Finding a conscious and responsible balance between caring for my health, caring for my patients, and most importantly, never putting my patients at risk is a delicate balance. Like many of my patients, I have a chronic disease. In my case, it's neurological and not contagious, and 95% of the time is so well under… Continue reading When Your Healthcare Team Isn’t Available
My patients are used to having "homework" as an important piece of their treatment plan. Hands-on massage therapy time is important, but to make progress, I ask my patients to be active participants. I assign different exercises and hydrotherapy depending upon the patient's condition, lifestyle, and stage of healing. A common first step is range… Continue reading Massage Therapy Homecare – Range of Motion Exercises
My first ever Castor Oil experience was a castor oil pack assigned by my naturopath. I was still a student, and the instructions to soak a flannel, store it between treatments and layer myself with plastic wrap and towels confused me. Luckily I've since perfected an easier way. Now castor oil packs are an important… Continue reading Massage Therapy Homecare – Amazing Castor Oil Packs
Homecare is an important part of my massage therapy treatment plans. Different homecare assignments are tailored to individual goals. Most of the time I assign a basic homecare plan of heat, cold, stretching and strengthening, but some of my assignments might seem a little more unusual. I have to admit, I was skeptical when I… Continue reading Massage Therapy Homecare – Dry Brushing
Homecare is an important part of my massage therapy treatment plans. Different homecare assignments are tailored to individual goals. And for almost every patient I see, stretching is incorporated into their treatment plan. In general, we don't move our bodies enough. Stretching is taking one or more of our joints to the furthest range it… Continue reading Massage Therapy Homecare – Yes, You Need to Stretch
If your lymphatic system doesn't have enough capacity to carry fluid away from an area, you end up with chronic swelling: lymphedema. As a Vodder-certified lymphedema therapist, I am trained to assess lymphedema using a series of measurements. ,I treat patients using manual lymphatic drainage (slow rhythmic massage that increases the action of your lymphatic system) and bandaging to bring down swelling.
Massage therapy can help active people maintain flexibility and can help them feel better after strenuous activity. I've seen numbers as high as 60% faster recovery with massage therapy.
