Janine Hood, Registered Massage Therapist

It’s your time, it’s your treatment! I’ve had patients put some headphones on and listen to a meditation podcast while one favourite patient of mine switches my music to the Drive at 5 Streetmix on ! Whatever you’d like out of your massage, feel free to tell me and I’ll make it happen!

Christmas is the time of year when we’re expected to be our merriest and most joyful 🎄
For some of us, the reality during the festivities is far from this.
It can be a stressful time of year with family duties, financial strain, pressure to keep to traditions and tricky logistics. It can also bring up some difficult emotional experiences, such as trauma and grief.

However you’re feeling this Christmas and holiday season, remember your feelings are always valid whatever they may be, and your wellbeing and mental health should always remain a priority.

When the flip flops come out, it’s the sign that summer has finally arrived 🩴

It’s also a sign to massage therapists that we’ll be seeing a lot more complaints of foot and heel pain. Most flip flops offer little to no arch support, heel cushioning or ankle support.

Several adverse effects of wearing flip-flops include blisters, balance issues, poor posture, strained or overextended tendons, shooting pains, plantar fasciitis, foot swelling and more.

Try to avoid walking long distances in flip flops, opting for shorter periods of movement like running errands. If you like the open feeling of a flip-flop, your best bet is to opt for a pair of sandals. They give you more support than flip flops because they usually feature accessories like ankle and surface straps. Feel free to ask any questions regarding footwear or book in for your next massage tailored to the low back, legs, ankles and feet!

I heard share this quote in a Peloton spin class and have thought about it since. The definition of life is constant change. When we face challenging situations in life we are pushed to do better, to be better than we are today.
If we embrace these challenges, it can become an opportunity for something better to come into our lives 🤍

On September 2nd we welcomed a new family member, Elora! She has the most beautiful eyes, a fairly calm demeanor (although she hasn't figured out sleeping at night just yet!) and we are enjoying outdoor walks with this warm weather!

As a reminder, I will be off for a maternity leave until January. My plan is to return part time for evening and Saturday appointments in January 2023. I will be sure to update you with advanced notice if this changes. I am planning to return full time in April. If you’d like to be on a wait list for an appointment in January please let me know.

Thank you again for your support and well wishes!

Yours in health,

Janine Hood, RMT

I would estimate that 75% of my patient base comes in at regular intervals- whether that be weekly (sounds amazing, right?!), biweekly, monthly or every 6 weeks 🤗

Occasionally during the intake portion of the massage, patients will tell me that ‘nothing really hurts’ BUT
➡️ they’ve been experiencing more stress than usual
➡️ they’ve had a lack of good sleep
➡️ have spent a lot of time on their computer recently, etc

This is okay! It’s fine to not be in acute pain when coming in for your massage. Even if you don’t have specific concerns, massage therapy can help with self care, pain management and just taking some time for your overall well being.

9 years of being a Massage Therapist 🥂 It’s been such a great career so far! I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing health care practitioners in other multidisciplinary clinics, worked in another province for a year, been able to start my own business and the learning never stops! 📚 The ‘career expectancy’ of a massage therapist has the reputation of being a short one, so to have surpassed this feels like a great accomplishment in of itself. Here’s to another amazing year ahead ☀️

Stress can present itself in many ways 🫠 Massage therapy can help ease some of the physical symptoms of stress-

➡️ Tension headaches: massage therapy can decrease how often headaches occur and how long they last for

➡️ Work related: whether you are a desk worker, stand for a living or suffer from repetitive strain injuries, massage can decrease musculoskeletal pain caused by work- related stress

➡️ Chronic pain: massage can help manage stress-related flare ups in conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia

As always, your choice whether to mask or not will be respected. Looking forward to seeing some smiling faces 😀

Is a massage the best hour of your week? Let’s call it a happy hour, minus the hangover 🥂