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A re-introduction: Alison Simic, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist in Clarington since 2011 As a Registered Massage Therapist, my goal is to create movement and ease in the body through intentional, hands-on treatment. I use a wide range of techniques—from Swedish and deep tissue variations to push-pull forces, gliding, shearing, compression, joint mobilizations, and both passive and active movement. When appropriate, I incorporate tools such as silicone cups to create negative pressure in stubborn or congested areas. The History I’ve been practicing massage therapy since graduating from Sir Sandford Fleming College in 2011, and continue to be deeply curious about the human body—especially how pain, movement, and postural dysfunction are interconnected. My treatments are guided by both clinical reasoning and a strong intuitive sense, developed over more than a decade of hands-on experience. Massage Therapy Treatment I regularly work with clients managing chronic tension, muscle strain, posture-related discomfort, and acu...
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Recent posts

Massage Therapy Propaganda We're NOT Falling For

 ðŸ‘€ðŸ¤¨ Let’s talk about what we are falling for — because some truths are worth repeating: ✘ "No pain, no gain." ✔️ Deeper isn’t always better. A little tenderness is normal, but true progress happens when your nervous system feels supported. No one feels safe or relaxed with an elbow drop to their most painful spot. ✘ "There's nothing massage can do to help * insert appendicular joint here*. " ✔️ It’s not just back, neck, and shoulders. Massage therapy addresses all soft tissues and joints — from scalp to toe. Joint pain? The surrounding soft tissues adapt too, and they deserve attention. ✘ "Massage isn't safe during certain stages of pregnancy." ✔️ Pregnancy massage is safe and effective — from day one. With proper modifications and a clear understanding of your health history, massage therapy supports you through every stage. Can I start labour? No. Can I help you prep for birth with relaxation, improved comfort, and decreased pelvic...
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The Power of Proper Tongue Posture 👅

Did you know your tongue has a home — and it’s the roof of your mouth? Let's start with a self-check in -- Take a look at the photo to the right, and think about where your tongue is resting right now. Are you most like A, B, C, or D? A- the tip of your tongue is at the roof of your mouth, but the back and middle of the tongue are free hanging. B- the tip, middle, and back of your tongue are gently suctioned up into the palate. C- the tongue is free hanging in the mouth, not really resting on anything. D- the tongue is low, resting on the floor of the mouth. Now that you've thought about it, let's talk about Why Tongue Posture Matters 👅 The way your tongue rests can impact way more than you think… 👎 A low resting tongue position can lead to: Excess jaw tension as your muscles work overtime to support the joint. It can also reduce your airway space , l eading to mouth breathing and shallow breathing patterns. 😮‍💨 A low tongue posture is linked to clenching an...
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About Me: Alison Simc, RMT

 About Me: Alison Simc, RMT Clarington RMT As an RMT, my goal is to create movement in the tissues with physical manipulation using a variety of techniques from Swedish and deep tissue variations, push & pull forces, gliding, sheering, compression, joint mobilizations, passive and active movement, and occasionally incorporate tools such as silicone cups to create a negative pressure in those stubborn areas. I have widespread interest in treating day-to-day soreness, posture, pre and post natal care, chronic injuries, and sudden, acute pain. “The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness” (Sakyong Mipham) is a quote that really resonates with me. This theory is applied throughout my massage therapy treatments. I strive to provide a therapeutic massage in a relaxing atmosphere. I believe that without a present but quiet mind, the body is limited in its ability to relax and absorb feedback. Your body does the healing, my job is to point it in the right dir...
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Taking care of yourself while doing yard work.

 As we transition into fall following the unofficial end of summer, we may find ourselves cleaning up outside to prep for the cooler months.  With this hard work, risk for muscle strain or injury is higher. Here are some tips to help keep you in good working order: Don’t move too much at one time: lift only what you are comfortable carrying, and make more trips – good for the cardio this way too! Bend at the knees, and use the strength of your legs for power when lifting heavy bags of mulch or soil. Try to bend your elbows and recruit strength from your arms to avoid strain through the upper back and shoulders. Don’t get stuck doing one repetitive motion for too long: It’s easy to get caught raking or digging in the same twisted motion for a long period—change it up with other tasks to avoid stiffness. Plan some time to take care of your body at the end of a long day: take a few minutes to stretch, or relax in a hot bath. Stay hydrated. Protect yourself from the sun. Bowmanvi...
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Your most versatile self-care tool

Canada's national sport also brings us my favourite, portable #selfcare tool -- the lacrosse ball! Having one (or two) of these on hand can be great to help keep your tension symptoms managed. Throw one in your purse, or leave it in your car, and you will always have a handy tool at your finger tips. Fun to throw around, sure. Maybe practice juggling? Great. But what do we really do with it for self care? Roll! You've heard of a foam roller for rolling out tension in big muscle groups? Rolling on a lacrosse ball helps in a similar way, but is really great for getting into those small, specific "knots" or areas of tension. Here are some of my most recommended places to self-massage with a lacrosse ball: Back of the shoulder blade : How many times have we reached over our shoulder to grab hold of a particularly tight area? There's a lacrosse ball for that! Wedge the ball between your shoulder and a flat surface (upright against a wall, or laying flat on th...
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Prenatal massage … like regular massage, with more pillows!

Massage therapy can be safe and beneficial through all stages of pregnancy. As with any massage therapy treatment, we collect and review your health history information to make any necessary treatment modifications based on risk factors. Even most higher risk conditions can be accommodated while working closely with your perinatal health care provider. I use a selection of pillows, wedges, and bolsters to make laying on the table as comfortable as possible, and adjust for comfort as needed. When laying prone (face down, on your stomach) is no longer an option due to discomfort, these pillows make side-lying for treatment something that will make you wish you had the same setup at home! The Set Up: A rectangular bolster at the head of the table acts as an elevated pillow for your head to rest comfortably. A small gap before the angled wedge allows the shoulder room to pass through without being squished forward. The angled wedge supports the torso and rib cage, and creates a slight incl...
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