Starting a New Exercise Program? Read this First Massage Therapy Newmarket

There’s no getting around it – exercise is an absolutely essential part of living life at optimal health. Luckily, there is something for everyone these days. The range of programs, techniques, and classes available is wide; from Zumba to Cross Fit, you’re sure to find something that suits your personality and interests.

However, as you begin, maintain, or up-level your personal fitness regime, there are a few things to consider to make sure that your healthy intentions don’t become a painful reality. Putting more on your muscles than they are ready to bear, neglecting to stretch thoroughly, and improper body mechanics can all put you at higher risk for exercise-related injuries. The following prevention techniques can help you avoid muscle strains and tears; they are simple additions to your daily routine that can make a huge impact on your muscular health.

Static Stretches for Tight Hamstrings

Hamstring pulls and tears are a common injury among athletes – especially sprinters – and they can have debilitating effects. Not only are these injuries painful enough to suspend normal movement for weeks, but general tension in this muscle group can affect the low back. As the hamstrings tighten, they pull on the bone structure where they attach. This bone structure happens to be the pelvic girdle, also an attachment point for back muscles, including the quadratus lumborum and erectors. When tight or injured hamstrings pull the pelvic girdle out of proper alignment, this in turn affects the low back muscles, causing further discomfort.

Needless to say, it’s better to prevent this outcome than to be faced with having to heal it. Fortunately, there are several simple static stretches that can help. Although the static stretching has undergone some debate in recent years, there are still several effective techniques that are used by a range of athletes. They include:

  1. Scissor hamstring stretch;
  2. Hurdler stretch; and
  3. Reclined hamstring stretch

*Note that these stretches should be performed on warm muscles to be as safe and effective as possible.

Active Isolated Stretching with a Resistance Band

Using a resistance band is a great way to incorporate Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) into your routine, as it allows you to use this technique without the necessity of a partner to assist. Unlike static stretching, Active Isolated Stretching suggests that you only stretch a given muscle within its current range of motion. In addition to making it a bit more comfortable to perform, this technique is also likely to quickly increase flexibility and reduce the chances of injury.

There are Active Isolated Stretches for every region of the body, and the techniques you choose to incorporate should depend on your exercise program and goals. While the techniques are not difficult, it is advisable to learn them first in-person. A personal trainer, massage therapist, or advanced workout partner can help you determine the proper AIS protocol to fit your fitness routine.

Foam Rolling

Foam rollers are an increasingly popular way to loosen tense muscles, increase range of motion, and prevent athletic injury. Techniques using this basic, cost-effective tool can be performed both before and after workouts. (Pre-workout rolling techniques should focus on targeted muscle groups, while post-workout sessions can be more general, addressing all of the muscles worked that day.)

Foam rolling is found to be particularly effective on the iliotibial (IT) band, the taut connective tissue that runs along the lateral portion of each thigh. Rolling this area can help prevent undue tension, and also protects the knees, which can experience pain if the IT band becomes too tight, inflamed, or otherwise injured.

Healing from an Injury

Of course, if you are already dealing with an injury, there are ways to encourage your body to rehabilitate fully before returning to your full fitness routine. Massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupressure, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), are among several non-invasive methods that can get your body back into top shape, and prevent further injury in the same location. Having a team of quality practitioners to assist in the care and maintenance of your body is always wise, as they will take your recovery as seriously as you do, and help you get back to optimum health as quickly as possible.

The Benefits of Drinking Organo Gold Coffee Massage Therapy Newmarket

Maximize Your Morning: Getting the Nutrients You Need to Start the Day Right

It’s morning. Whether you had a restful night’s sleep full of sweet dreams on the perfect mattress, or a night that fell slightly short of that ideal, this is your chance to start fresh. After your digestive system and other internal organs have used all of those hours to process, reset, and rest, it’s important to wake them up with the nutrients that will keep them – and you – fueled for the day ahead.
The challenge is that many of us have the habit of breaking fast with foods that don’t provide the nutrient profiles we need to function at optimal levels. In the midst of the morning rush, it becomes all too easy to reach for sugary, processed foods. They may seem convenient as you search for your keys and head out to work, but the energy crash you’ll feel just a short while later is a tell-tale sign that breakfast was a nutritional bust. Not to worry, though; this one small tweak to the “Most Important Meal of the Day” can have huge payoffs for the rest of your day, and your overall health. Better yet, it may even help simplify your regular routine, saving time and adding an important nutritional boost in a place you may not expect: your morning cup of coffee.

But wait, isn’t coffee bad for me?

In a word, no! Now, those who opt for drinks made with coffee that actually look and taste more like desserts will feel the effects of the added ingredients… but blame that on the whipped cream and the salted caramel drizzle. In fact, coffee itself has important health benefits that go far beyond the pep it may add to your step.
For example, Organo Gold coffee contains a multitude of antioxidants – they eliminate free radicals from the body, boosting your immune system and preventing disease. Their special blend also contains Ganoderma lucidum – commonly known as Reishi mushroom – and this is where the health benefits go through the roof.
Known as the “King of Herbs” by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ganoderma contains adaptogens. These help your body adapt to numerous stressors, and a have a normalizing effect on your physiological functioning, as well as on your mood. This means that initial kick from the caffeine won’t turn into a craving later; you’ll experience an even, long-lasting energy boost from your cup of Organo. It also means that your body will be less susceptible to disease, both acute (like colds and flus), and chronic (like malignant cancers).
Another important benefit of the Ganoderma lucidum in Organo Gold is the amino acid complex it provides. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and compose a hefty proportion of your bodies internal structure (think cells, organs, and tissues). Adding this to your morning routine ensures you have what you need to maintain optimum health and prevent cellular breakdown – it provides proper nutrition on the molecular level.

Upgrade your cup

In addition to giving you a huge health boost, Organo Gold coffee is flavorful, portable, and simple to make. An instant coffee blend with a bold, nutty taste, it gives you more energy in less time, without tasting like a typical “health drink.” One easy switch from your average cup of Joe to Organo Gold, and violà – you’ve conquered mornings!

Top #5 Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy Massage Therapy Newmarket

Summer is ending here in Aurora, Ontario and that means autumn is arriving and winter isn’t too far behind. Fall and winter present peak times for a variety of ailments including: allergies, arthritis, and circulatory conditions.
Regular massage therapy sessions with a registered massage therapist can help combat the seasonal woes as well as the stresses we put on our bodies daily. Everyone knows massages feel great and help relax you, there are a variety of benefits to massage therapy that you may not have considered

1. Fight Postural Stress Disorders

It’s a fact that human beings were not meant to sit at a desk for eight hours every day. The effects of prolonged sitting typically manifest as pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulders and neck. Regular massage therapy sessions can help correct the spine and supporting structures to improve posture and alleviate pain.

2. Improve Circulation

Whether you sit at a desk all day or are affected by the changing weather, circulation problems can be helped through massage. Circulatory conditions often present as pain, numbness, or coldness in the hands and feet. Regular massage helps improve circulation and promote healthy blood flow to the extremities.

3. Manage Chronic Pain

Massage has been show to alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. Research has shown that a registered massage therapist is able to help reduce pain as well as muscle spasms in these conditions. What’s more, the research also demonstrates that massage is able to reduce pain intensity as well as perception.

4. Boost Immunity

Another season is approaching. Flu season. Massages help to promote a healthy immune system in order to combat the flue as well as other conditions. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, massage boosts white blood cell counts which are vital to defending the body from infection and disease.

5. Relieve Stress and Fight Depression

Massage has been shown to improve mood and combat depression by lowering cortisol (stress hormone) in the body by as much as 50%. At the same time, regular massage therapy can increase dopamine and serotonin which are mood stabilizing neurotransmitters.

6. Seasonal Allergies

Pain and discomfort associated with allergies can be alleviated through facial massage aimed at relieving pressure and promoting drainage. While it won’t cure your body’s response to the allergen, massage can relieve the symptoms associated with it. Regular massage therapy has also been shown to be beneficial in reducing the severity of the symptoms.

Why Regular Sessions?

Massage, like many wellness and treatment plans, takes time to yield results. In the case of postural stress for example, it takes several sessions to alleviate pressure and retrain the body. After this is achieved, your registered massage therapist will work to maintain the progress you have achieved together.
With regard to chronic pain, regular sessions are vital to managing pain and symptoms. Research suggests that continued massage therapy sessions help reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups in these conditions.
Book a session today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life!

Toronto Pan American Games 2015 The Art of Massage Therapy

The 2015 PAN AN GAMES CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE IN THE GTA INCLUDE KAREN THEIMER, Founder as a Supporting Participant

As Toronto Welcomes the 2015 PAN AM GAMES throughout the GTA with innumerable participants from a diverse range of sports competitions from throughout the Pan American Countries, one (of many, to be sure) will be dedicating a considerable amount of her time to provide Sports Massage Therapy to the Canadian Equestrian Team. 

Throughout the days and weeks of competition, Karen will bringing her outstanding ability to work successfully with sports competitors, as well as with those who take a more casual approach to many of the competitions and events scheduled.

Karen’s participation, providing Sports Massage Therapy to the competitors highlights both the superior training that she has mastered; her strong interest in the area of Sports Massage Therapy and, of course, her superior talent in providing support and relief to professional athletes.  It is the same same dedication and excellent ability that she also provides to her regular clients.

Be sure to arrange an Introductory Appointment with her to explore further her Sports Massage Therapy Program or, if you’re already a customer, simply require about booking one of these outstanding sessions if you are a spots enthusiast.  To arrange an appointment or learn more about Karen’s Sports Massage Therapy Program, simply click here.