This post was inspired by a recent conversation in my clinic ...

​You are doing all the right things … eating to nourish your body, getting enough rest, moving your body every day, taking care of you. You even have your next massage (or 2 or 3) booked.

So what do you do when aches & pains pop up in between treatments?

Well first of all you can always call and try to get in earlier for you next massage treatment, nothing is ever set-in stone even if the appointment has been booked for months.

If this is not an option, here are some things to try once you determine what type of pain you are dealing with.

First … if the pain is related to an acute injury (sprains, strains, fall, contusion) pull the ice pack out of the freezer and RICE (rest ice compression elevate), particularly in the first couple of days after injury … this will help to minimize swelling, bruising, and inflammation.

If you don’t have an injury ice pack that lives in your freezer like I do, try a bag of frozen peas ... they work amazing because they easily contour around the injured area, just make sure you don’t accidentally cook them for dinner later lol.

Second … if the pain is related to muscle tension, then here are some options for you to try …

• Epsom salt bath​ … the magnesium content of Epsom salts helps muscles to relax
• Topical magnesium ... absorbs right where it is put to help relax your muscles
• Heat … helps sore, tight muscles relax and increases blood flow to the area
• Stretch … particularly tight postural and leg muscles
• Lacrosse ball … place the ball between the tight area and a wall then lean back and relax … the pressure on the muscle when held for 30+ sec can trigger the muscle to relax
• Foam roller … is self myofascial release that can help relieve muscle tightness and soreness ... really works well on legs and glutes and small rollers work wonders on feet
• Rolling pin … nessecity is the mother of all invention and in a pinch can be used in place of a foam roller but allows you to control the pressure you use

These all become your tools to manage aches and pains at home between regular massage treatments.

As you try each of these tools, you will probably find a couple that work well for you and some that don’t. Make sure to keep the ones that work handy so that they are available right when you need help.

Keep in mind that what works for the “knot” in your back may not work for your tight hamstrings … and what works for me might not work for you.

But more often than not when we are in pain, anything that helps is better than nothing.

Do you have a favourite way to manage aches and pains between regular massage treatments?


Share your favourites in the comments below.

Last post we looked at how I use essential oils and what my most used oils are … so now let’s take a look at why I use so much of the oils I do.

What are my most used essential oils & what are they great for?

1. Lavender – is generally regarded as the most versatile essential oil, it can be used Neat (directly on the skin without a carrier oil); regulates the central nervous system, sedative, calming, analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, insect repellant, good on burns/sunburns, headaches, and skin conditions (plus so much more)
2. Frankincense – can be used Neat; grounding, calming, slows and deepens breath, good for asthma and panic attacks, pulmonary antiseptic, stimulates cell growth in skin ***Contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy***
3. Vetiver – deeply relaxing oil; good in times of stress and anxiety, affinity for ADHD, post-partum depression, encourages restful sleep, good general immune fortifier, muscle aches and pains, sprains and stiffness
4. Rose – nerve tonic, skin care, depression, sensitive skin, broken capillaries, eczema, PMS, menopause, is extremely antiseptic, has an affinity for uterine problems *Buy a dilution as straight essential oil is extremely expensive
5. Jasmine – sooths breathing, antidepressant, PMS-cramps, sedative effect on nervous system in stress related conditions, tonic for reproductive organs, skin elasticity *Buy a dilution as straight essential oil is expensive
6. Geranium – can be used Neat, great for fatigue, stops bleeding, scar formation, nervous tension, skin regeneration, hormone balance, bruises, stimulates lymph flow and drainage, improves skin condition, stimulates adrenal cortex
7. Tea Tree – can be used Neat, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, skin care
8. Lemon – very antiseptic, antiinfection oil, tightens and brightens skin, helps with fluid retention, antimicrobial, stops bleeding, detoxifier *Phototoxic – do not use on skin exposed to direct sunlight
9. Grapefruit – great for jetlag, air deodorizer, muscle fatigue, water retention, lymph drainage, diuretic, liver tonic, promotes hair growth *Phototoxic – do not use on skin exposed to direct sunlight
10. Mandarin – calming on digestive tract, calming, sedative, insomnia, nervous tension, fluid retention, skin toner *Possibly Phototoxic

So now that you know my most used oils, what is my favorite blend to use?

Well it happens to be a blend that my son and I created a number of years ago when I first started working with essential oils called Overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed is perfect in times of stress or when you are literally feeling overwhelmed and in need of a little grounding.

It is soothing and grounding; slows and deepens breath; great for stress, anxiety and nervous tension; wonderful for use in meditation as well.

How do I use this blend?

Roll blend on the palm of your hands, rub you hand together then cup them over your nose and mouth, take 5 deep breaths slowly inhaling and exhaling. This covers all the ways you can benefit from the oils and can quickly bring a sense of calm.

Or ... rolled this blend underneath jaw line and on pulse points behind ears and in the hollow at the base of the neck. The oil will warm on your skin and you will be able to enjoy the smell and experience the benefits for a longer time.

Do you have any essential Essential Oils in your collection?

I tell people all the time, at the clinic, to do an Epsom salt bath after a massage, heavy workout or physical activity. But I never really take the time to explain why it's a good idea, so here we go.

Why Epsom salts?

Epsom salts are made up of the minerals magnesium and sulfate, hence it’s chemical name magnesium sulfate.

Magnesium plays a very important role in the human body. It helps to regulate more than 300 enzymes that are responsible for everything from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.

More specifically magnesium eases stress and improves sleep and concentration; helps muscles and nerves function properly; helps prevent artery hardening and blood clots; helps body use insulin more effective; reduces inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps; and improves oxygen use.

Sulfate is also an important mineral in the body. It is necessary for many biological processes, to help flush toxins from the body and to help form proteins in brain tissue and joints.

How do Epsom salt baths work to ease muscle aches?

The theory is that the water breaks Epsom salts down into it's two chemical components, magnesium and sulfate, then both get absorbed through your skin.

The absorbed magnesium could help trigger your muscles to relax and aid in removal of toxins that can make you sore and stiff. Most people find they feel extra relaxed and sleep really well after an Epsom salt bath as well.

It is an excellent idea to have an Epsom salt bath in the evening after you have had a massage because it helps to further relax your muscles and clear out and toxins released as a result of your massage that could make you stiff or sore.

What is the best way to enjoy an Epsom salt bath?

Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to warm/hot water in a standard-sized bathtub (double the Epsom salt for an oversized tub), 3 times a week, soaking for at least 12 minutes.

Make sure to have a glass of cool water handy as well as a cool cloth in case you over heat.

After soaking, make sure to rinse off. This will remove any toxins from the surface of your skin that the Epsom salts may have pulled out. It is suggested, that turning the hot water down until you’re using primarily warm/cool water, rinsing legs first, then arms, then back, then chest, and lastly head, neck, shoulders and soles of the feet, will give the maximum benefits after your soak.

​Also, make sure to drink plenty of water during and after an Epsom salt bath.

So lay back, relax and soak up the benefits!