Massage Therapy Propaganda We're NOT Falling For

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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 tension? Absolutely.

🠞Want to learn more about prenatal massage and positioning during a massage therapy treatment to ensure that you are always comfortable? Check out Prenatal Massage ... like regular massage with more pillows

✘ "Jaw pain should be left to the dental professionals."
✔️ Jaw pain? Let’s go beyond the night guard.

While there's a place for appliances and medication in terms of immediate symptom relief, and prevention of further dental damage, manual therapy and targeted exercises can address the root cause of TMJ issues — helping you make meaningful, long-term progress.

🠞 Follow the label TMJD for all of the TMJ massage therapy treatment knowledge!

Alison Simic, RMT | Bowmanville, ON | Book at Soma Collective Health | Instagram | Facebook

Comments

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...

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...

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...

RMT Alison Simic

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