Happy Holidays!

The team at Academy Massage would like to slow things down for just a moment to thank our friends, family, clients and followers for all your support in the past year.  It is you who have made it possible for us to continue to do what we love day in and day out; it’s better than any gift we could ask to receive this holiday season!  We wish for a happy, healthy holiday for you and yours and we look forward to working with you in the New Year!     

From all of us at Academy Massage,

Happy Holidays!

Give the Gift of Massage

Image courtesy of Praisaeng / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The holidays are upon us!  Most people have now booked up their weekends with a multitude of parties and dinners to attend and gift shopping is underway. People can be seen rushing through store after store searching for that much sought after gift while holiday music plays cheerily in the background.

At Academy Massage we know how stressful the hustle and bustle of the season can get and we want to help relieve some of that stress.  We have the gift no one will want to re-gift, but you wouldn't mind being on the receiving end if they did!

No matter the time of year, anyone would be happy to receive the opportunity to take some time out of their busy day and be pampered.  Massage is especially appreciated as a gift during the holiday season; dancing the night away at a holiday party can take its toll not only on your feet, but your low back as well.  There are a variety of techniques and services that a massage therapist can use to ease your aches and pains.

• Deep tissue massage is a form of massage therapy that focuses on realigning the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.  Some of the strokes used in deep tissue massage are similar to those used during a Swedish massage, but with slower movement and deeper pressure.  This is most beneficial to tight or overworked muscles, like the low back and legs or the neck and shoulders – the areas you feel it most after a night of revelry!
• Reflexology is a form of massage that specializes in the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet, hands and ears.  Its practice is known to affect corresponding parts of the body through the nervous system, which gives a reflexologist the ability to break up stress found in other parts of the body without making any physical contact with them.  This can be especially beneficial if you are feeling sluggish or are suffering from poor circulation.

We know how much pressure there can be to get someone the perfect gift, and who doesn't wish they had a little more time to pamper themselves?  Gift certificates are a pleasant gift to give or receive year round but are especially great for the holidays.  By giving the gift of massage you enable your loved one the opportunity to take time to relax and get a treatment tailored to their needs, without the guilt of spending the money on themselves!

Academy Massage gift certificates can be used for any product or service we offer and can be used at a time that is convenient for the recipient as they do not expire.  They are available for purchase online, over the phone or in person (pick one up after your next treatment!) and can be made out in the denomination of your choice; rather than writing the cost of the massage, we will note the length of time the gift certificate is for.

A New Year is Almost Here

With the New Year getting closer there is no time like the present to use up your remaining benefits coverage.  Most major providers have a secure section of their site where plan members can sign in to review their plan and see what is required for a claim to be approved.  For example, Manulife Financial gives a guideline to follow when selecting a massage therapist.  One key point to note is the massage must be performed by a registered massage therapist (RMT). 

At Academy Massage our employees are all qualified RMT’s, either as members of the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba or the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association.  To provide the best service possible for our clients, we direct bill to most major benefits providers.  Call now to make your yearend appointment before they're all gone! 

Massage: for Mind, Body and Immune System?

The holiday season is quickly approaching and many stores have already begun to promote their holiday products.  All too soon people will be rushing to finish their holiday shopping and asking where the time went.  On top of that people are expected to attend holiday parties where they are likely to (over)indulge in hearty foods, rich desserts and festive cocktails.  All this activity and potential for stress, coupled with the cold weather can wreak havoc on your immune system; and as everyone knows with the holiday season comes cold and flu season.   

 

Everybody has their own “home remedy” for the common cold or flu, most commonly upping your vitamin C intake, eating chicken soup or taking herbal supplements.  But why bother treating the symptoms when you could prevent the illness in the first place?  There are many things you can do to protect yourself from everyday illnesses; things as simple as getting more sleep, increasing the amount of exercise you participate in, disinfecting hands and surfaces regularly and reducing the amount of stress in your daily life.  The latter may be easier said than done, but taking some time for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of the season could be more beneficial than you think. 

Massage therapy stimulates relaxation and the reduction of stress and anxiety; many people also attribute a positive change in their sleeping habits to regular massage therapy sessions.  The mentally and physically therapeutic benefits of massage are widely known, and have been for years.  In more recent years studies have been done on the healing benefits of massage, specifically the benefits to the immune system.

The immune system’s purpose is to detect a wide variety of agents within the body and distinguish them from its own healthy tissues.  A controlled study recently determined that the physical stimulation provided through massage increases the body’s natural production of the hormone oxytocin and reduces the production of the adrenocorticotropic hormone.  Put simply, massage increases the body’s natural production of a “feel good” hormones and cells that boost the immune system and reduces the production of an anxiety or stress related hormone.  By having regular massage therapy sessions, you can assist your body in its process of natural protection and healing by boosting your immune system. 

Many people don’t realize one of the body’s natural healing processes is the fever; by raising its core temperature it increases the production and release of white blood cells into the blood stream, and slows the growth of bacteria and viruses.  Some people believe that steam therapy can be used as an “artificial fever” and stop a common illness before it starts.  Although it does not have quite the same widespread natural effects within the body, it does bring a form of relief to most people.  For everyone to benefit from any sort of treatment thought it is best to get it before you get sick.  Who knows, by doing so you might never get sick!  

A Chill in the Air

As it does every year, fall has crept up on us once again.  The leaves are changing colour and falling, sunlight is getting harder to come by and kids are anxiously looking forward to showing off their Halloween costumes (and getting their hands on some candy!).  To help you ease into the changing season and fight the chills, we’re putting on a special offer!  For the month of November you can receive a half hour steam and one hour reflexology session for $10 off of regular price – only $65!  Contact Academy Massage to book your session today!  

The Results Are In…

Over the years we have been asked many different questions about massage; how we know how much pressure to apply, does everyone fall asleep and should I reschedule if I haven’t shaved my legs!? (Don’t worry ladies; we've all seen leg hair before!).  We also get asked a lot of questions about massage techniques and massage etiquette.  After raking our brains, polling the staff and crumpling up and throwing  away list after list, we have compiled a (final) list of the top five questions we are asked most! 

1.       Will my insurance cover my massage without a note from my doctor?

Plan coverage and policy differs by provider, in most cases a note is not needed for a percentage of the massage cost to be covered.  Prior to booking your massage it’s a good idea to check your insurance plan’s policy on the matter.  We do offer direct billing for several different providers and our full time receptionists are always here to answer your questions.

2.       I have been suffering from back and neck pain; will massage therapy help with my pain?

All of our massage therapists will complete an in-depth assessment prior to any treatment being performed.  This is done to ensure the best course of treatment possible is discussed with you and followed so that you can focus on relaxing and healing.  Clients always tell us they feel a great sense of relief after receiving treatment.

3.       What do I wear during a massage? 

Your comfort level is our guide.  Some clients choose to keep their undergarments on, while other clients are comfortable with just the draped sheet.  Again, your comfort level is our guide; at no time should you feel uncomfortable or over exposed.  If you do feel this way tell your massage therapist and they will do all they can to remedy the situation. 

4.       Can I receive a massage if I've been diagnosed with cancer?

Yes!  If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or are in remission, please request to be matched up with one of our therapists who are specifically trained to treat your specific needs.  Our massage therapists are constantly learning and educating themselves on new techniques and procedures in the massage therapy industry and stay up to date with the latest therapeutic treatments.  

5.       Do I tip the massage therapist?

Massage therapists receive over 2200 hours of training in anatomy and physiology so they can better understand how your works body and what it needs to relax and heal itself.  A monetary tip is never expected by any of our therapists.  The best tip you can give a massage therapist is to tip off your friends and family to the excellent experience you had!

If your question wasn't answered here you can check out our FAQ page.  If you still can’t find the answer, you can reach us on Facebook, Twitter or through our contact form; or pick up the phone and give us a call, we’re always here to help!

Fall into a New Routine

Image courtesy of Gualberto107 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

From the time we were six or seven, we have been taught that September means a new start – almost like a “second new years”.  It signifies the time of year when you notice a change in the weather, the plants and trees and the world around you.  It’s also “back to school season”. 

Whether it’s your first day as a teacher or a student, back to school is a stressful experience.  As a student new to post-secondary it can be overwhelming navigating your way through residence and a different school, finding all your classes and taking everything in.  As a teacher trying to remember the names of all the kids in your class can be staggering, meeting new staff or even adapting to living in a new city can be a nightmare.  Adjusting to a grueling new school routine can be difficult; don’t let stress be a part of it.  Make massage a part of your new routine.

Back to school means many new post-secondary students are getting their first taste of “The Real World” they have heard about for years.  This can mean different first time experiences, including juggling time between school and work, balancing expenses, paying bills and dealing with insurance companies for the first time.  Some post-secondary organizations offer students the option to purchase affordable health insurance for the duration of their academic career.  Several students don’t realize this opportunity is available to them and as a result never take full advantage of it.  This health coverage often covers products and services such as prescriptions, eye exams, dental work, physiotherapy and even massage therapy! 

Swedish massage, also known as “relaxation massage” is a common “introductory” technique for people who are new to massage.  It is well known for its relaxation benefits, as it uses variations of an assortment of different styles of strokes to relieve the targeted muscles.  Different massage therapists will use different techniques, depending on their style and what they are trying to accomplish, but generally all use varying forms of sliding or gliding strokes - often in the direction of the heart, kneading and circular movements.

Teachers, parents and students alike know the stresses that can come from “back to school”.  By taking the time to relax and recharge, you are better prepared to deal with any task that may come your way.  Academy Massage offers gift cards, for that person in your life who never seems to take the time to pamper themselves.  They will perform up to a half hour long massage for children and hour long massages for teenagers, with a parent present.  Academy Massage also offers direct billing services to eligible clients with approval from their insurance provider and doctor’s prescriptions in applicable circumstances.  They will direct bill to most major health benefit providers, including Great West Life, Blue Cross and Chamber of Commerce.  Contact Academy Massage today to help your family, friends and those around you reap the benefits of regular massage!      

Academy Massage – Good as Gold on September 4th, 2013!

On Wednesday, September 4^th Academy Massage will be taking part in the Courage Rocks On awareness campaign.  Courage Rocks On is a local grassroots movement to raise awareness about Ewing’s Sarcoma.  They are not asking for donations, they simply want to help people educate themselves and enable them to spot the symptoms and early warning signs that are often brushed off as “nothing”.

Come down to 561 Academy Road between 9:00 am-9:00 pm and ask any of the staff members wearing a Courage Rocks On t-shirt for more details about Ewing’s Sarcoma and be entered in a draw!    

Steam Isn't Just For Your Veggies

The benefits of sitting in a steam filled room have been known since the days of the Ancient Romans.  In this day and age steam rooms and steam showers have made their way into homes and spas around the world.  They have many well known benefits, both physical and mental; they can alleviate muscle stiffness, help clear skin, relieve respiratory infections, increase circulation and metabolism as well as reduce mental and physical stress. 

During the month of August at Academy Massage, any appointment booked for September will receive 25% off the price of a private steam booked at the same time. 

Massage: Helping You Get Back in the Swing of Things

Massage is widely known to have many health and wellness benefits, from the lessening of daily stresses to the treatment of sports injuries.  Regular massage treatments can also help increase athletic performance, and ease muscle pain.  As continued patrons of Academy Massage, this is something several of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers can certainly vouch for and appreciate.  For over fifteen years now, Academy Massage has volunteered at the annual Winnipeg Blue Bombers Golf Tournament.  Each year the staff members make themselves available to be present on the course and provide massages to all registered golfers during the tournament.  The tournament will be held this year on Monday, August 26^th at the Glendale Golf and Country Club. 

Although golf is considered a low impact sport, injury is still possible.  Inexperienced golfers are more likely to injure themselves due to improper swing technique, overzealous swinging and lack of muscle strength.  A study conducted by the Harvard Medical School concluded that the most common injury reported by both recreational and professional golfers is to the lower back.  This is due to a number of contributing factors, including the motion of the swing itself and the golfer’s stance; both of these actions put continuous strain on the lower set of vertebrate in the back.  Other sources of lower back injury can be as simple as the repeated bending to pick up clubs and balls or to replace divots and carrying a golf bag rather than using a cart or caddy.  These actions, in combination with the repeated motion of the golfers swing can greatly impact the lumbar spine.

Massage is a vital tool when rehabilitating from a lower back injury, golf related or otherwise.  Massage techniques, such as deep tissue massage are known to be extremely effective in reducing pain and stiffness associated with a lower back injury.  By focusing on realigning the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue a massage therapist is able to get directly to the source of pain or discomfort and resolve the problem in short period of time.  The combination of slower strokes and deeper pressure associated with deep tissue massage are most beneficial to over-worked areas, like the lower back or sore shoulders and legs.  By utilizing regular massage and a variety of stretches, injured golfers can quickly get back out on the greens. 

Academy Massage provides deep tissue massage and a variety of other massage services.  Our skilled team of massage therapists will work with you to create a customized treatment approach, using a variety of techniques to suit your needs.  We believe that all clients should participate in their well-being and are open to all comments and suggestions, before, during and after treatment.  We offer direct billing for most major insurance companies, including Manitoba Blue Cross, Chambers of Commerce Group and Great West Life.  Our friendly and attentive staff will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.  Call Academy Massage today to book your post-event sports massage!