Curious About Cupping?

What is Cupping?

Cupping brings the ancient art of cupping to the modern-day massage therapy practice. This modality allows a unique approach to the fascia layer and body fluids. Cupping has an ability to affect deeper tissue, remove facial restrictions and increase range of motion. At The Coach House Therapeutic Centre, our therapists use *Silicone Cups.    


*Silicone Cupping- This uses flexible silicone cups. The cup is popped inside out, placed on the client and released on the skin to create a suction effect. This type of cupping often the most gentle and causes the least amount of cupping marks.

History
Cupping is very old medicine, said to have been around for thousands of years. Though it has been more common in Chinese Medicine, Cupping has become more popular in other modalities. This is due to the new kinds of cups and research dedicated to the effectiveness of cupping with massage.  








What are cupping marks?
When the cup is first applied, there is an original redness that comes to the surface, on some people more than others. It has a lot to do with skin type, and the amount of heat in the local area. The redness is created when the blood vessels expand, and a histamine-like substance is released. This is a sign that the immune response has just been stimulated. Often, if gliding cupping is preformed to even out the tissue and recirculate the stale blood vessels, marks can be dispersed and avoided. 


Other Side Effects

• Bruising
• Feeling Light-headed 
• Extreme Thirst 
• Tenderness Where Cup Was Applied  

Cupping Techniques 

Stationary cupping- The cup can be placed in one area for 5-20min. Great for chronic pain and hypertonic muscles

Fast Cupping- Also known as cup and release, the cups are placed along the spine and are quickly released. Great for tension and lung health.

Gliding Cupping- the cups move freely over assessed area. Great for circulation, fascial release, scar tissue and moving fluids. 

Does it hurt?

The silicone cups are very gentle. Once the cup is placed on, you may or may not feel it. Gliding cupping can feel just like a massage or someone lightly stroking your back. In some areas you may feel a pulling sensation. Cupping does not have to be painful or uncomfortable. But just like any massage, make sure to let your therapist know if it is causing any discomfort.   








Benefits of Cupping/ Who can have cupping?

Cupping is very safe and can be used on everyone. Depending on your treatment plan and current health, we can assess the tissue and decide if cupping is right for you. . 

• Benefits for Receiving Cupping  
• Pain relief 
• Relaxation 
• Increased supplements to stiff muscles and tendons
• Movement of lymph
• Increased synovial fluid to joints 
• Increased circulation and detoxification to area   
• Contraindications for Cupping
• Fever
• Cramping or Spasm 
• Some Skin Conditions 
• Deep Vein Thrombosis 

Areas and Impairments Cupping Can Improve

Cupping can bring relief and improve quality of life to the following; 

• Scar Tissue 
• Fascial Restrictions
• IT Band Contracture  
• Lymph Movement  
• Muscle Soreness/ Tightness
• Digestion 
• Clearing Lungs and Sinuses 
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Trigger Points
• Rib Muscle Restrictions- COPD
• Carpal Tunnel
• Tennis Elbow
• Headaches
• Chronic Pain  

Therapists that are trained in Cupping and their hours;

• Azita Asadian 
• Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri       2pm-Close  
• Wed                               8am-1pm  
• Saturday                        10am-4pm 
• Christina Mosey 
• Mon/Wed/Fri                  2pm-Close  
• Tues/Thur                      8am-1:30pm
• Dr Jessica (with trigger cups)
• Mon/Fri                         1:30pm- 5:30pm
• Wed                              9:15am- 11:30am
• Thurs                            2:30pm- 7pm

If you have questions about anything mentioned in this blog or for booking contact Azita or Christina directly by e-mail: info@thecoachhousetc.ca or azita@thecoachhousetc.ca


Photos by robyn louise photography (http://robynlouisephotography.com/)


Disclaimer: The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for general educational purposes only. This information shouldn’t take the place of seeing your primary care provider for individualized health recommendations.

Being pregnant and getting massage treatments with Laura & Elsie

Being pregnant and getting a massage treatment should go without saying. At the Coach House we have registered massage therapists that have Pregnancy as one of their specialties. 

Meet Laura and Elsie. These two ladies are moms and can identify with the aches and pains that women experience through the exciting yet nerve wracking ride of pregnancy. 

Many women may be unsure about getting treatments, but it is a safe form of therapy which will help you and your baby. Certain conditions may need to be modified, such as high blood pressure, but as long as your medical practitioner - family doctor, OB-GYN, and midwife allow it, then go ahead and book yourself some massage appointments. 

Laura's Story:

I have been interested In pregnancy massage since I graduated college in 2009. Unfortunately during my first pregnancy, in 2006/2007, massage therapy was not yet a part of my life. I thought you needed to be injured or in chronic pain to get a massage, boy was I mistaken! I learned that not only does massage therapy treat a number of symptoms and conditions, it’s a huge piece in preventative healthcare! I remember thinking “if I knew then what I know now… I would’ve been way less uncomfortable during my first pregnancy!” Thankfully, many years later, I had another chance and this time I made certain massage therapy was a regular scheduled event throughout those 9 months!

    I think it is incredible how the woman’s body knows exactly what to do, from day 1 to the long awaited end. But with those changes, the body needs some TLC. Not just to relieve the aches and pains from carrying around a human, but also for the relaxation. A new baby is a life changer and there’s lots of adjusting before baby even arrives. I was out of the baby game for many years before welcoming my youngest onto the scene and I had a whole slew of emotions! That massage therapy session with an RMT who could read my body and let me relax was truly a blessing.

    Each trimester brings on its own unique set of symptoms and challenges (and blessings… the first kick is unforgettable!) As RMT’s we are trained to accommodate with positioning and pillowing so you can have treatment at any point throughout your pregnancy. I prefer using the pregnancy body cushions so you can lay face down for as far along as you like (there aren’t too many opportunities for this position anywhere else once your bump pops!)

    I have heard on occasion some clients are nervous or hesitant to receive massage therapy during pregnancy, but as long as you are healthy, with no high risk issues and are cleared from your doctor or midwife, you should seek treatment and I’m happy to help!

Elsie’s Story:

I have two kids. My daughter was born in May of 2012 and my son was just born last September of 2017. My pregnancies were both similar in the fact that I had all day sickness, where even drinking water made me sick – the second one was way worse and seemed like it started sooner and lasted longer. I experienced the same aches and pains as the baby grew, but the second one just happened sooner and once again over all just felt way more tense and sore (Is it a boy thing? More active, bigger, plus he was 10 days late...or am I just getting older haha)

With all this happening, trying to work and running around a then 5 year old, massage definitely saved me! Massage helped with all the muscle tension I was feeling EVERYWHERE - at one point my hair was even hurting!  That one hour of getting treated was much needed.  It was a short but great time for me to just relax and enjoy this experience. 

As a practitioner I started treating pregnancy pretty much right after I graduated school. I loved seeing these ladies coming in and telling me they were expecting. At that point I always knew I wanted kids but just wasn't ready at the time. So for me treating these ladies was a learning experience. I loved hearing their stories about their adventure to MOM-HOOD. Once I entered this journey I knew exactly what these ladies were talking about. It's amazing how your body knows what to do and how it does this. After having my dau

A massage could have really helped at this point! (Labour pains)

ghter,  I knew I wanted to expand my practice to include a specialty in pre/post natal massage. I always treated pregnancy patients here and there, but it wasn't until 2016 that I really dove into it and got my certification in Perinatal Massage therapy. 

Massage is a great form of treatment for all stages of pregnancy. Especially when you have started labour! Once the baby is born, I recommend moms to continue getting treated. I know it will seem like there's no time, but self care is important to help you feel better. Babies are always welcomed at the clinic!  Plus babies can get treated as well and I love babies!!

If you have any further questions about massage therapy for pregnancy please feel free to contact:  

 Laura Robinson, RMT
laura@thecoachhousetc.ca

Laura works Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at The Coach House. BOOK NOW 

Elsie Kelly
elsie@thecoachhousetc.ca

Elsie works Monday and Tuesday evenings at The Coach House. BOOK NOW

Additional information about how the Coach House team can help with your pregnancy needs, visit our past Pregnancy Blog

TAPING - what is it and how do we do it?

Taping

What is it and how does it work?

Have you been at a sporting event or sitting at your desk and catch a glimpse of someone's bight coloured tape on their bodies and wonder 'what the heck is that for?' Well, we have the answer for you and now can tape you up at The Coach House! 

There are many different brands of kinesiology tape on the market with varying engineered makeup and purposes, yet our blog is about Kinesio Tex Tape. 

Megan and Krista went to the Kinesio Taping course in May to find out how it could benefit an array of clientele and how they could implement it into their Massage Therapy practices. 

"We wanted to understand the mechanism behind the taping technique and try it, first hand, on clients to see how they could benefit from the lasting effects of the tape following their massage." 

What is Kinesio Tape? 

The tape comes in a variety of colours, yet the colours are for esthetic preference not differing strengths.  The different effects come from the amount of tension your therapist applies to the tape and the direction the tape is applied in. 

All the tape is 100% latex free, hypoallergenic, water-resistant and made of 100% cotton fiber strips. The tape is heat activated and made of acrylic adhesive. The fiber pattern is what gives the tape its unique ability along with being breathable and nonmotion restrictive.

 What can Taping can help with:

            Lymphatic Drainage/Edema
            Muscle Tension
            Muscle Imbalances    
            Stimulating weaker muscles to contract                        
            Post-surgical conditions 
            Rehabilitation
            Pain Management - Nerve and Muscle
            Injury Prevention

How does it work?

The tape is a great treatment addition which helps the effects of massage set and the tape can last another 3-5 days after application. The gentle simulation will likely go unnoticed but has lasting benefits. 

The tape assists with this by microscopically lifting the skin and fascia and therefore increasing the lymphatic and blood flow and stimulating the nervous system to the desired effect. The more tension the therapist applies to the tape the more simulation the muscles receive from the nervous system.

If the goal is to contract or stimulate the muscle the tape is applied from the origin of the muscle and with an increase of tension, applied to the tape, pulled to the insertion of the muscle. This creates a 'recoil' effect of the problematic muscle to help increase stimuli to contract the muscle.


On the contrary, if the goal is to relax the muscle we place the tight muscle into a lengthened position and with no tape tension, apply the tape from insertion toward the origin of the muscle. The tape will wrinkle which slightly lifts up the skin and creates a gentle stimuli telling the muscle to relax.

Our approach

We like individualizing the need and type of application for tape and if called for, adding it onto the end of a massage session. This way the muscles have been assessed and treated and the tape is an added take-home benefit when applied to overly tight muscles, weak muscles, acute injury, rehabilitation, and swelling. After an initial assessment taping can also be done in a 15-minute appointment.  

We have successfully been using Kinesio Tex Tape in treatments for

• Muscle Tension
• Postural Pain
• Injury Prevention
• Athletic Support

Depending on your individual needs and treatment goals we can customize the tape job that is right for you. For more information or to find out of taping is right for you, ask Megan or Krista at your next appointment! We are happy to find a method that works best for you. 

BOOK NOW

Concussions, what are they and how do you move forward?

More and more over the last several years there has been an increase in media attention for one particular type of injury, concussion! Just tune into your morning sports show and you’ll likely hear of someone sustaining a concussion or someone leaving the field/ice because of concussion protocol.

So what is a concussion? A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by biomechanical forces. This means that a concussion is a result of a direct blow to the head, neck, or body with an impulsive force transmitted to the head. The force transmitted to the head, stretches/shears the nerves in the brain putting the body in the excitation phase of the injury. In this phase, there is a rapid onset of short-lived (minutes to hours) impairment of
neurological function that resolves spontaneously. People in this phase often feel confused, lose balance/coordination, have memory loss, seizure, or perhaps experience a loss of consciousness among other symptoms. After this phase passes, the injured person enters a spreading depression phase leaving them feeling sluggish, fatigued, and irritable. The brain used up a ton of energy in the first phase and is now depleted  of its usual stores so that little tasks (physical or cognitive) are energy taxing.

Acute clinical symptoms largely reflect a “functional” disturbance rather than a “structural” disturbance, therefore, there are no abnormalities seen on routine neuroimaging studies, such as MRI or CT scan.

Here’s the good news if you happened to sustain a concussion, many manual therapists are certified to manage concussion cases and at the Coach House, Dr. Mark is certified to do just that!

Concussion management is done on an individual basis by monitoring the tasks that drain the patient’s energy levels affecting their body/mood. This can be:
               - Body pain (muscle/joint soreness, headaches)
               - Cognitive disturbances (reaction time, concentration)
               - Visual/vestibular disruptions (environment)
               - Sleep disruption
               - Secondary anxiety/depression

The goal of therapy is always to get you back to where you want to be and that is back to your normal life.

In addition, the sooner a concussion is addressed, the quicker it can be resolved.  Research shows that a "wait and see" approach has little benefit, yet proactive strategies yield better outcomes.

Dr. Mark Bird, BSc, MSc, Acu, DC
www.thecoachhousetc.ca

Five Types for Breathing for Relaxation

Are you feeling overtired? Have you been working long hours? Find yourself stuck in the overwhelm? Do you feel like you don't have time to take care of yourself? 

Stressful times affect our whole system from hormonal changes, suppressing the immune system to increasing blood pressure and muscle tension to name a few.

Stress accumulates in our daily lives, therefore it is important to ensure time for self care to help balance the various systems of body. Self care can come in many forms from having a massage or acupuncture treatment, to going for a long walk, attending a yoga or fitness class - just to name a few!

While "big picture" self care is important, it can also be helpful to manage stress as it arises. The good news is that the negative effects of the stress response can be balanced by engaging our relaxation response.

Often when we have a lot on our plate we feel like there is no time to participate in some of the bigger self care activities. Whether that means managing a stressful period or an investment in our daily health, breathing practices can support positive mental and physical health. Proper breathing improves concentration, promotes feelings of well being, and reduces muscle tension and fatigue. Other health benefits include: improved immune function, lowered blood pressure, and increased lung capacity. Breathing practices makes us feel better by calming the mind and releasing endorphins that combat stress hormones.

Five Types for Breathing for Relaxation

The Long Exhale

Level: Beginner 

When to use: During times of stress in the day, at the office, while driving, or other everyday moments of stress. This breath helps induce a relaxation response and when done before bed time promotes healthy sleep. 

Physiology: This breath helps to soothe the Sympathetic nervous system and is great for inducing the relaxation response. It also helps in engaging the lower lobes of our lungs, in maintaining a healthy posture, and in improving sleep. This breath is also important for supporting cardiac function, the circulatory system and immune systems, and can help balance hormones.

Benefits include: 

Reduce Pain

Reduce Muscle Tension

Lower Blood pressure

Support Cardiac function

Support Immune system

Balance Hormones

Improve sleep

Improve posture

Method:

Sitting tall with spine straight and feet flat on the floor take a comfortable breath in through the nose. As you breathe in fill the belly for 4 counts. As you exhale through the nose for 8 counts. The breath should be comfortable so adjust your depth and length to suit. The main importance is that the exhalation takes twice as long as the inhalation to promote the relaxation response. Begin this practice for 2 minutes and over time extend the practice to intervals of 5 and 10 minutes. For a quick mindfulness break do 5 -10 breaths. 

L

Four Part Square Breathing

Level: Beginner 

When to use: During times of stress in the day, at the office, while driving, or other everyday moments of stress. This breath helps induce a relaxation response and when done before bed time promotes healthy sleep. 

Physiology:

This breath helps to soothe the Sympathetic nervous system and is great for inducing the relaxation response. It also helps in engaging the lower lobes of our lungs, in maintaining a healthy posture, and in improving sleep. This breath is also important for supporting cardiac function, the circulatory system and immune systems, and can help balance hormones.

Benefits include:

Reduce Pain
Reduce Muscle Tension
Lower Blood pressure
Support Cardiac function
Support Immune system
Balance Hormones
Improve sleep
Improve posture

Method:

Begin by sitting tall with your spine straight and your feet flat on the floor. Begin with an inhale through the nose for 4 counts. At the top of your inhalation hold for four counts. Exhale slowly through the nose for four counts. Hold the bottom of the exhale for four counts. Adjust your breathing to meet your own personal comfort. If the 4-count pauses are uncomfortable, begin by holding them for two counts. 

Continue like this for a few breaths for a mini session. For longer practices start with this pattern for 2 minutes and over time extend the practice to intervals of 5 and 10 minutes. For a quick mindfulness break do 5 -10 breaths. L  

3 part Yogic Breathing

Level: Beginner - Moderate

When to use: During times of stress in the day, at the office, while driving, or other everyday moments of stress. This breath helps induce a relaxation response and when done before bed time promotes healthy sleep. 

Physiology:

This breath helps to soothe the Sympathetic nervous system and is great for inducing the relaxation response. It also helps in engaging the lower lobes of our lungs, in maintaining a healthy posture, and in improving sleep. This breath is also important for supporting cardiac function, the circulatory system and immune systems, and can help balance hormones.

Benefits include:

Reduce Pain
Reduce Muscle Tension
Lower Blood pressure
Support Cardiac function
Support Immune system
Balance Hormones
Improve sleep
Improve posture

Method:

Begin by sitting tall with your spine straight and your feet flat on the floor. Breathe in deeply through the nose and allow the belly to rise, then the chest rises, and lastly at the end of the inhalation raise the shoulders towards the ears. Begin to roll the shoulders down your back, exhale through the nose as you drop the shoulders, emptying the breath of the chest,and lastly the belly. Continue like this for a few breaths for a mini session. For longer practices start with this pattern for 2 minutes and over time extend the practice to intervals of 5 and 10 minutes. For a quick mindfulness break, do 5 -10 breaths.  

Alternative Nostril Breathing

Level: Moderate

When to use:  This breath is cleansing and stimulating. It can be helpful during times when you need to be focused and alert, such as before a meeting or a test. Other applications include daily stresses you encounter at the office, driving, or at school. This breath helps to balance the left and right lobes of the brain and induce a sense of calm and clarity. 

Physiology:

This breath helps to soothe the Sympathetic nervous system and is great for inducing the relaxation response. It also helps in engaging the lower lobes of our lungs, in maintaining a healthy posture, and in improving sleep. This breath is also important for supporting cardiac function, the circulatory system and immune systems, and can help balance hormones.

Benefits include:

Increases Energy
Promotes Mental Clarity
Reduce Pain
Reduce Muscle Tension
Lower Blood pressure
Support Cardiac function
Support Immune system
Balance Hormones

Method:

Begin by sitting tall with spine straight and feet flat on the floor. Take the thumb of your right hand and block the right nostril. Take a comfortable breath in through the left nostril. Alternate hands releasing the right nostril and taking the pinky of the right hand to block the left nostril. Exhale through the left nostril, then inhale through the same nostril. Alternate hands to release the left nostril and block the right with the thumb. Continue like this for a few breaths for a mini session. For longer practices start with this pattern for 2 minutes and over time extend the practice to intervals of 5 and 10 minutes. For a quick mindfulness break do 5-10 breaths. LL

Cooling Breath

Level: Beginner  

When to use: Helpful for reducing body temperature, regulating hormones, and processing anger. 

Physiology: 

This breath has a soothing effect on the nervous system and reduces blood pressure. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system by triggering a Rest and Digest reaction. This technique is said to help reduce acidity, hypertension, and indigestion.

Benefits include:

Reduce Body Temperature/Fever/Hot Flashes

Reduce Heart rate

Reduce Fatigue

Balance Hormones

Reduce Muscle Tension

Lower Blood pressure

Support Cardiac function

Balance Hormones

Method:

Fill your belly as you breathe in. To exhale, curl the tongue (or if you can't, purse your lips and stick the tip of your tongue out) and exhale through pursed lips in a slow controlled manner. Begin this practice for 2 minutes and over time extend the practice to intervals of 5 and 10 minutes. For a quick mindfulness break do 5-10 breaths. 

If you have questions about anything mentioned in this blog or for booking contact email Megan directly by e-mail: megan@thecoachhousetc.ca

Namaste

Megan Prenty RMT, RYT

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Want more resources like this one? Be sure to check out these related articles:

Finding Balance

Busting Stress

Mindfulness Self Care

Family Friendly Stress Busting Yoga

Disclaimer: The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for general educational purposes only. This information shouldn’t take the place of seeing your primary care provider for individualized health recommendations.