good planning skills throughout the year. Here are a few pointers on how to avoid burnout. 

1. Acknowledge your passion. You are teaching for a reason, because you love it! If you didn't love it you wouldn't be there. You love seeing your students progress and having the chance to work with the one group of people who have the most potential in the world. Remind yourself of this daily to fuel your days. 

2. Ask for help. Teachers are givers by nature. You want to solve everyones problems yet you resist any offers of help that you may receive. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you know your limits and only want to give your best work.  

3. Learn to say No. It is too easy to say Yes to every request. You feel guilty when you say no, like you are letting everyone down. Before you know it you have no room in your schedule to eat your lunch.  Remember that every Yes you say is a No to something else. Choose wisely. 

4. Actively Manage your Time. If this means scheduling in dinner with your spouse, or reading a book or going for a walk, then write it down and stick to it. If someone asks you to take on a new task, it is a simple sorry, I already have plans. If you don't schedule it, it will be pushed aside and forgotten. 

5. Exercise. The effects of exercise on the body are widespread. It decreases stress levels, promotes better sleep, sharpens your mind and prevents injuries.  Find what works for you and incorporate it into your lifestyle on the daily. 

6. Manage Stress. This is a big one. If you don't recognize your limits you won't make it through the year without a breakdown. This year lets avoid rocking back and forth, huddled in a ball with tears streaming down your face wondering how you are going to face your students for another 4 months. Learn to meditate. Book regular massage. Start kickboxing. Whatever your jam is, commit to it and plan ahead for it. 

Teachers are so important to every community and it seems as though they are being handed more and more responsibility each year. It is a tough job. But, whether you believe it or not, you deserve to put yourself first often. If you are not the healthiest version of yourself how can you expect to perform to your full potential. We love teachers at Bloom. We love giving you the space to talk about your daily challenges or simply allowing you to bask in the studentless quiet of the treatment room. We love to see your shoulders drop away from your ears at the end of the treatment and hearing how your headaches seem to be disappearing. We challenge you to take this year and make it yours. Schedule your self-care in advance and feel the benefits all year long. 

Kristy

Back Pain in School Kids

Does your child come home and complain about back pain? It appears odd that at such a young age they are suffering from something that seems reserved for adults and the aging population. But think about it. School kids are carrying around loaded bags every day of the school week and they are usually overloaded or the wrong bag entirely. As adults, many of us go to work where our computer is waiting for us without the need to carry around textbooks and binders. Until each student is set up with their own personal computer this isn't a problem we are going to escape easily. But there are ways we can minimize the impact of school bags on kids. 

First of all backpacks are so much better than messenger bags, shoulder bags and purses. That much is obvious. When worn correctly, backpacks distribute weight more evenly creating a healthier spine. Lets talk about anatomy for a minute.  Your spine is made up of 33 bones separated by discs that act as shock absorbers. With correct posture your spine has three curves, a cervical curve, a thoracic curve and a lumbar curve. This alignment maximizes shock absorption,  assists with balance and promotes optimal range of motion. Abnormal posture includes hyperkyphosis in the thoracic spine, or hunchback posture, hyperlordosis in the lumbar spine, or sway back posture, and scoliosis, which is a curve in the spine from side to side. All of these variations can be brought on by poor use of a backpack or other bag. Your children are wearing these every day, encouraging and strengthening poor posture. It takes years to build up, it could take just as long to break it back down. 

So what do we do about it? Well I have a few simple tips for you to encourage proper and healthy posture for your child throughout the day.

1. WEIGHT. You should try and keep the weight of your childs backpack at under 10% of your child's body weight. A heavy backpack can pull a child backwards, forcing them to bend at the hips or arch their back, which can compress their spine. This can lead to back, shoulder and neck pain. 

2. SHOULDER STRAPS. Your childs backpack should have two wide and padded shoulder straps. They should wear both of these straps. Wearing one strap will cause them to lean to one side and can lead to scoliosis of the spine. We want wider straps to prevent any nerve compression which could lead to numbness, tingling and weakness in the hands and arms. 

3. SIZE. Your childs backpack should fit them snuggly. If it is sagging below the waist, with the straps tightened, it is too big. Remember bigger isn't always better. The bigger the bag, the more they can stuff into it and believe me they will! As a student I carried pens of every colour and as many textbooks as I could fit, just in case I needed them. Now they have iPods, phones, chargers, video games, laptops etc. They will fill it up. 

4. MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS. A bag should have multiple compartments so that weight can be evenly distributed. They should carry the heaviest items closest to their backs, and lighter items further away. 

Now this seems like it could solve all the problems but your children may have more control over it than you think. So here is what you should encourage them to do. 

• Only carry what is absolutely necessary. Make frequent stops at your locker between classes or store things in your desk. Only carry what you need for each class. 

• Plan your homework. Don't wait until Friday to get everything done for the next week. This will force you to carry all your books home for the weekend. 

• Lighten the load. For high school students, try carrying around a folder with loose leaf paper in it and then inserting them into your binders after class. 

• Be active. Participating in other sports and activities will encourage your body to move through a wider range of motion indirectly stretching and strengthening the areas that are often ignored.

So now that we know how backpack should be worn lets talk about how to improve posture and combat some of the issues caused by wearing a backpack. 

If you notice that your child becomes rounded throughout the shoulders while carrying a backpack, the first thing you are going to want to do is stretch out their pectoral muscles and open them up in their chest. A really easy stretch for this is what I call the wall or door stretch. With either one arm (on the wall), or both (in a doorway), they will place their elbow to fingertips on the wall. From there, turn their body away from that arm and they will feel a stretch through their chest. If using the doorway, lean forward, opening up in the chest. Hold for at least 30 seconds! Any stretch under 30 seconds has no effect on your connective tissue and will not solve any problems. Another very easy and passive stretch is to roll up a towel or yoga mat, place it along their spine and have them lay on their back with arms outstretched to the sides with palms up. 

If you find them bending forward at the hips, encourage them to stretch out their quads. This is as simple as it sounds. Either laying down on their stomach or standing on one leg, bend at the knee so that their foot comes towards their bum. Another option, as they might need to take this a little deeper into their psoas, is a lunge stretch. With their back knee on the ground and leaning into the lunge, make sure their chest is up and almost leaning back slightly. They should feel this through the front of their leg and up through their pelvis. 

Most often they will be tight in their neck as well. A simple neck stretch, even while sitting at school will make a huge difference. While grabbing on to the bottom of their chair with one hand, tilt their head to the opposite side until they feel a stretch. They can slowly rotate it to look up and down to hit different muscle fibres. 

The other thing you are going to want to do is strengthen their core. I suggest turning this into a challenge. Every evening do a family plank hold and see who can hold it the longest with correct alignment (tummy in, bum down, no sway back). One person is a rockstar at it and unbeatable? Use one of those textbooks and place it on their back to make it harder (as long as they are showing correct posture). Write this time down every night and try and improve it. Maybe even have a prize for hitting targets!

As you can see there are a few things to consider when carrying a backpack but there are also some simple solutions. And remember, we also love having kids and teens as clients. We believe that it is never too early to start taking care of your body. Teach your kids to respect and listen to what their body is telling them and you will be setting them on the right path to a healthy body for life. 

Kristy 

First Massage Flashback

As most of you know I was recently on a trip abroad with my husband for our Honeymoon. We travelled through England, into Amsterdam and Brussels and then made our way through France. If you have never been to Amsterdam or Southern France I suggest you add it to your bucket list! Our trip was pretty packed full of your typical tourist stuff for the first half, but for the second half we made a point of slowing down and relaxing to the max. The entire trip we kept saying we should get a massage, constantly on Trip Advisor to see if there were any good places near us. When we arrived in Nice we couldn't put it off any longer. We literally had no excuse; there was a spa right next to our hotel!

As a massage therapist, I walked in feeling pretty confident about the procedure and what to expect. I was wrong. Aside from the perceived language barrier there were many subtle and not so subtle differences that brought me back to my very first professional massage. A million things ran through my mind. What do I do? How did she say to lie down? Under or over the sheet? I have to wear what?! 

Let me start from the beginning. My expectations were shattered from the very start. Thinking that we were walking into a spa, it became clear after a few moments that we were in fact at a school. First of all, I think this is a brilliant idea! The classrooms were on one side and they had converted the other side into a beautiful, student-run spa. What an amazing way to get hands on experience while having the safety and comfort of supervision! So we walk in and get lucky, booking a couples massage immediately (this, by the way, is my very first couples massage). I prepare myself to begin translating the health history forms provided so that we can fill them out and was surprised to find that there weren't any! We simply had to sign a waiver disclosing what ours and the therapists responsibilities were. Where is the little man images that I need to draw circles all over?!

We then had to choose our treatments. I went with the "Massage of the Day" which is an Ayurvedic massage and my husband chose the Sports Massage. We are then led downstairs by our therapists and into our treatment room. This is where the feelings of uncertainty really started to creep in. We are in a big beautiful room, but right at the very front is a large window looking into the lounge area. There are blinds of course, but unfortunately they do not cover the entirety of the window. I automatically begin to wonder how I am going to get undressed and on the table without anyone seeing me. As this is running through my mind I am brought back to the present when our therapists place small packages on each of our tables. Disposable. Underwear. We are asked to strip down, put these flimsy, thin, uncomfortable "underwear" on and then lay on the table once they step out of the room. 

As soon as they leave, I burst out laughing. I mean I am not looking forward to these underwear but my husband is absolutely DREADING it. There was less material on his than on mine! The look on his face was absolutely priceless. Once I have myself uncomfortably covered to their standards, I realize that we weren't really given an option. No "undress to your comfort level". I mean, this is way beyond my comfort level. Then I start to get on the table. What did she say? On my stomach or back? On top of this paper sheet or underneath it? Thinking back it is pretty clear that I was meant to be on top of the paper (like at a doctors office) but when you are feeling vulnerable everything can become uncertain. I decide to lay on top of the paper, face down, mostly because this is how I start most of my clients. And then I notice that there is no face cradle...ok so maybe face up? Too late...our therapists are ready and enter the room. So here I am on my stomach propped up on my elbows until she clarifies what it is that I am supposed to be doing. She quickly creates a hole in the paper where the built in face cradle is hidden and encourages me to lie face down and get comfortable. I feel like a fool, like I should have figured that out on my own. That feeling is punctuated with every movement I make, accompanied by the clinical, crinkling sound of paper. 

I begin to relax as she works on my legs but I soon notice the differences in draping techniques. Up come the sheets all the way to the bottom of my bum, exposing both legs at once, and then a small flap of material to cover up where my underwear might not be doing such a good job. Panic starts to rise. Ok, don't move. One movement and everything will be visible to everyone! I begin to focus on my breathing and talk myself through the treatment. Then the sheet comes back down and covers my legs, only to be folded in the opposite direction exposing my whole right leg, right glutes and right side of my back. Then I feel again the subtle draping between my legs. Ok no worries. Its just a bum I tell myself. They see this over and over throughout their day. While I typically massage the glutes over the sheet, I will occasionally drape to expose the gluteal muscles in order to treat and do fascial work. Many therapists in fact, will massage directly on the gluteal tissue with every client. The difference? A warning and a tight drape. So by now I am beginning to feel totally embarrassed. 

I make it through the posterior massage which ended up being fantastically relaxing, and I am asked to turn over onto my back. Up comes the entire sheet, eye contact is made and my breasts are completely exposed. Whoah...ok that was weird. Then she begins to repeat the same technique that was used on my back body. Only this time it isn't my shoulder blade that everyone can see. I immediately begin to feel ashamed, my face goes red all the way to my ears, my heart begins pounding and I think to myself, oh my gosh everyone is looking at my chest; my therapist, my husbands therapist and my husband! Wait? My husband? Why am I even worried about that?! The treatment room to me has always been my private and personal space, like some people find at the gym or in yoga class. And that day there were two intruders. I resist the urge to yank the sheet back up over me as I realize that my husband is definitely sleeping, his therapist has her back to me and I'm in France, the land of the topless beach!  

As the massage continues up my sternum and around my breast tissue I once again remind myself that to any professional I am just a body. Just like I see all my clients on the table as bodies. As professionals, we do not see hair, or cellulite or sagging skin. All my imperfections that were banging around in my head were not even a passing thought to my therapist. Focusing on my breathing I was able to calm myself down and enjoy the rest of the massage. I was not expecting the overwhelming feeling of liberation once I accepted my body and all its imperfections. 

The lesson here? I went in confident and ready to pick up some awesome new techniques. Nothing could shake me. It was my domain. But thats not at all how it went down. Sometimes life throws you curveballs in order to bring back some perspective. Those feelings of insecurity and uncertainty reminded me that everyone feels that way the first time they have to strip down and be touched by a stranger. Just because as therapists we see beautiful, functioning, incredible bodies, doesn't mean a client automatically understands that. Everyone has their insecurities. Whether it be their feet, their thighs or their breasts, it is my job to make sure that they feel safe, informed and in control during their treatment. I am so grateful that we chose a hotel with a spa beside it. Grateful for the reminder I clearly needed after my job had become routine, and I neglected to put myself in my clients shoes. This will be a constant reminder to never get too comfortable in my practice.  A reminder to strive for the best client experience possible, every time.

Kristy

Why Massage is more than a Luxury

Why is it that people often feel guilty when they take care of themselves? You book yourself a massage labelling it as a luxury, wondering if it is worth the expense just to treat yourself.  Would the money be better spent on my children, spouse, bills? What gives me the right to be so selfish? If these thoughts are running through your mind then find out what makes massage a necessity rather than a luxury.

Although Massage therapy leaves you feeling amazing, it is more than treating yourself once or twice a year to some "me-time". It is more that a back rub with soothing music. A well trained registered massage therapist can add tons of benefits to your overall health routine.  Here is a list of 5 reasons why you need to integrate massage therapy into your lifestyle.

1. Self-Awareness. If regular massage does anything, it creates a sense of self-awareness when it comes to posture, pain and productivity. Many clients come in saying "I feel great today, I just wanted to treat myself". Only a few minutes into the massage the dialogue changes, "Wow, I didn't realize I was so tight there!".  We get so used to feeling pain and tension, it becomes our new normal. But it doesn't have to be that way! Coming in for regular massage will train your body and mind to recognize how good you are meant to feel and to notice what triggers your pain patterns. You will notice your posture improve while sitting at your desk at work, or catch yourself leaning consistently to one side while you're driving. You can often feel that nagging pain come on and you become able to stop it in its tracks by making the smallest of shifts. Even though you often leave your treatment with "massage-brain", it fades into mental clarity and renewed motivation to tackle your day. Being able to clear your thoughts and concentrate on your body will spill into the rest of your life, training your mind to focus and prioritize when necessary.

2. Improved Emotional State. Imagine yourself running around all day, putting everyone else's needs before your own, rarely hearing a thank you. Getting a massage will give you that opportunity to immerse yourself in a comfortable and emotionally supportive space where you can recharge. Being in the presence of another compassionate human being whose sole purpose is to make YOU feel better will remind you that you deserve to be treated with respect and gratitude. It will encourage you to create boundaries around how much you can give before it becomes a burden. And just watch, the people around you will THRIVE with these boundaries. They will begin to step in when help is needed and they will notice how much love and energy you contribute to their well-being.

3. Improved Sleep Patterns. Whether you are an insomniac because you are in chronic pain or because your mind just won't stop, regular massage can bring you back into balance and lead to a blissful nights sleep. Chronic pain does not disappear with a one stop fix, it has been brewing and building up over weeks, months and sometimes years. It will take regular and consistent treatments to break it down and make it a thing of the past. This is especially true if you are not changing any of your other lifestyle habits, which can include a repetitive job, not something you can give up on a moments notice. Racing mind is your problem? With physical touch we can decrease the levels of your stress hormone, cortisol. Not only does this help with depression, anxiety and pain, but massage can have a very therapeutic and meditative effect as well. Being given the opportunity to focus specifically and directly on your breathing and the sensations in different areas of your body can teach you to calm your mind and create space for your problems to simply drift by, stripping away their power. 

4. Injury Prevention. With all this talk about improving body awareness, decreasing stress, and improving mental clarity, it only makes sense that you will ultimately reduce any potential injuries. My clients who come in on a regular basis are able to pinpoint precisely what they are experiencing. For example, they can tell me exactly when they started to feel their back pain threaten to return, what they had been doing to aggravate it and how they were able to prevent it. Without the burden of a racing mind and stress overload, they are able to clearly feel each sensation within their bodies utilizing their refined sense of self-awareness. Although this may seem limiting, it ultimately encourages you to push yourself to your limit when it comes to exercising and working without having to cross that boundary leading to unexpected pain and injury. Respecting your bodies unique limits is the most liberating path to reaching your full potential. 

5. Education. A well trained registered massage therapist will continually educate you on how to best treat your body. You will leave your treatment armed with new tools on self-massage and home-care exercises.  You will be given an explanation on the possible reasons for why you have certain aches and pains. You will feel confident in sharing the benefits with your family and friends so that they too can feel better than ever! Ultimately you will be empowered to take control of your health and wellness throughout all aspects of life!

There is a reason why more and more companies are including massage therapy in their healthcare benefits packages. Registered Massage Therapists belong to professional organizations and following years of schooling must maintain continuing education credits to keep up to date with the newest theories and modalities. This is no longer a weekend course just as a massage is no longer just a luxury. Incorporate regular massage into your daily lifestyle and see how good you feel. 

The Power Of Breath

Often people come in for a massage with a “No-Pain, No-Gain” mentality. While this seems to be a common theme, it is often counter productive when looking to relieve muscle tension. While having a massage, you definitely want that deep sensation that lets us know we are hitting the right spot, but make sure you check in with your breathing. If you find yourself catching or holding your breath, this is your body’s way of telling you that there is too much pressure and too much pain. Not only is this usually accompanied by a tensing up of the muscle that is being worked on, but it also stifles the necessary oxygen supply necessary to flush out metabolites while keeping the nervous system in stress mode. So don’t be afraid to tell your massage therapist if the pressure is too much and you need to adjust it to your personal comfort level, and remember to keep your focus on your breath throughout your treatment. 

Taking this a step further, you will want to practice using diaphragmatic breathing.  One of the biggest signs of stress and anxiety is constricted breathing. This occurs when you are taking quick, shallow breaths, becoming more dependent on the accessory respiratory muscles such as the muscles of the shoulders, neck and ribcage. These accessory muscles are meant to be used when there is a need for quick bursts of energy rather than on a consistent basis. When in a state ofoveruse during situations of chronic stress these muscles become tight and shortened, leading to a cycle of restricted breathing. 

Massage can therefore play an important role in teaching and training the body to relax and help improve breathing patterns. Massage techniques can lengthen and relax these overused accessory muscles, improving breathing capacity and letting oxygen reach the deepest part of your lungs where it can be absorbed at higher rates through the alveoli.  As an added benefit, elongating these shortened muscles can also improve your posture, leading to an expansion of the chest area, decreased back and neck pain, and a more balanced and flexible spine. If you suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies and sinus problems, then consider reaping the benefits of massage therapy and help your body learn how to relax. Once your body recognizes what true relaxation feels like, your mind can more easily recreate it, leading to a more balanced and oxygen filled life. Never underestimate the power of breath.

So what exactly are Trigger Points?

Do you ever have that chronic pain that will dissipate for a few days after a treatment, whether it be chiropractic, physio, acupuncture etc, just to have that same pain return a few days later? You could be suffering with Trigger Points! Which doesn't sound awesome but really, it is, because it is something that we can target and treat. Yay!

You have probably heard me say it before, "it is most likely a trigger point" and had no idea what I was talking about. I will often give a brief explanation on what a Trigger Point is and what I do to treat it but who wants to have a massage and listen to me rant about how amazing tigger point work is? So here is an overview of trigger points, how they affect us and what we do to treat them. I hope you are as excited as I am!

 A Trigger Point is a small contraction or knot within the belly of a muscle that, according to pain clinic doctors, is the primary cause of 75% of pain. Thats a huge number! They can cause a multitude of problems such as headaches, neck and jaw pain, low back pain, symptoms of carpal tunnel and shin splints, joint pain, tendinitis, earaches, dizziness, sinus pain, congestion, and chronic fatigue just to name a few.

Dealing with these problems over a prolonged period of time can lead to depression. This is no joke people. These are some serious chronic pain issues. Issues that you have gone to see your doctor about and most likely masked with pain killers. You have seen numerous specialists and no one seems to be able to pinpoint what the issue is. You sound crazy. You are going crazy! But don't worry! There is a solution. Unfortunately, even though there has been Western medical research done on trigger points and the evidence has been around for many years, the knowledge of trigger points is still very limited. It is not something that doctors spend a lot, if any time on in med school. So let me shed some light. 

A trigger point is a hyper-irratable contraction in your muscle tissue that can often feel like a piece of partially cooked pasta or a marble buried deep within the muscle. They emit distinct electrical signals and have been photographed in muscle tissue. They can also cause radiating pain in predictable patterns. Trigger points keep muscles both short and weak. Think about combing your hair, everything is good until you hit a knot. The knot causes this strand of hair to be shorter than the rest, attached at one end to your scalp and at the other end to the comb. You can keep pulling and pulling on the knot (ie. stretching it), but unless you deal with the knot itself you are only going to cause more damage.  This pull on the attachments can produce symptoms in adjacent joints, leading to a confusing diagnosis. You are feeling pain in your wrist which is coming from trigger points in your forearm. The knot also restricts localized circulation which perpetuates the trigger point, causing more pain and tightening. It is this pain cycle which needs to be broken. 

How do you know if you have a Trigger Point? The biggest sign is referral pain with applied pressure. The theory behind referral pain is an evolutionary one. The pain often occurs in or close to a joint which will encourage you to modify the activities that have created the problem in the first place. Other symptoms that you may notice are muscle weakness and stiffness, swelling, nausea, dizziness and postural distortions. There can be a decrease in your range of motion in corresponding joints. Your muscle may fatigue quickly and recover slowly. For example, you aren't able to type at your computer for 10 hours a day anymore or you can't turn that wrench just one more time without dropping it. There could also be popping or catching in your joints due to your muscles being short and out of balance. 

The one thing that you are going to want to do is stretch out that muscle. As tempting as this sounds, don't do it! It will only aggravate your trigger points. Because they are in a shortened state in comparison with the rest of the muscle fibres, they are already being pulled, stretched and stressed constantly. If you are not able to book an appointment for a massage, an alternative is to use a rubber ball and massage your trigger point on your own. I will be posting more on specific trigger points in future blog posts but a great resource is "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" by  Clair Davies. 

Now you are wondering what causes Trigger Points? There are some unavoidable causes such as a direct impact or injury, immobilization of a joint, surgery, injections or certain medications. Other causes are more within your control. Overuse and repetitive motion are often guilty and they are common in the world we live in today. Dietary deficiencies can wreak havoc on your muscle tissue. Ladies, a heavy purse can create new trigger points, especially if carried on the same shoulder. Men, a thick wallet in your back pocket can truly create a pain in the ass. And parents, a heavy backpack worn incorrectly can do just as much damage to your children. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol can perpetuate trigger points making them more difficult to treat.  For those of you who hold on to your stress you really need to let it go! Choose your battles wisely because chronic tension and anxiety can lead to trigger points throughout your muscles. Luckily, with some lifestyle changes and learning to listen to our bodies we can create significant positive change in our quality of life. 

So how do we treat it? Well, we need to break into the chemical and neurological loop that is maintaining the locked up muscle tissue. We need to increase circulation by bringing in some fresh blood flow and flush out any metabolites that are trapped within the muscle. Then we need to directly stretch the muscle to reeducate the fibres to align in the proper direction. This can all be done with direct manipulation of the muscles using deep massage techniques and in depth knowledge of the anatomy. 

Trigger point work can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, generating a deep aching sensation and it is immensely important that a clear line of communication is open between the therapist and the client. Pressure above your pain tolerance will do more damage than good and leave you feeling sore much longer than normal. Being able to communicate when the pressure is too deep or not quite on point will help to create an ideal treatment.  Together we will reeducate your body through breathing and teamwork to bring you closer to a state of balance and pain-free living! 

Plantar Fasciitis

Summer has arrived, schedules and habits have changed and I am starting to have a few clients come in with some serious foot pain. If this is you, listen up! What you are most likely experiencing is Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the fascia at the bottom of your foot, which helps to support your arch, becomes inflamed and begins pulling at the base of your heel. You are feeling a sharp, shooting pain at your heel usually with that first step out of bed in the morning or following a longer than usual Netflix marathon. There are a few reasons why this could be popping up in your life right now.  

Summer time is the season of flip flops! You have ditched your wonderfully supportive shoes for something more free and breezy. Now while I am a big fan of going barefoot and feeling the ground beneath your feet, if you have worn shoes all winter then the intrinsic muscles of your feet have been hibernating and may have become weak. Now when you put the pressure down on your foot there is nothing to support your arch and it begins stretch out and put tension on your plantar fascia.

Another possibility is that you have decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and start training for your upcoming marathon. Now this wouldn't usually be a problem but most of us seem to forget that it is possible to train during the winter and we jump into a training schedule too quickly that is way too intense. Who has time for easing into things anyways?? Well think again! You lace up those shoes and go for an uncharacteristically long run while the dust from your unused trainers is blowing behind you and you are going to be in some serious pain. Your feet aren't strong enough for the continual pounding on the pavement and again, that plantar fascia is going to be stretched beyond its limits. 

Now I don't know if you noticed, but this summer seems to be the season for new babies! There have been tons of beautiful mommy-to-be's enjoying the summer weather and coming to visit us at the studio. Unfortunately quick weight gain is another cause of foot pain. The foot again isn't strong enough to be supporting this new weight that has been placed upon its tiny surface area and the plantar fascia is stretched to its limits. With pregnancy and weight gain we also see the typical external rotation of the hip while walking and this also leads to increased stress on the fascia. 

So, what do you do about it? Well there are a few things that will help decrease the pain and inflammation. If you have just finished a run, or have been standing for long hours and your foot is already inflamed then ice, elevation and rest is your best option. In the case of chronic plantar fasciitis you are going to want to avoid activities that are aggravating. If you want to continue training, start with non-weight bearing activities such as swimming or cycling. If you are getting back into a routine that typically increases symptoms then proceed slowly, start with a shorter distance and decreased length of time and ice afterwards. Some people are in such severe pain that wearing supportive shoes 24/7 is the only way to give your feet the support they need to decrease the inflammation and  start the healing process. If this is you, continually wear your shoes outside, in the office, in your home...basically everywhere except the shower and bed. Once your symptoms begin to decrease then you can start to walk barefoot and proceed with the self-care mentioned above.  

Often your calf muscles will compensate for increased stress on your heel pad therefore your soleus and gastrocnemius will become tight and shortened, pulling your heel up and back and irritating your plantar fascia even more. If this is the case then heat on the posterior lower legs before activity will help to lengthen the calves and decrease irritation. Stretching out your calves to help lengthen them will also play a role in your recovery.  Rolling out the soles of your feet is another way to help decrease any adhesions that have formed and may be restricting any mobility of the foot and its fascia. 

Another great option is to increase the strength of those intrinsic muscles of the foot. Having a stronger arch will decrease the stretch on the plantar fascia. There are a couple very simple exercises to accomplish this. One is picking up pencils with your toes, sounds weird right? But it works! Another is the technical "Towel Scrunch". Place a towel on the floor and then place your feet on the edge of the towel. From there pull the towel towards you using your toes. These motions will increase the strength of your arch and provide better support for your feet.

So there it is! If you are having foot pain this could be your solution! I truly hope this information is helpful and don't forget that we can always help with treatment through massage therapy. Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you at the studio soon!

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What to expect for your first massage

Never had a massage before? The first time you get a massage can be quite intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Since I would LOVE to see you in our treatment room experiencing the many benefits of massage therapy I decided to give you a breakdown on what happens the first day you walk into our studio! 

So, here we are, you have found Bloom Therapy above the Barber shop on First Ave. Up the stairs you go and right into our studio at the top.

1. Arrive early. Decompress. There is nothing worse than running late into a massage, the very place where you are supposed to slow down and relax. If this is your first visit, you are required to fill out some paperwork. This takes about 10 minutes depending on your health history. We want to make sure you get as much time on the table as possible each and every visit, so arriving early will ensure that you don't loose any treatment time and you are fully present and relaxed for the duration of your massage.

2. Say Hi to your amazing therapist! Your therapist will introduce themselves and give you the option to use the washroom before you get started. If you think you may have to use it, go for it. Nobody needs a full bladder distracting them from their massage. If you do have to use the washroom during your treatment we do have a robe that you can slip on. Simply let your therapist know and you can take a break.

3. Interview. Once you have been welcomed by your therapist, you will be guided to the treatment room. Here your therapist will look over your paperwork and in the privacy of the treatment room, you will discuss your treatment goals. This can vary from a general full body relaxation massage to a very specific therapeutic treatment. It can also vary from day to day. Each time you come back for a massage we will re-evaluate your treatment for that day. It is also during this time that you want to be very honest with your therapist and tell them about any conditions, injuries, allergies etc. that may affect your treatment.

4. Get comfortable. After the interview, your therapist will leave the room and give you some time to get undressed and onto the table underneath the top sheet. Your level of undress is based completely on your comfort level. Most therapist will advise that you get undressed to your underwear. Some will want you completely undressed. Ladies, taking your bra off will allow for a more complete and fluid back and shoulder massage. If you are not comfortable with this then you can leave on whatever clothing you feel necessary. Just be aware that your treatment will be adjusted accordingly.

5. Draping. You will always be completely covered by the sheet other than the specific area your therapist is working on. You will never be exposed unnecessarily and again, if you are uncomfortable with the draping please let your therapist know.

6. Pressure. Throughout your massage there will be areas that are really sensitive and others where you feel like you could take a sledgehammer to it and still wouldn’t feel anything. Your therapist should check in with you throughout the massage to see if the pressure is within your pain tolerance. Appropriate pressure is where you feel the sensation of work being done but it is not painful. One thing I always tell my clients is if you feel yourself catching or holding your breath then we have gone too far with the pressure. As I said, this can change throughout the body so don’t be afraid to speak up and let your therapist know if you need more or less. I promise you, we won’t be offended and we definitely don’t want you going home with bruises!

7. Music. At Bloom Therapy the therapist is given the option of using their own music. I often use calming music with some lyrics. That being said, if you aren’t feeling it that day let your therapist know and we can find some other options for you. There is always some spa music on our iPod if that is more your style. I would even suggest asking your therapist if you can bring your own music in if thats your jam!

8. Body Temperature. During a massage your body temperature can fluctuate. If you become cold during your massage we have both blankets and a heating pad that you can request. It is also a good idea to bring a sweater with you to put on following the massage in case you have the chills.

9. Hydrate. Make sure to hydrate before and after your massage treatment. If you are dehydrated you may feel nauseous following your massage and nobody wants that!

As you can see, you have a lot of control over your massage treatment and like any good relationship, communication is key.  Your therapist wants you to have the best experience possible so never be afraid to speak up. Now that we have walked you through the process and you are feeling ready to take control of your treatment we can't wait to see you at the studio!

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Blog Time!

Hey Everyone! So here it is, my first blog post.  Let me introduce myself, my name is Kristy and I am the owner and an RMT for Bloom Therapy.  Bloom Therapy is my passion finally realized.  Having my mom and grandma as role models I always knew I wanted to create and grow my own business where I could express and expand what truly matters to me, this is my opportunity. Through Bloom I can focus on building a community that is proactive, positive and constantly striving to become healthy and truly happy, reaching to discover their true desires. As an RMT I help people deal with lots of physical aches and pains, which is so important and necessary, but I often like to dig a little deeper. It is my ultimate goal to be able to provide a safe and open space for my clients where we can explore beyond the physical and encourage a dialogue in which we create the most personalized and effective treatment. Sometimes this leads to a silent treatment, a sacred space where you can be in your own body without the distractions of everyday life. Other times, it can be the opportunity you need to discuss what is on your mind without fear of judgement. The choice is yours. 

The intention behind this blog is to educate and inspire. Many posts will be on the clinical side, shedding light on some common conditions that can be treated through massage therapy. Other posts will encourage a healthy lifestyle through food, exercise and self-care. A few posts might even give you a little peak into the lives of myself and some of our therapists!   

While I have your attention, I simply want to say thank you. I am so incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and expertise with such an amazing community. It still seems unbelievable that I have been given the opportunity to open a studio. If it weren't for my amazing clients this dream would have never been realized. I appreciate each and every one of you and I can't wait to experience this journey together.  

If you have any thoughts or questions you can leave a comment or feel free to email me at kristy@bloomtherapy.ca. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on whats happening in the community and around the studio!