TMJ Massage in Peterborough: Relief for Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Tension
If you've been living with jaw pain, facial tension, clicking when you chew, or headaches that never seem to fully go away, you're not alone. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect millions of people, and the discomfort can quietly take over your day-to-day life.
TMJ massage is one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to find relief, and it's now available at Flow Spa in Peterborough.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints sit on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. They act like sliding hinges that connect your jawbone to your skull, making it possible to chew, talk, and yawn.
When these joints or the muscles around them become irritated, inflamed, or misaligned, the result is a TMJ disorder (also called TMD). Common causes include:
Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism), especially during sleep
Stress, which leads to chronic jaw tightening
Jaw injury or trauma
Arthritis in the joint
Poor posture, particularly forward-head posture, from desk work
TMJ disorders are surprisingly common. Many people don't even realize their headaches, neck stiffness, or ear pain are connected to their jaw.
Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ issues show up differently for everyone, but here are some of the most common signs:
Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or around the ears
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Difficulty chewing or pain while eating
Locking of the jaw joint
Headaches or migraines, especially near the temples
Neck and upper shoulder tension
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
If any of these sound familiar, TMJ Massage in Peterborough: Relief for Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Tension at Flow Spa may be exactly what you need.
How TMJ Massage Works
TMJ massage is a targeted therapeutic approach that focuses on the muscles and soft tissue surrounding the temporomandibular joint. Unlike a general relaxation massage, TMJ massage is precise and purposeful.
Your Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) will work on key areas, including:
Masseter muscles — the powerful muscles along your lower jaw, responsible for clenching and chewing
Temporalis muscles — located at your temples, often a major source of TMJ-related headaches
Pterygoid muscles — deeper jaw muscles that can be accessed through intraoral (inside the mouth) techniques when appropriate
Neck and upper shoulder muscles — because jaw tension rarely stays isolated, it radiates into the surrounding areas
Techniques used during a TMJ massage may include gentle kneading, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and stretching. These are all designed to release tension, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore normal jaw movement.
Benefits of TMJ Massage
Regular TMJ massage can provide significant and lasting relief. Here's what you can expect:
Reduced jaw pain and tension — Direct work on the affected muscles helps break up tightness and adhesions
Fewer headaches — Many chronic headaches originate from TMJ dysfunction, and addressing the source can dramatically reduce frequency and intensity
Improved jaw mobility — Releasing restricted muscles helps restore a full, comfortable range of motion
Better sleep — If you clench or grind at night, reducing overall muscle tension can improve sleep quality
Lower stress levels — Therapeutic massage promotes relaxation and helps calm the nervous system
Decreased neck and shoulder pain — Since TMJ tension patterns often extend beyond the jaw, treatment addresses the full picture
Who Should Consider TMJ Massage?
TMJ massage isn't just for people with a formal diagnosis. You might benefit from this treatment if you:
Wake up with a sore or tight jaw
Catch yourself clenching during stressful moments
Have been told by your dentist that you grind your teeth
Experience frequent tension headaches
Feel tightness or pain when chewing
Carry a lot of stress in your face, jaw, or neck
Whether your symptoms are mild or have been building for years, TMJ massage in Peterborough at Flow Spa can be an important part of your recovery plan.
Meet Jess — Our Newest RMT at Flow Spa
We're excited to welcome Jessica Vautour to the Flow Spa massage team as our newest Registered Massage Therapist.
Jess is passionate about helping clients move better, recover faster, and address the root causes of their pain, making her an excellent fit for targeted treatments like TMJ massage. Whether you're dealing with chronic jaw tension, recovering from an injury, or looking for a therapist who really listens to what your body needs, Jess is here to help.
With Jess joining the team, we now have more appointment availability and expanded access to specialized treatments, like TMJ massage, right here in Peterborough.
What to Expect During Your TMJ Massage at Flow Spa
If you're booking a TMJ massage for the first time, here's what your visit will look like:
Intake conversation — Your RMT will ask about your symptoms, history, and goals for the session
Assessment — A brief evaluation of your jaw movement, posture, and areas of tension
Treatment — Focused massage work on the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders using a combination of techniques tailored to your needs
Home care tips — Your RMT may recommend simple jaw stretches or relaxation techniques to continue your progress between sessions
We offer TMJ massage in a range of session lengths so you can choose the right fit:
30 minutes — Focused jaw and face relief for acute symptoms
45 minutes — Jaw and neck work for those carrying tension in both areas
60 minutes — Our most popular option. Full attention to jaw, face, neck, and upper shoulders
75 minutes — Extended treatment with extra time for stubborn trigger points
90 minutes — The ultimate session, covering jaw through upper back for comprehensive relief
Book Your TMJ Massage in Peterborough
You don't have to keep living with jaw pain, tension headaches, and the daily discomfort that comes with TMJ dysfunction. TMJ massage at Flow Spa in Peterborough offers targeted, effective relief - delivered by registered, experienced massage therapists who understand how to treat the full pattern of tension.
Book your TMJ massage online
Or give us a call at 705-230-8575 to find an appointment time that works for you.
7 Lessons from 7 Years at Flow Spa
Seven years ago, Flow Spa opened its doors for the first time.
March 2, 2019. A Monday. I was nervous, excited, and had absolutely no idea what I was really getting into.
I knew I was passionate about health, recovery, and human performance. I had a double major in psychology and nutrition from the University of Toronto. I had competed at the top levels of natural strongman in Canada. And I was frustrated by the corporate world and wanted to build something that actually made a difference in people's lives.
So I built a float centre in Peterborough.
What followed was a journey that no business plan, no book, and no mentor could have fully prepared me for.
A pandemic that shut us down mere months into our momentum.
Lockdowns that tested every ounce of belief I had in this vision.
And then, slowly, a rebuilding that brought us to where we are today: a full wellness centre offering float therapy, infrared sauna, contrast therapy, cold plunge, massage, and psychotherapy, all under one roof.
Seven years later, I want to share the 7 biggest lessons this journey has taught me.
Some are about business. Some are about wellness. Most are about both, because at the end of the day, the same principles that help your body recover are the same ones that help a business survive and grow.
1. Recovery Creates Productivity — Not the Other Way Around
This is the single biggest lesson I've learned, and it's become the foundation of everything we stand for at Flow Spa.
We live in a culture that celebrates the grind.
More output.
More hours.
More hustle.
And when we eventually crash, we're told we've earned a rest.
But that's backwards.
Recovery isn't the reward for hard work. Recovery is what makes hard work sustainable.
I've seen this play out with thousands of clients over the years. The ones who build regular recovery into their routines — a weekly float, a consistent sauna practice, a real wind-down ritual before bed — are the ones who show up sharper, calmer, and more resilient week after week.
The same has been true for running the business. The weeks where I protect my own recovery time are the weeks I make better decisions, write better content, and lead with more patience.
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is truly rest. I believed that when we opened. Seven years later, I feel that even more deeply in my body.
2. Surviving Requires Gratitude, Not Just Grit
Flow Spa opened in March 2019.
Exactly one year later — almost to the week — the world shut down.
I remember watching the announcement and feeling my stomach drop. We had just hit our stride. Momentum was building. Clients were coming back regularly. And suddenly, the doors had to close.
What followed was a roller coaster. Months of closure. Brief reopenings. More lockdowns. Watching friends and fellow business owners in Peterborough lose everything they had built.
I won't pretend it was all grit and determination that got us through. There was a lot of luck involved. A lot of good timing. And an incredible community that stuck with us, read our emails, and came back the moment they could.
In my 3-year reflection, I wrote: "It seems as much good luck as anything that we made it through the pandemic when so many friends and businesses did not. True gratitude is the only way to look at that."
I still feel that way. Grit matters, but gratitude is what keeps you grounded when grit alone isn't enough.
3. Consistency Beats Intensity — In Wellness and in Business
If I could boil down every blog post, newsletter, and recovery plan I've ever written into one sentence, it would be this:
Small actions done consistently will always outperform big efforts done once.
A weekly float is more powerful than a single long recovery session when you're already burned out. A 10-minute bedtime ritual repeated every night does more for your sleep than a one-time sleep hack. A simple breathing exercise practiced daily builds more nervous system resilience than an intense workshop you attend once and forget about.
The same applies to running a business. We didn't grow Flow Spa through one viral moment or one big marketing campaign. We grew it by showing up consistently through writing a newsletter every week, publishing helpful content, being present in the community, and steadily improving the experience for our clients.
Consistency isn't glamorous. But it compounds. And after 7 years, I can tell you it's the most underrated force in both wellness and business.
4. Teach Generously — Lead with Value, Not with Sales
From the very first email I ever sent to our newsletter list, I made a decision: I would lead with education.
I shared the science behind float therapy. I wrote about stress management techniques. I created guides on breathing, sleep, cold exposure, and recovery. I started a podcast — The FlowCast — where I interviewed experts, athletes, and local business owners about performance, wellness, and the entrepreneurial journey.
Not because it was a marketing strategy (though it turned out to be a great one). But because I was curious to learn and genuinely wanted to help people understand their own bodies and minds better.
When you teach people why their nervous system is stuck in overdrive and give them practical tools to fix it, trust builds naturally. They don't need to be convinced that a float or a sauna session is worth it; they already understand the science and feel empowered to make the decision for themselves.
Over 7 years, this approach has done more for Flow Spa than any ad or promotion. People come to us because they trust what we share. And that trust was built one helpful article, one honest email, and one real conversation at a time.
5. Evolve the Offering — Listen to What Your Community Actually Needs
When we opened in 2019, Flow Spa was a float therapy centre. That was it. Float tanks and a passion for sensory deprivation. I had the cold tub and hot tub in place but hadn’t fully figured out what to do with that room yet.
Today, we offer:
Float therapy (still the heart of what we do)
Infrared sauna
Contrast therapy
Cold plunge
Registered massage therapy with multiple RMTs and multiple specialties
Psychotherapy through our partners at Harnessing Change
None of this expansion was planned from the start. It happened because we listened.
Clients told us they wanted heat therapy. So we added the infrared sauna to the contrast room. They needed hands-on bodywork and wanted to use their insurance coverage. So we brought in registered massage therapists. They wanted mental health support alongside physical recovery. So we welcomed psychotherapy into the space.
Every addition came from a real need expressed by real people. Not from a boardroom brainstorm or a trend report.
The lesson: your community will tell you what they need if you're willing to listen. And when you respond to what they're actually asking for, growth follows naturally.
6. Mentors Are Everywhere If You Pay Attention
Early on, I stubbornly said on a podcast episode that I had no formal mentors.
Then I sat down to edit the episode and realized how wrong I was.
The truth is, I've had mentors everywhere — I just wasn't calling them that.
My past career experience taught me what not to do as a leader. Family helped immensely along the way with support that can't be measured. The books I read gave me frameworks and ideas I still use daily. And every single client who walked through our doors and shared their own story — their own struggles, their own entrepreneurial wisdom, their own experience with stress and recovery — taught me something.
I also learned an incredible amount from other business owners in Peterborough. The yoga studio owners, the personal trainers, the therapists, the fellow entrepreneurs who were all navigating the same challenges in their own ways. Some of those conversations happened on the podcast. Many more happened over coffee or in the hallway.
You don't need one perfect mentor. You need curiosity and the humility to learn from everyone you meet. Just stay open to listening.
7. Build Systems So the Business Can Outlive Your Daily Hustle
This is a lesson that took me years to fully embrace.
In the early days, I did everything. I cleaned the tanks, answered the phones, wrote the emails, managed the bookings, handled the marketing, fixed the plumbing (yes, literally), and greeted every client who walked in.
That's what it takes at the start. But it's not sustainable.
Over time, I realized that a business that depends entirely on you isn't really a business — it's a job you created for yourself. And often a harder one than the corporate job you left.
So I started building systems. Standard operating procedures for every task. Onboarding guides for new team members. A content workflow that could be managed without me writing every word. A booking system that handled new leads automatically. Financial processes that didn't require me to touch every invoice.
Today, Flow Spa runs on over 6 years of documented processes, guides, and SOPs. The business generates new leads passively through the website every day. And our team keeps things running smoothly, whether I'm at the front desk or working on other projects.
Systems are what turn a passion project into something that lasts. If you're building a business, start documenting everything earlier than you think you need to.
What's Next for Flow Spa
Seven years in, I'm still deeply passionate about what we do.
The wellness landscape has changed dramatically since 2019. Float therapy, cold plunge, and infrared sauna used to be fringe practices. Now they're mainstream. People are more educated about recovery, nervous system health, and the science of stillness than ever before.
And that excites me, because it means more people are ready for what Flow Spa offers.
So to everyone who has been part of this journey — from the very first float client to the person who just discovered us last week — thank you. You are the reason this place exists. You are the reason these lessons were worth learning.
Here's to the next chapter.
Find Your Flow,
RJ
Ready to experience what 7 years of recovery expertise feels like?
Book a float, sauna, contrast therapy session, or massage at Flow Spa and find out why thousands of people in Peterborough trust us with their recovery.
Couple’s Massage in Peterborough: Relax at the Same Time, in Your Own Space
Sometimes, the best date night isn’t dinner and a movie.
It’s quiet.
It’s calm.
It’s leaving the world outside for an hour and giving your nervous system a reset.
That’s why more couples are searching for a couple’s massage in Peterborough, not just as a treat, but as a way to reconnect when life gets busy.
At Flow Spa, our couple’s massage experience allows you to book at the same time, in separate rooms - so each of you gets a fully personalized, deeply relaxing session without distractions.
And if scheduling two therapists at once is tricky? We also offer another perfect pairing: massage + float, where you and your partner alternate so you both get a high-quality experience in one visit.
What Couple’s Massage Means at Flow Spa
When most people hear couple’s massage, they picture two massage tables in the same room.
But here’s the truth: the reason couples book this isn’t because they need to be side-by-side.
It’s because they want:
Time to slow down
A shared moment of care
Relief from stress and tension
A reset they can feel together, afterward
At Flow Spa, a couple’s massage means:
Same appointment time (when available)
Two private treatment rooms
One therapist per person
A calm, boutique experience built around relaxation
You arrive together, relax at the same time, and leave feeling better, without needing to share the room to share the experience.
Why Many Couples Prefer Separate Rooms
This is the part that often surprises people: once couples try it, many actually prefer separate rooms.
1) You relax more deeply
In your own room, it’s easier to fully let go. There’s no awareness of someone else shifting, breathing differently, or wondering if they’re comfortable. You can simply drop in.
2) Your massage is fully personalized
Couples rarely want the exact same thing.
One person might want:
deeper pressure on shoulders and back
focused work for tension or tightness
The other might want:
lighter pressure
a calming, relaxation-forward massage
Separate rooms allow your therapist to tailor the session entirely to you, without compromise.
3) It still feels like a shared experience
The together part happens naturally:
arriving as a team
choosing rest at the same time
reconnecting afterward when you both feel calmer to sit in the infrared sauna together or carry on with your day
A lot of couples tell us the best part is what happens after: the quieter mind, the easier conversation, the feeling of being more present with each other.
A Boutique Experience Without the Assembly Line Feeling
When people are comparing massage options, they’re often comparing more than pricing. They’re comparing how the experience feels.
Some places are built for volume: fast turnover, standard routines, a busy front desk energy. That can be fine if all you need is a massage.
But if you’re booking a couple’s massage in Peterborough because the two of you want it to feel like a real reset, the details matter:
a calm environment instead of a loud lobby
a slower, more grounded pace
a session that feels personal, not procedural
genuine flexibility when scheduling gets complicated
That’s what we aim for at Flow Spa: quality, calm, and care, from start to finish.
What If Two Therapists Aren’t Available at the Same Time?
This comes up often, especially around weekends, holidays, and last-minute bookings.
Here’s the good news: you still have an amazing option that many couples end up loving just as much as both massages at the same time.
The Massage + Float Pairing (Perfect for Couples)
If two therapists aren’t available at once, you and your partner can pair your visit like this:
One person starts with a massage
The other starts with a float session
Then you switch
It’s simple, seamless, and still feels like a shared wellness experience, because you’re both doing something restorative in the same visit.
Even better, we offer combo pricing when booking multiple services in a visit, so you’ll get $20 off each float appointment when booked with a massage, and $10 off sauna sessions. We’ll take care of this automatically for you!
Why couples love this option
No waiting around while your partner is in session
No compromise on quality (each experience gets full attention)
Two different kinds of nervous system reset
Great for couples with different preferences—some people love floating, others prefer massage first
If your schedules are tight, this can also be easier to book than two massages at the exact same time.
What to Expect When You Book a Couple’s Massage
If you’ve never done this before, here’s how it usually feels:
1) Book online or give us a call
It’s easy to schedule a time that matches your preference for massages and other services. If it’s your first time visiting us for a massage, we’ll send you health history forms to fill out.
2) You arrive together and settle in
Take a breath. Let the day go. You’re here now.
3) You head to separate rooms
This is where the real relaxation starts. Quiet. Private. Yours.
4) Each of you checks in with your therapist
You’ll share any preferences—pressure level, areas of tension, and what kind of experience you want (relaxation-focused, more targeted work, etc.).
5) You finish and reconnect afterward
You’ll often notice it immediately—your shoulders lower, your breath slows down, your mind feels quieter. You can meet up again before heading into floats or a sauna session together. And it’s common to feel more connected after, because you’re both regulated at the same time.
Who This Kind of Couple’s Massage Is Perfect For
This experience tends to be a great fit if:
you want a shared reset
you and your partner prefer different pressures or styles
one (or both) of you is new to massage
you value privacy and deep relaxation
you’re trying to book around limited availability
you’d love to pair it with floating or an infrared sauna for a full-body calm
Is It Still a Couple’s Massage If You’re Not in the Same Room?
Yes, because the point isn’t the room setup.
It’s the intention.
You’re choosing rest together. You’re prioritizing wellness together. And you’re giving yourselves an experience that helps you feel better—not just physically, but emotionally.
For a lot of couples, that’s the most romantic thing you can do: creating space to feel like yourselves again.
How to Choose the Best Couple’s Massage in Peterborough
If you’re comparing options, here are a few things worth checking before you book:
Can you book at the same time, even if rooms are separate?
Do they provide a clear explanation of how the experience works?
Is the environment designed for calm, or designed for speed?
Do they offer flexible options and combo discounts on other services like massage + float or massage + sauna?
Do you feel supported in booking, or rushed through it?
The best couple’s massage experience should feel like it was built for real humans with real schedule, not just a rigid system.
Want to Surprise Your Partner? Gift Cards Make It Easy.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift that actually gets used, couple’s experiences are hard to beat.
A couple’s massage (or massage + float pairing) works beautifully for:
birthdays
anniversaries
Valentine’s Day
“we need a reset” moments
or simply surprising your partner with something that feels meaningful
We have created specific gift cards for our most popular couple’s packages, so you can give the experience now and let them choose the timing later.
Book Your Couple’s Massage in Peterborough
If you’re ready for a calmer kind of quality time, we’d love to take care of you.
You can book online anytime, and if you’d like help coordinating timing (or exploring a massage + float + sauna pairing), we’re happy to guide you.
Prefer to book by phone? Call us at 705-230-8575
Want to surprise your partner? Gift cards for couples’ packages are available.
FAQs: Couple’s Massage in Peterborough
1) Are we in the same room for a couple’s massage?
At Flow Spa, couple’s massage appointments happen at the same time in separate private rooms, each with your own therapist. Many couples prefer this because it allows for deeper relaxation and a fully personalized session.
2) Can we book our couple’s massage at the same time?
Yes — when two therapists are available, you can book same-time appointments so you and your partner relax at the same time.
3) What if two therapists aren’t available at the same time?
You can still enjoy a shared visit by pairing massage + float. One person starts with a massage while the other floats, then you switch — so you’re both doing something restorative during the same appointment window.
4) Is it still considered a couple’s massage if we’re in separate rooms?
Yes. A couple’s massage is about a shared wellness experience — booking together, relaxing at the same time (or in the same visit), and leaving feeling calmer and more connected.
5) Do we get different therapists?
Yes. Each person has their own therapist, which allows you to choose pressure and focus areas that match your body and preferences.
6) Can we request different pressure levels?
Absolutely. One partner can choose light, relaxation-focused pressure while the other prefers deeper work. Your therapist will adjust pressure throughout the session based on your comfort.
7) What should we wear to a couple’s massage?
Wear whatever is comfortable. You’ll have privacy to change, and you’ll be properly draped during the massage. We also provide bath robes for you to go from one room to the next if you’re booking multiple services.
8) How long should we book for a couple’s massage?
A 60-minute session is a great start. If you want a more unhurried, deeper reset, consider 75–90 minutes. Some couples also like to book shorter massage appointments when pairing it with additional services, like a 30-minute float or 30-minute infrared sauna session after.
9) How do we book a couple’s massage at Flow Spa?
You can book online, or call 705-230-8575 if you’d like help choosing times, coordinating two therapists, or setting up a massage + float pairing.
The Flow Spa Holiday Wellness Guide (2025): How to Stay Calm, Grounded & Rested This Season
The Flow Spa Holiday Wellness Guide: How to Stay Calm, Grounded & Rested This Season
The holidays are supposed to feel magical, but in reality, they often hit more like a sprint. Between shopping, social plans, family dynamics, and year-end pressure at work, your nervous system gets pulled in every direction.
So, how do you stay grounded when the season gets chaotic?
We’ve put this guide together just for that!
Below you’ll find simple, science-backed ways to protect your energy, boost your mood, and carve out real moments of calm. And when you want deeper restoration, we’ve included our Holiday Sale details for this December at the end.
Let’s get into it.
Understand Why the Holidays Feel Overwhelming
Our stress response ramps up for a lot of us in December.
A few things happen all at once this time of year:
More stimulation (lights, noise, social events)
Less routine (sleep, meals, movement)
More obligations (planning, coordinating, gifting)
Colder, darker days that naturally lower mood, motivation and energy
Your nervous system isn’t built for nonstop “on” mode, even though that’s what most of us throw at it as the year comes to a close. It needs moments of stillness to reset; otherwise, everything starts to feel more demanding.
That’s why intentional recovery becomes essential this time of year.
Build Your Daily Holiday Reset
A full wellness routine is often too much for most of us to stick to in the final few weeks before the holidays.
Instead, start with quick, nervous-system-friendly resets you can sprinkle throughout your day.
Try one of these:
4-7-8 Breathing (1 minute)
Inhale 4 → hold 7 → exhale 8 → inhale 4.
Shown to reduce anxiety. It’s like hitting a manual calm button.
Hot-Cold Contrast in the Shower (30 seconds)
End your shower with 15 seconds cold → 15 seconds warm. The water coming out of the tap is icy cold this time of year.
Helps energize your morning and improve circulation.
Light Exposure Break (2 minutes)
Step outside, even on cloudy days. Natural light stabilizes your mood and circadian rhythm.
Lowering the Shoulders Technique (10 seconds)
Drop your shoulders down. Breathe. Notice how much tension you were subconsciously holding.
These micro resets help your body shift out of stress mode, so you feel more grounded and can carry on with the rest of your day.
Create a Winter Mood Ritual
December is the perfect time to build a small routine that gently boosts your mood.
Think of it as your personal winter anchor.
Here are a few ideas:
Morning heat ritual: Any warm drink + 3 slow breaths (or crank up the heat with some fire breathing and a minute or arm pumps or jumping jacks)
Evening wind-down: 5-minute journal to settle the day + dim lighting
Movement snack: A 10-minute walk after lunch
Sensory break: A quiet, phone-free half hour before bed
Consistency matters more than intensity. Healthy habits take time to have lasting benefits. A tiny ritual repeated daily builds emotional resilience through the busiest time of year.
Why Float Therapy Helps You Reset Faster in December
When your system is overstimulated, the best thing you can do is give it a break from… well, everything.
That’s why floating works so well during the holidays and cold winter months.
Inside the float tank, your body gets:
Zero sensory input (up to you based on what you’re comfortable with)
No noise, no light, no pressure on your joints.
Deep relaxation
Magnesium-rich water helps ease tense muscles and improve sleep.
A neurological reset
Brain activity slows down, allowing you to drop into a restorative state. This works even for the most hyperactive of minds.
For many people, a 60-minute float feels like pressing restart on the nervous system. There’s no better feeling than that when your mind is being pulled in a thousand directions.
Warmth Therapy: Your Winter Mood Booster
Sauna and heat therapy are the perfect companions to floating this time of year. Research shows that heat exposure can help:
Improve circulation
Boost mood (thanks to endorphins)
Ease muscle stiffness from cold weather
Support deeper sleep
A session in the infrared sauna or a hot-cold contrast therapy circuit does wonders when your body feels sluggish, tired, or tense.
Give the Gift of Calm (Even to Yourself)
More people are choosing experiences over more stuff, and for good reason.
Experiences:
Create stronger memories
Improve mood longer
Reduce stress
Bring people closer together
A float, sauna session, or massage gift card gives someone something they rarely give themselves: permission to truly rest.
(It also solves the “I have no idea what to get them” problem instantly.)
Flow Spa’s Holiday Sale Is On
To help you (and the people you care about) get through the season feeling calm, grounded, and restored, we’ve launched our Holiday Sale.
🎁 Special Holiday Packages Include:
Up to 20% off Gift Card
Float + Sauna Bundles
Contrast Therapy Packages
Relaxation-focused gift card packages
Limited-edition holiday couple’s experiences
They’re available throughout the month of December, and they’re designed to make seasonal stress a little easier to manage.
If you’re ready to give the gift of calm — or keep it for yourself — now’s the perfect time.
Protect Your Peace This Season
The holidays can be beautiful, but they’re also demanding.
So take a breath. Slow down. Build little rituals that support you. And when you’re ready for a deeper reset, the team at Flow Spa is here to help you come back to yourself.
From Party Mode to Recovery Mode: Why Your Next Night Out Should Be a Spa Night (or Spa Day) at Flow Spa
For a long time, going out meant late nights, loud music, and waking up the next day feeling less than amazing.
More people are starting to ask a different question:
What if your night out actually left you feeling better the next day?
That’s where the idea of a spa night or spa day out comes in—trading hangovers for deep sleep, stress for calm, and small talk for real connection. And with Flow Spa’s new capacity for two massage therapists working simultaneously, it’s now easier than ever for 2–3 people to come in together for a shared reset.
Why Spa Night Out Is Replacing Going Out For Many People
There’s a growing shift toward experiences that support:
Recovery instead of burnout
Presence instead of distraction
Connection instead of noise
Instead of shouting over music, you’re stepping into a calm space where your nervous system can actually relax. Instead of spending money on drinks you forget, you’re investing in a reset your body and mind will feel for days.
A spa night or spa day out at Flow Spa is perfect for:
Couples who want something deeper than dinner and drinks
Friends who want to reconnect without the next-day crash
Busy professionals who need a reset ritual that actually moves the needle on stress and sleep
What a Flow Spa Night (or Day) Out Can Look Like
Because we now have two massage therapists available at once, we can host small groups of 2–4 people for shared experiences that still feel personalized.
Here are a few sample “party to recovery” itineraries you can use as packages or inspiration:
Note - we can change the order of treatments based on your preferences, and depending on RMT availability.
“What a wonderful experience at Flow Spa! RJ was incredibly helpful in booking a morning for myself and two friends. We each had a massage and float session and enough time to enjoy the sauna too. The timing worked out beautifully. Best massage ever from Olivia.
Thanks for a fantastic time RJ. We will be back.”
1. The Couples Reset: Float + Massage + Contrast Therapy
Perfect for: partners who want to actually feel better after their day date.
A sample flow:
Arrive and decompress
Check in, change, take a few minutes to slow your breathing and let the day drop away.
60-minute float sessions
Calm the nervous system.
Offload physical tension before massage.
Give your brain rare, quiet, distraction-free space.
Massages at the same time
With two registered massage therapists working in separate treatment rooms, you can both receive personalized bodywork at the same time. You arrive together, unwind together, and finish around the same time, without anyone waiting around while the other gets their massage.
Finish in the contrast therapy room
Rotate between hot and cold in our contrast therapy room to:
Boost circulation
Support recovery
Leave feeling clear-headed and energized, not wiped out
2. The Friends’ Spa Day: Massage + Contrast Therapy + Float
Perfect for: 2–3 friends who want to catch up, unwind, and feel human again.
A sample flow:
Start with contrast therapy together
Use hot-and-cold cycles to:
Shake off the stress of the week
Get those “feel-good” endorphins going
Share a fun, slightly challenging experience that feels more meaningful than another round of drinks
Massages in separate rooms, timed together
With two RMTs working in separate treatment rooms, we can:
Treat two people at the same time
Or, if three people are coming, stagger appointments so that one person is floating or in contrast therapy while the other two are getting massages
This way, everyone stays moving through their own part of the spa day without long gaps or awkward waiting.
End with floats
Finish the night in the quiet of a float session, so you leave grounded, deeply relaxed, and ready for deep sleep.
3. The “Day Off Done Right” Spa Day
Perfect for: small groups taking a weekday off, shift workers, or solo guests who want to join a friend or partner partway through.
A sample sequence:
Late morning: contrast therapy to wake up the body
Midday: 60- or 90-minute massages (two at a time)
Afternoon: floats to lock in the recovery and send you into the rest of the day calm and clear
Why This Beats a Traditional Night Out
A typical night out:
Costs add up on food, drinks, rideshares, and cover charges
Sleep is worse, not better
You wake up the next day dehydrated, inflamed, and behind
A spa night or spa day out at Flow Spa:
Puts your money toward recovery and wellbeing
Improves your sleep and stress levels instead of wrecking them
Strengthens your relationships in a calm, intentional setting
Gives you a story to share, but one your body actually appreciates
Experience Gifts, Packages, and Holiday Gifting
As we head into the holidays, more people are choosing to give experiences over stuff.
At Flow Spa, that’s where our packages and gift cards shine:
Gift cards are perfect when you want the recipient to build their own spa night or spa day.
Spa packages for 2–3 people make ideal gifts for:
Couples
Parents who need a break
Friends who are always “too busy” for self-care
Co-workers or team members who need a serious reset
Each can include a thoughtful combination of:
Floats
Massages
Sauna or Contrast Therapy
For groups of 2–3 people, we’ll schedule everything so your floats and massages line up as a shared experience.
How to Book Your Spa Night or Spa Day at Flow Spa
If you’re looking to book 3-4 people for a spa day experience, give us a call or send an email using the contact form below and we’ll help to coordinate it the best for your party.
Ready to trade the hangover for deep sleep and real recovery?
Float + Therapy: How to Use Floating to Prime Talk Therapy (and Vice Versa)
If you’ve ever left a therapy session wishing you had more space to let it all settle, or arrived feeling too wound up to talk, pairing float therapy with psychotherapy can change the game.
Sensory reduction lowers the volume on external input so your brain can process what matters, like the important work of a therapy session.
Used together intentionally, floating and talk therapy become a powerful one-two punch for overcoming anxiety, rumination, and creative blocks.
Why sensory reduction prepares the brain for emotional processing
When you float, external stimulation drops. There are no screens, no noise, minimal gravity.
That shift helps:
Down-regulate the stress response. With fewer sensory demands, your nervous system can move from “fight/flight” toward “rest/digest.”
Reduce cognitive load. Less incoming data = more bandwidth for internal awareness (interoception) and memory consolidation.
Increase openness and insight. Many people report easier access to feelings, memories, and connecting the dots after a float.
So, whether you float before therapy to arrive calmer and more open, or after therapy to integrate the work you just did, sensory reduction in the float gives your mind a quieter space to reorganize.
Two pathways that work
Pathway A: Float → Therapy (Prime and open)
Best when anxiety spikes before sessions or you struggle to drop in and open up.
Float (60–90 minutes). Set a single intention: “What feels most important to talk about today?”
Gentle transition (10–20 minutes). Shower, hydrate, jot down 3 words that describe how you feel.
Therapy with Harnessing Change. You’ll likely notice less defensiveness, more clarity, and easier access to core topics.
Why it helps: You’ve already turned down the background noise. Therapy time is used for getting to the real conversation sooner.
Pathway B: Therapy → Float (Integrate and settle)
Best when sessions run deep or bring up body sensations, grief, or big insights.
Therapy with Harnessing Change. Name 1–2 themes worth integrating (e.g., “setting boundaries with family”).
Float (60–90 minutes). Use the first 10 minutes to breathe and feel your body; then let the content of therapy resurface naturally.
Integration (10–20 minutes). After your float, write down one small action you’ll take this week based on the homework from your therapy session.
Why it helps: You convert insight into embodied understanding and leave with a steadier nervous system.
30 / 60 / 90-minute templates
These are add-on ritual blocks you can pair with either pathway on the same day.
Use them before therapy, before the float, or immediately after—whatever fits your schedule.
30-minute “Quick Prime” (when time is tight)
5 min breath reset: Inhale 4, exhale 6, repeat.
10 min micro-journal:
What feels most alive for me today?
If therapy could give me one thing, what would it be?
15 min calm walk or tea in silence. No phone.
60-minute “Focused Integration”
10 min breath + gentle neck/shoulder mobility.
20 min journal:
What did I notice in my body?
What belief showed up today? Is it fully true?
What boundary or request do I need to practice this week?
30 min unhurried float shower/transition or a headphones-off walk. Let ideas percolate.
90-minute “Deep Reset”
15 min grounding (legs up the wall or child’s pose + slow breathing).
30 min float-room or lounge journaling:
Three sentences I wish I’d said out loud.
A compassionate re-write of my inner critic’s line.
One tiny experiment I’ll run in the next 72 hours.
45 min recovery block: sauna/contrast (optional), slow walk, or creative play (sketching, mind-mapping). Keep it quiet and device-free.
Tip: Bring a small notebook. Writing immediately after a float or session captures insights that fade fast.
Who it’s for
Anxious overthinkers. If your mind revs before therapy, a pre-session float can dial down the RPMs so you can talk about what matters.
High performers. You optimize everything else, so optimize your emotional recovery too. Float → therapy turns sessions into targeted “deep work.”
Creatives. Therapy surfaces themes; floating helps you metabolize them into ideas, lyrics, or scenes.
Anyone navigating change. Grief, burnout, new roles—combining float therapy for anxiety support with psychotherapy gives you steadier ground.
Practical notes (so your day flows)
Buffer times matter. Plan 15–20 minutes between services for a shower, hydration, and a few lines in your journal.
Pick one clear intention. Too many goals = scattered sessions.
Go light on stimulation afterward. Skip doomscrolling to preserve the benefits.
Not sure which order to try? Start with Therapy → Float if sessions feel intense; start with Float → Therapy if you struggle to open up.
How to schedule the combo at Flow Spa
You can book both services on the same day or within 24 hours for the best results.
Book your float: Choose a 60- or 90-minute float at Flow Spa.
Book psychotherapy with Harnessing Change: You’ll receive handouts to work on afterward. Ask for notes to bring into your float or for a post-session anchor to integrate.
Tell us your plan: In the booking comments, write “Float + Therapy Combo” and whether you’re doing Float → Therapy or Therapy → Float. Our team will help fine-tune timing, room prep, and transitions.
Prefer to talk it through? Give us a quick call and we’ll map the schedule with you.
FAQs
Will floating make me too relaxed to talk?
Most people feel calm and clearer. If you get sleepy, a short walk and water usually re-energize you before therapy. We can also make you a cup of tea to take with you into your session.
Is this safe if I experience panic?
Many people with anxiety find floating helpful, but start gently. Book a 60-minute float, keep the door open if you like, and let our team know what helps you feel secure.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
You control the environment—light on or off, door open or closed, music/no music. We’ll walk you through options.
Ready to try Float + Therapy in Peterborough?
Pair float therapy for anxiety support with psychotherapy in Peterborough and give your mind the quiet it needs to do the work that matters.
Step 1: Book your psychotherapy with Harnessing Change on their booking page.
Step 2: Book your float here for a time slot before or after your therapy session.
Step 3: Bring a notebook to process afterward.
Questions about order, timing, or first-time comfort settings? Reach out—our team is happy to help you build the plan that fits your brain and your week.
Prenatal Massage Therapy in Peterborough: Safety, Positioning & Real Benefits
Growing a human is hard work.
If sleep is elusive, your low back feels tight, or your hips and feet are protesting every step, prenatal massage can help you feel like yourself again.
Below is a clear guide to prenatal massage in Peterborough: when it helps, how we keep it safe, and what to expect with our registered massage therapists at Flow Spa.
When Prenatal Massage Helps
Pregnancy changes posture, circulation, and sleep all at once.
Targeted massage treatment can ease:
Sleep struggles: Calms the nervous system so you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Low-back & hip pain: Relieves tension around the SI joints, glutes, and hip rotators that work overtime as your centre of gravity shifts.
Neck/shoulder tightness: Counteracts the “text neck” slump and new postural loads to reduce headache.
Sciatica-type discomfort: Gentle work around the glutes and piriformis can reduce referral pain down the leg.
Swelling (edema): Light, rhythmic strokes support healthy fluid return in feet and ankles.
Hand/wrist aches: Eases pregnancy-related carpal tunnel symptoms and forearm tightness.
General stress: Lowers stress chemistry so you feel more grounded day to day.
Bottom line: Used consistently, prenatal massage supports mobility, sleep quality, and mood, without heavily depending on medications.
Safety First: Trimester Guidelines & Positioning
Your safety and comfort lead every decision we make.
Trimester notes
First trimester (0–12 weeks): Massage can be appropriate with a professional RMT. If you’re brand-new to bodywork or have any complications, check with your care provider first.
Second trimester (13–27 weeks): Typically this the sweet spot—most people feel best getting massage done here.
Third trimester (28+ weeks): Massage can help with sleep, swelling, and labour prep comfort. We adjust positioning frequently, so you stay fully supported .
Positioning that protects you and your baby
Our RMTs are trained to understand the specific needs of prenatal massage and find the best positioning for you:
Side-lying with bolsters. You’ll have a supportive pillow under the belly, another between the knees/ankles, and one hugging your upper body to keep the spine neutral.
Semi-reclined (30–45°) is used for head, neck, and shoulder work.
Avoiding flat-on-your-back after mid-second trimester to prevent vena cava compression (that heavy, “lightheaded” feeling).
Pressure is always within your comfort—no deep compressions over the abdomen and no prolonged, painful pressure anywhere.
You are in control. If you need a bathroom break, a sip of water, or a position change at any point, just say the word.
What Your RMT Needs to Know (So We Can Personalize Safely)
Sharing a few details up front helps your therapist tailor the session:
How far along you are and your expected due date.
Any pregnancy details your provider has flagged (e.g., high blood pressure, placenta previa, reduced fetal movement, gestational diabetes).
Areas you want help with and aches and pains to focus on (low back? hips? feet? neck?).
Pressure preferences (light, moderate, firm—but always comfortable).
Positions that feel best or off-limits (e.g., can’t lie on your left side for long).
Medications, allergies, or past injuries/surgeries.
Please tell us right away if you’ve had any of the following—your RMT will adjust the plan and may recommend provider clearance first:
Unexplained bleeding, severe swelling with headache/visual changes, fever, vomiting, persistent abdominal pain, sudden calf pain (possible DVT), preeclampsia, or signs of preterm labour.
How Often Should You Book?
Every pregnancy is different, but these rhythms work well for most:
First trimester: Every 3–4 weeks if you’re managing nausea, tension, or stress.
Second trimester: Every 2–4 weeks to stay ahead of hip and low-back tightness as posture shifts.
Third trimester: Every 1–2 weeks for sleep, swelling, and comfort as your baby grows; weekly in the final month can be especially helpful.
Think of it as maintenance, not emergency care. Small, consistent sessions tend to beat the occasional “fix-me” appointment.
Float + Prenatal Massage: A Safe, Soothing Combo
Pairing a float with prenatal massage can be the most comfortable hour (or two) of your week. Floating gives you a rare, weightless break from gravity so tissues unwind before (or after) hands-on work. At Flow Spa, our float cabins hold ~10 inches of water with ~1,000 lbs of Epsom salt, and the water/air are kept at skin-neutral temperature—so you don’t overheat the way you might in a hot tub. That calm, neutral environment lets your nervous system shift into “rest-and-digest,” which pairs beautifully with therapeutic massage.
Why the combo works
Gravity off, guard down: Buoyancy reduces load on the spine, hips, and SI joints. Muscles soften, making prenatal massage feel gentler and more effective.
Deeper relaxation, better sleep: Floating quickly nudges the nervous system toward parasympathetic mode (dopamine/endorphins up, stress chemistry down). Massage then locks in that calm.
A unique connection moment: Many expectant parents say the quiet helps them tune in—and some even notice they can hear baby’s heartbeat in the tank’s stillness.
Safe floating positions during pregnancy
Use what feels best that day; we’ll walk you through options:
Belly-down with a pool noodle under the chest/chin to keep your face dry—wonderful for taking pressure off the back.
Belly-down with elbows supported, hands under the chin (adds a gentle spinal traction).
Back-floating with or without a noodle under the low back for support.
All are common, comfortable positions our clients use; we’ll set you up with extra noodles and floaty supports and check in before you start your float.
Curious about details? See our full guide: The Benefits of Floating During Pregnancy (positions, tips, and FAQs).
Safety notes
Our float water is kept around skin-neutral ~95°F—comfortable and not “hot tub hot.” That’s one reason floating is a pregnancy-friendly option, even though hot tubs should be avoided.
Adjusting your position to relieve the weight of the baby is great for third-trimester back pain. As always, if you’re in the third trimester or have any concerns, check with your care provider first.
How to pair sessions
Float → Prenatal Massage: 60-minute float to melt tension, then a 60-minute prenatal massage to target low back/hips, feet/ankles, and neck/shoulders. Great when you’re extra tight or swollen.
Prenatal Massage → Float (most popular): Start with hands-on work, then float to extend the relaxation and give joints a longer gravity break—especially nice in the third trimester.
How often? Keep your existing massage cadence, and layer floats in as needed: every 2–4 weeks in second trimester; weekly or every other week in the final month for sleep and swelling support. Adjust to comfort and your provider’s guidance.
Ready to try the combo? Book a Float + RMT back-to-back, add your trimester and pressure preferences in the notes, and we’ll handle the rest.
What a Prenatal Session at Flow Spa Feels Like
Warm welcome & check-in: We review your goals and health updates so your RMT can focus where it matters most.
Thoughtful setup: Side-lying pillows and bolsters are adjusted to you. Comfort is non-negotiable.
Pressure you can trust: We work within a safe, soothing range—firm where helpful, never painful or risky.
Slow, targeted work: Expect focused care for hips/low back, glutes, feet/ankles, neck/shoulders—plus gentle lymphatic strokes if swelling is a concern.
Meet Your RMT Team
All Flow Spa therapists are CMTO-Registered Massage Therapists with training in prenatal care. You’re in skilled, evidence-informed hands.
What to look for in your RMT at Flow Spa:
Registration in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
Experience supporting low-back/hip pain, sciatica-type symptoms, swelling, and sleep issues during pregnancy
A clear consent process and pressure check-ins throughout your session
Quick FAQ
Is prenatal massage safe in the first trimester?
It can be, when performed by a trained RMT and tailored to you. If you have any complications or you’re new to bodywork, check with your provider first.
Can I lie face-down?
We don’t use face-down “belly-hole” cushions. Side-lying with bolsters keeps you and your baby safest and tends to feel best.
How deep is “too deep”?
Deep, painful pressure is never the goal in pregnancy. We use therapeutic, comfortable pressure and avoid the abdomen and any techniques that don’t serve your safety.
Ready to Feel Better?
You don’t have to power through pregnancy discomfort. If you’re searching for prenatal massage therapy in Peterborough, Flow Spa’s RMTs are here to help you sleep better, move more easily, and enjoy this season more.
Next steps:
Book your massage online.
Add a note with your trimester, goals, and pressure preference when you fill out your health history form.
Arrive a few minutes early so we can fine-tune your positioning and get you perfectly comfy.
If you have specific medical questions, please consult your OB or midwife first—we’re happy to coordinate your care plan.
Float More, Stress Less: Unlock Summer Float Rewards at Flow Spa
Make the most of your summer with calming floats—and even calmer savings.
Summer’s Here. Let’s Help You Stay Grounded.
Between road trips, social calendars, and the pressure to “make the most of it,” summer can be… a lot.
That’s why we created the Summer Float Rewards program, so you can carve out consistent calm, reset your nervous system, and keep your stress levels in check all season long.
And yes, we’re sweetening the deal with some serious savings.
Here’s How It Works:
From July 1 to August 31, every float you book comes with a built-in reward:
Float Once → 15% Off
Starting your summer float ritual? Your first session is 15% off, just because.
Float Twice → 20% Off
Come back again and enjoy 20% off your second float. You’re making moves toward long-term calm.
Float Three Times or More → 25% Off
Now you’re in the zone. From your third float onward, every session is 25% off.
No codes. No hoops. Just simple, automatic savings every time you float.
Why Floating in Summer Makes So Much Sense
Summer might look carefree on the outside, but let’s be honest—your nervous system still needs a break. Regular floating helps you:
Recover from sensory overload after busy days or late nights
Stay focused and mentally clear even when your schedule’s all over the place
Create consistency when everything else feels spontaneous and chaotic
Whether you’re new to floating or it’s already part of your self-care routine, summer is the perfect time to go deeper.
Real Talk: You Deserve This
You’re doing a lot—maybe even too much. But 60 minutes in the tank? That’s your chance to unplug, float away the tension, and reconnect with your calm center.
This isn’t just about saving money. It’s about showing up for yourself in a season where it’s easy to lose track of what you need.
Book your summer floats now and let your stress melt away, float by float.
Celebrating 6 Years of Flow: A Journey of Relaxation and Wellness
We're thrilled to announce that Flow Spa is celebrating its 6th anniversary this March!
For six incredible years, we've been privileged to be your sanctuary for relaxation, wellness, and self-care in Peterborough.
As we mark this special milestone, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has been part of our journey. Whether you've been with us since day one or have recently discovered the benefits of our services, your support has made these six years possible.
Anniversary Celebration: Special 6's Packages
It's our 6th anniversary at Flow Spa and we're excited to celebrate with you the way that we know best.
We've put together some extraordinary 6's packages available for the entire month of March:
6 x 60-minute Floats for $304 (Save $200 off regular price)
6 x 60-minute Contrast sessions for $152 (Save $100 off regular price)
6 x 30-minute Saunas for $99 (Save $80 off regular price)
2 x 60-minute Floats, 2 x 60-minute Contrast sessions, 2 x 30-minute Saunas for $212 (Save $100 off regular price)
These limited-time anniversary packages offer the perfect opportunity to invest in your wellness routine while enjoying significant savings.
Whether you're looking to deepen your float practice, experience the benefits of contrast therapy, or enjoy the detoxifying effects of our infrared sauna, there's a package designed with you in mind.
The Flow Spa Journey: 6 Years of Growth
When we first opened our doors six years ago, we had a simple mission: to make wellness accessible to everyone in our community. What began as a small space dedicated to float therapy has grown into a comprehensive wellness center offering a variety of services designed to support your physical and mental well-being.
Throughout these years, we've weathered challenges together, celebrated countless moments of transformation, and continuously evolved to better serve your wellness needs.
Your stories of relief, relaxation, and rejuvenation continue to be our greatest reward.
Join Our Celebration
We invite you to be part of our anniversary celebration this March. Whether you're treating yourself to one of our special packages, sharing your Flow Spa experiences with friends and family, or simply stopping by to say hello, we'd love to celebrate this milestone with you.
Thank you for six amazing years.
We look forward to many more years of helping you Find Your Flow.
Introducing Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) at Flow Spa
A New Level of Therapeutic Care
We’re excited to share some fantastic news here at Flow Spa in Peterborough: beginning February 22, 2025, we’ll be offering Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) as part of our treatment options.
Our new Registered Massage Therapist, Nick Plummer, is fully certified in FST and we’re thrilled to bring this powerful therapeutic technique to our clients.
What Is Fascial Stretch Therapy?
Fascial Stretch Therapy is a unique form of assisted stretching that targets not just muscles, but the fascia—an intricate web of connective tissues that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints.
By gently mobilizing and stretching the fascia, FST aims to improve overall flexibility, reduce pain, and restore proper function and balance in the body.
Key Components of FST
Gentle, Pain-Free Approach: While “stretch therapy” might conjure images of intense pulls and bends, FST uses a gentler, rhythmic motion that helps the body relax and release tension without causing discomfort.
Table-Based Technique: Clients lie on a massage table as the therapist carefully guides limbs through a series of controlled movements and stretches.
Targeted and Comprehensive: FST works through multiple planes of movement, aiming to address not just localized stiffness but the interconnected fascial lines throughout the body.
Benefits of Fascial Stretch Therapy
Enhanced Range of Motion
FST is designed to increase joint mobility and flexibility. If you have tight hips, shoulders, or other problem areas, regular FST sessions can help loosen and lengthen these areas.Reduced Pain and Tension
Because the fascia is such a large, interconnected system, releasing tension in one region can often alleviate pain in another. By gently stretching the connective tissue, FST may help reduce chronic aches and discomfort.Improved Posture and Alignment
A more balanced and flexible fascial system supports better posture. This can lead to reduced strain on the spine and joints, helping you move and sit more comfortably throughout the day.Stress Relief and Relaxation
The soothing, rhythmic quality of FST promotes a sense of calm. Many clients report feeling lighter, more relaxed, and less stressed after their session.
Meet Nick Plummer, RMT and FST Practitioner
We’re delighted to welcome Nick Plummer to the Flow Spa team.
Nick is a passionate and skilled Registered Massage Therapist with specialized training in Fascial Stretch Therapy.
He’s dedicated to helping his clients achieve optimal health, mobility, and wellness through his approach with multiple modalities. Nick’s knowledge of both traditional massage therapy and FST means you can seamlessly combine these treatments for a fully customized session tailored to your needs.
Booking Your FST Session at Flow Spa
Starting February 22, 2025, you’ll be able to book Fascial Stretch Therapy sessions with Nick as well as massage treatments. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, looking to enhance athletic performance, or simply want to improve your flexibility and relaxation, FST could be an excellent addition to your wellness routine.
How to Book
Online: Visit our website at flowspa.ca to schedule your appointment.
Phone: Give us a call and we will help you find a suitable time with Nick.
Can FST Be Covered By Benefits?
Yes, an RMT can incorporate this modality as part of their hands-on approach to your treatment plan.
We look forward to introducing you to the revitalizing benefits of Fascial Stretch Therapy.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about whether FST is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s work together to help you move better, feel better, and live better—one stretch at a time.
Our BIGGEST Sale of the Year for Black Friday
As Black Friday and the holiday season nears it’s always a time when I question whether to do something to promote special deals or not.
But over the years I’ve learned to not shy away from doing a special sale in the name of revolting against the status quo for businesses during the holiday season.
Because refusing to participate is a recipe for being forgotten to the big name and big box brands.
We usually like to do a bigger package deal for our existing members for Black Friday but this year I’ve been noticing that budgets are tighter so instead we are doing deals on smaller packages to make it a great holiday gift or treat for yourself to get you through the colder months.
Black Friday Deals:
2 x 60-minute floats - $99
4 x 30-minute infrared sauna - $99
4 x 60-minute contrast therapy - $99
These deals are only on for the next week, so get in on the offer online or pop into Flow Spa to pick up a gift card before Monday, December 2!
The Science Behind Massage: How Peterborough Massage Therapists Are Revolutionizing Pain Management
In the heart of Ontario, Peterborough has become a hub for innovative massage therapy practices. Long gone are the days when massage was considered merely a luxury spa treatment.
Today, Peterborough's skilled therapists are at the forefront of a revolution in pain management, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge science to offer relief to those suffering from chronic pain.
In this article we’ll go into the science of massage therapy for pain management, exploring how local practitioners are changing lives one session at a time.
The Science of Pain
To understand how massage therapy is revolutionizing pain management, we must first delve into the science of pain itself. Pain is a complex neurological process that involves various pathways in our body. It can be broadly categorized into two types: acute pain, which is usually sharp and temporary, and chronic pain, which persists over long periods.
Chronic pain is a significant public health issue, affecting 1 in 5 adults globally (World Health Organization, 2021). Our brain processes pain signals through a network of nerves that transmit information from the site of injury or discomfort to the central nervous system. This process, known as nociception, is influenced by various factors, including our emotional state, past experiences, and even our beliefs about pain. Understanding this intricate system is crucial for developing effective pain management strategies.
Recent research has shed light on the concept of neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This understanding has opened up new avenues for pain management, as it suggests that chronic pain can potentially be "unlearned" through various interventions, including massage therapy.
Traditional Approaches to Pain Management
Conventional pain management techniques have long relied on pharmaceutical interventions, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical procedures. While these methods can be effective, they often come with limitations and potential side effects. For instance, long-term use of pain medications can lead to dependency and other health issues.
Physical therapy, while beneficial, may not always address the root cause of pain, especially when it's related to chronic stress or emotional factors. Surgical interventions, while sometimes necessary, come with inherent risks and long recovery periods. These limitations have led many to seek alternative approaches to pain management, paving the way for the rise of massage therapy as a viable and effective option.
The Massage Therapy Revolution in Peterborough
Peterborough's massage therapists are pioneering innovative techniques that address pain at its root. By combining a deep understanding of anatomy with advanced manipulation techniques, they're offering new hope to those who have found little relief through traditional methods.
One such success story is that of Sarah, a 45-year-old office worker who had suffered from chronic lower back pain for years. After just six sessions with our Peterborough massage therapist specializing in deep tissue massage therapy, Sarah reported a 70% reduction in her pain levels and significantly improved mobility. "I had tried everything," Sarah recounts. "Pain medications, chiropractors, even acupuncture. But it wasn't until I started regular massage therapy sessions that I finally found relief."
Sarah's story is not unique. Many Peterborough residents are discovering the transformative power of massage therapy, particularly when it comes to managing chronic pain conditions. Local therapists are not just treating symptoms; they're addressing the underlying causes of pain, leading to more sustainable and holistic healing.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Massage for Pain Relief
Recent studies have provided compelling evidence for the efficacy of massage therapy in pain management. Neurologically, massage has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. It also appears to reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol, which can exacerbate pain perception. A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that massage therapy led to increased serotonin and dopamine levels, neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation and pain reduction.
Furthermore, research has demonstrated that regular massage can help reduce inflammation in the body. This anti-inflammatory effect can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Cutting-edge Techniques in Peterborough
Peterborough therapists are employing a range of advanced techniques to target pain:
Deep tissue manipulation: This technique applies firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle, effectively breaking down scar tissue and adhesions that can cause chronic pain. Peterborough therapists are particularly skilled at tailoring the pressure to each client's comfort level, ensuring maximum benefit without discomfort.
Trigger point therapy: By applying pressure to specific points in the muscle, therapists can relieve pain that radiates to other parts of the body. This technique is particularly effective for treating conditions like tension headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Myofascial release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs, providing relief from overall body tension and pain. Peterborough therapists are at the forefront of incorporating the latest research on fascia into their treatments, leading to more effective and long-lasting results.
Neuromuscular therapy: This advanced technique addresses the relationship between the nervous system and the muscular system. By applying precise pressure to specific areas, therapists can help reset dysfunctional patterns in the nervous system, leading to pain relief and improved function.
Integrating Technology with Massage Therapy
Peterborough therapists are also embracing technology to enhance their treatments. Tools like percussive therapy devices and infrared heat are being integrated into massage sessions to amplify the benefits.
One particularly innovative approach being used in Peterborough is the integration of float therapy with massage therapy. This combination of physical therapy and mental relaxation has shown promising results, particularly for clients dealing with anxiety-related pain and chronic stress.
The Role of Customization in Pain Management
One size does not fit all when it comes to pain management. Peterborough therapists excel in tailoring treatments to individual needs. By conducting thorough assessments and listening closely to patients' experiences, they create personalized treatment plans that evolve as the patient's condition improves.
This customization extends beyond just the physical techniques used. Peterborough therapists are increasingly taking a holistic approach, considering factors such as a client's lifestyle, stress levels, and even dietary habits when designing treatment plans. This comprehensive approach ensures that the benefits of massage therapy extend well beyond the treatment room, leading to more sustainable pain relief and overall wellness.
Combining Massage with Other Therapies
The holistic approach to pain management in Peterborough often involves combining massage with other therapies for synergistic effects:
Psychotherapy: Addressing the mind-body connection in pain management, therapists often work in tandem with mental health professionals to help patients manage the psychological aspects of chronic pain. This integrated approach recognizes that chronic pain can have significant emotional and mental health impacts and that addressing these aspects is crucial for comprehensive pain management.
Contrast therapy: By alternating hot and cold treatments, therapists can enhance circulation and reduce inflammation, complementing the benefits of massage. This technique is particularly effective for sports injuries and chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.
Float therapy: Our wellness centre at Flow Spa in Peterborough offers float therapy sessions, where patients experience weightlessness in a sensory deprivation tank, promoting deep relaxation and stress relief that enhances the effects of massage. The combination of float therapy and massage has shown remarkable results in reducing both physical and mental stress.
John, a former athlete was dealing with both physical pain and anxiety, and in this client example, we were able to see the power of this combined approach. By integrating massage therapy with float sessions, John reported not only reduced pain but also improved sleep and overall quality of life. "It's not just about managing pain anymore," John says. "It's about reclaiming my life and feeling whole again."
The Future of Pain Management in Peterborough
As research continues to validate the benefits of massage therapy, our clinic in Peterborough is poised to remain at the forefront of pain management innovation. Emerging trends include the integration of artificial intelligence for more precise treatment planning and the use of wearable technology to track patients' progress between sessions.
Peterborough's massage therapists are truly revolutionizing pain management. By combining scientific understanding with innovative techniques and a holistic approach, they're offering new hope to those suffering from chronic pain. The integration of advanced technologies, personalized treatment plans, and complementary therapies is setting a new standard for pain management not just in Peterborough, but potentially across the entire field of massage therapy.
As we look to the future, it's clear that Peterborough will continue to be a hub of innovation in massage therapy and pain management.
Whether you're dealing with persistent discomfort or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, exploring massage therapy and its complementary treatments in Peterborough could be the key to unlocking a pain-free future. As the field continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the commitment of Peterborough's massage therapists to provide compassionate, effective, and scientifically grounded care to all who seek their help.
Book a massage at Flow Spa to experience the deep health benefits of our approach to pain management.
Finding The Right Massage Therapy Treatment for You at Flow Spa in Peterborough
Discover the healing touch of massage therapy
Our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care through a variety of therapeutic techniques.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from a sports injury, or simply need a moment to unwind, Flow Spa has the perfect massage treatment for you.
Many of our clients are seeking out massage therapy as a way to relax from stress and ease pain. Massage therapy is a great treatment option for making the most out of the health insurance benefits that you have. And with direct billing available, it’s a breeze to book a treatment and have us take care of the rest of the work in processing payment from your insurance.
Customize your massage to suit your needs and preferences. These are just some of the treatment types that our therapists are trained in and skilled at providing for your best experience.
Deep Tissue Massage: Targeting Pain at Its Source
Deep tissue massage is ideal for those suffering from chronic muscle tension and pain. Our skilled RMTs use firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia. This technique helps break down adhesions (knots) and promotes better blood flow, leading to significant pain relief and improved mobility.
Sports Massage: Enhancing Athletic Performance
Athletes and active individuals can greatly benefit from our sports massage therapy.
Designed to prevent and treat injuries, sports massage incorporates techniques such as stretching, compression, and joint mobilization. Whether you’re preparing for a big event or recovering from one, our RMTs will help optimize your performance and speed up your recovery time.
Prenatal Massage: Nurturing Mothers-to-Be
Expectant mothers can enjoy the numerous benefits of our prenatal massage.
This gentle and soothing treatment focuses on the unique needs of pregnant women, helping to alleviate back pain, reduce swelling, and improve sleep. Our RMTs are trained to ensure both the safety and comfort of the mother and baby, providing a truly relaxing experience.
Relaxation Massage: Your Path to Tranquility
At Flow Spa, we understand the importance of taking time to relax and rejuvenate. Our relaxation massage is designed to help you escape the stresses of everyday life. This gentle and soothing massage focuses on calming the mind and body, using light to moderate pressure and smooth, flowing strokes. Perfect for anyone seeking a tranquil experience, our relaxation massage promotes overall well-being, reduces stress, and enhances your mood.
In addition to the range of massage treatments you’re looking for, some of our registered massage therapists are trained in other modalities to accentuate your treatment.
Hot Stone Massage: Melt Away Stress
Experience the ultimate in relaxation with our hot stone massage. Smooth, heated stones are placed on specific points of the body to warm and loosen tight muscles. The heat from the stones enhances the benefits of the massage, allowing for deeper muscle relaxation and stress relief. This treatment is perfect for those looking to unwind and de-stress.
Cupping Therapy: Ancient Healing for Modern Times
Cupping therapy is a traditional technique that has stood the test of time. This treatment involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps improve blood flow and promote healing. Cupping can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and increase relaxation. Our RMTs combine cupping with massage for a comprehensive therapeutic experience.
Why Choose Flow Spa in Peterborough?
At Flow Spa, we are committed to your well-being. Our RMTs are highly trained and passionate about helping you achieve optimal health. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you get the most out of each session. Our serene and welcoming environment is designed to enhance your healing experience, making each visit to Flow Spa a step towards a healthier, more relaxed you.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t wait to experience the transformative benefits of massage therapy.
Contact Flow Spa in Peterborough today to schedule your appointment. Let our expert RMTs guide you on your journey to wellness.
Call us at 705-230-8575 or click the button below to go to our online booking page to find your next appointment.
3 Legitimate Reasons You Should Not Cold Plunge, and 1 Sure Sign You Definitely Should
Everyone is on the cold plunge kick right now.
In the past year, I've seen a massive rise in the popularity of cold plunging. Before companies started selling at-home cold plunges left, right, and center most people looked at you like you were crazy if you willingly got into cold water. Now that we know there can be legitimate reasons to cold plunge, the concern is less about getting people to take the plunge but when you shouldn't
There are 3 key reasons why it's best to save your dip in cold water for another time.
Reason #1 - Immediately Post-Training
Right after a workout is not when we want to be cold plunging.
I'm sure you've seen images of football players jumping into cold tubs filled with ice after a steamy day at summer training camp. It's been the classic image of cold plunging forever but it's not the right image to portray.
When you hear someone refute the benefits of cold plunges they often pull on research that was done immediately post-training with runners and other athletes. The results show that the cold can blunt the adaptation response that causes muscles to grow bigger and stronger. You probably don't want that because getting results from your workouts are hard enough as it is.
Give yourself at least 3 or 4 hours post-training before plunging into cold water. This gives your body a chance to kick in the adaptation response to training before kicking out additional inflammation with the cold water.
There are much better times to cold plunge than right after your workout. If you're in the middle of a long weekend of back-to-back events you can use the cold water to blunt some pain and freshen back up but for your normal workout routine, save the cold plunges for recovery days and keep them away from your training.
Cold water it seems can be as effective as Advil at cutting down inflammation but we need that initial inflammatory response after a workout to signal muscles to grow bigger and stronger.
Reason #2 - You're Redlining
Have you ever felt like you were on the verge of having a complete meltdown?
Like if one more task hits your plate you'll lose it. This stressed-out state of "too muchness" for too long is how we reach burnout.
When we're redlining on the edge of burnout, our nervous system is already fried. Often when I see someone push themselves through cold plunging when they're already on the edge, the physical and environmental stress of the extreme cold is enough to reach the tipping point. People will feel depleted and run down if they don't have the extra capacity to handle a cold plunge from this state.
So don't cold plunge if you're already pushed to the limit.
How will you know if you're in this state?
If you're feeling frazzled and pushed to your limit, you're probably close enough to want to avoid cold plunging right now. You can also gain insight into the state of your nervous system with HRV or if your resting heart rate or breathing rate has gone up recently.
In this case, spend some time doing activities that promote more relaxation first without the intensity of a cold plunge, like float therapy.
Reason # 3 - You're Already Sick
Maybe you didn't heed the warning of reason 2 and now you're sick. This is definitely not a good time to cold plunge.
The stress of cold water on your system might boost your immune system but not when it's already worn down.
Cold plunging to boost your immune system happens best when you’ve already got a robust and healthy immune system. When you’re fighting off a cold or flu your body needs the resources to recover.
Don’t drain yourself further by plunging when you’re sick.
Now if there's one good reason I've seen to be a for sure sign that you should cold plunge it's this - you're scared.
The cold water may intimidate you. Don’t let it win. Most people may still look at you like you're insane if you willingly take the plunge but that's what separates you from 99% of people.
Bold choices will lead you towards bigger things in your life.
3 Strategies To Use To Float When You Can’t Get Your Mind To Turn Off
“There’s no way I could do that because I can’t get my brain to turn off.”
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard someone use this excuse for why they couldn’t float…
I’d have a lot of nickels.
You might be nodding your head in understanding, or you’re the complete opposite because you know how great it feels to float and let go of everything in your mind and body.
Even I experience this hesitation about settling in for a float on occasion so I wanted to share some thoughts and practices on the best ways to overcome this hesitation and dive into what is bound to be one of the most relaxing hours of your life.
Trust in your float facilitator and surrender to the feeling.
The value of having someone guide your float should not be underappreciated. Going into a float centre is trusting in experts to create the ideal float experience for you so that you have the best chances of escaping from the throws of time for a while.
Because I usually facilitate my own floats and get out on my own accord, I don’t experience this often enough. But I was just in for a float during regular hours for the first time in a long time and I was able to ask Josie to play the music when the time was up.
I knew I had more work to get done that day and a mid-day break like this was unusual, so trying to get my brain to turn off was hard at first.
There was a point I hit when I didn’t think I could wait any longer. I thought that maybe she got busy at the front desk and forgot about me. These are the normal feelings that lots of us go through when we’re detached from our anchor to time and constant connection to the world around us through our devices.
The funny thing is that just as I hit this breaking point, the music gradually started to come back on followed by the lights and the feeling of relief that washed over me as I was gently brought back into the world around me this way instead of just giving up and getting out was amazing.
It’s really hard to describe without experiencing the difference between a float where you set an alarm and get yourself out versus trusting in the facilitator to get you up when the experience is over.
I think the best way to sum it up is to surrender into the float.
Once you’re in the float sometimes the anxiety creeps in because you feel your mind racing. Here are some of the other strategies I use and recommend if you’re thinking of getting out.
The 10 Breaths
It’s incredibly hard to get through doing 10 deep breaths without losing track of the count with thoughts interrupting.
Anytime you feel the urge to get out of your float early or you find that there are too many thoughts jumbling your head, start doing 10 deep breaths while counting. The goal is to try to remain completely focused on your breath and the count alone without any other thoughts coming into your mind. When you lose track of what number you’re on or a different thought comes into your head, you start back over at 1.
It’s a great practice in focus.
And a hard one.
I think it can easily take ten or more minutes to achieve this and by the time you do, you’ll completely lose track of time again and have a much calmer mind to settle back into your float.
Don’t try to force the thoughts away.
Let them happen and they will start to settle down.
Thoughts don’t always have to be tamed.
One of my more frequently used analogies for floating is that it’s like a mental filing cabinet.
Driven, Type A people falsely assume that they “can’t” float because they can’t get their minds to turn off. That there are just too many thoughts always in their head.
We all have adapted the ability to focus and clear our minds of relentless thoughts because this is the gateway to the flow state and it’s evolutionarily adaptive for high-performance situations.
You are going to have a lot of thoughts in your head when you settle into your float.
We all do, all the time.
But as you start to let your body relax and loosen, your mind gets more space to relax as well. The thoughts in our head start to make more sense. They settle like falling leaves on a pond and soon the ripples stop reverberating.
The peace and tranquillity of this state is blissful. Especially when your brain typically goes a mile a minute.
This is the value not only in floating but in taking similar time each day to find a few minutes to become more aware of your thoughts and how your body is feeling. You can do this by leaving your phone behind as you go for a walk or by sitting still in a quiet place.
Training your mind to find more focus and to let go of intrusive thoughts helps in every aspect of our lives. Learning how to do this can be hard in our always plugged-in and distracted society but it’s well worth taking the time to work on.
The skills that we build in the float tank are highly transferable to everyday life and the more busy and crazy the world seems to get, the more important it is to practice these skills, even if you can’t get your mind to turn off.
Conquer Workplace Burnout: Actionable Tips for Recovery and Prevention
Burnout and workplace stress now cost the global economy $1 Trillion in lost productivity each year.
In today's highly competitive and fast-paced work environment, workplace burnout has become an all-too-common challenge.
Companies are increasingly recognizing the detrimental effects of burnout on productivity, employee engagement, and overall well-being.
As professionals who've grappled with and studied this issue, we're here to share insights on the recovery and prevention of workplace burnout.
Recognizing the Signs of Burnout:
We must be vigilant and recognize the early signs of burnout in ourselves and our colleagues. Feelings of sluggishness, chronic fatigue, dwindling motivation, and a growing cynicism towards our tasks are common indicators. By acknowledging these signs early, we can intervene and prevent further progression.
Prioritizing Self-Care:
A core principle we've come to embrace is the essential nature of self-care in preventing burnout. This means integrating self-care activities into our daily routines, such as exercise, meditation, and quality time with loved ones.
Creating a clear boundary between our professional and personal lives ensures a balanced and healthier existence.
Ever since the pandemic popularized using Zoom and virtual meetings for work, we’ve been trapped in the fear of needing to always be present and ready for a work call, even when trying to disengage from work during off-hours actively. This low-grade anxiety and distracted busyness state is known as “the zone of crap” and it means that you never get any resolution or relief from the stress that you chronically face.
Understanding Stress:
It's essential for us to grasp the neural and chemical effects of burnout. This understanding equips us with both subjective and objective methods to measure stress, including tools like stress trackers and heart rate variability from apps and devices like Apple Watches and Whoop Bands. With this knowledge alerting us and informing us of our stress levels and trends, we can better assess our workload and seek support when necessary.
Analyzing Stress Trends:
By examining our stress trends throughout the week, month, and year, we can pinpoint peak periods of strain. Tracking and understanding these patterns enable us to devise strategies to mitigate stress during crucial times.
The more that we can proactively plan and predict high-stress periods and how they’ll impact us, the better we can get at preventing burnout for good.
Identifying Sources of Stress:
We believe that understanding the root causes of our stress is paramount. By meticulously analyzing our daily tasks and interactions, we can identify the primary stressors.
With this clarity, we can then develop solutions, whether through delegation, time management, or collaboration with peers.
When you know what’s stressing you out the most you also are able to reframe your mindset on stress and practice focusing on what’s in your control.
At the end of the day, all we have control over are our thoughts, attitudes, actions, and efforts. Letting go of clutching to control anything more than that will help you to take back power over a lot of what causes mental and emotional stress.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment:
Fostering a supportive work environment is pivotal in countering burnout.
We advocate for open communication, team collaboration, and an emphasis on well-being.
It's crucial to nurture a culture where everyone feels safe expressing concerns and seeking help. By working on this with your team and also practicing the tips in this article, you’ll better recognize the signs of burnout approaching not only in yourself but also in your coworkers.
Practicing Mindfulness:
We've seen firsthand the benefits of incorporating mindfulness practices into our routines.
Simple acts like taking short breaks for breathing exercises or enjoying a mindful walk can significantly reduce stress levels and enhance focus.
While meditation offers some seriously positive benefits for managing stress and preventing burnout, the skill of learning to refocus on the present moment doesn’t have to be accompanied by sitting still. For many people, movement works best as the way to get more mindful moments into our days.
Setting Realistic Goals and Boundaries:
Burnout often emerges from towering work expectations and a lack of clear boundaries. We encourage everyone to set achievable objectives, communicate their limits, and manage time effectively. By doing so, we can all work towards minimizing the risk of burnout.
Workplace burnout is a multifaceted challenge that impacts professionals from all walks of life.
By recognizing burnout's signs, emphasizing self-care, grasping the nuances of stress, analyzing our stress patterns, pinpointing stress sources, cultivating a supportive atmosphere, practicing mindfulness, and setting realistic goals, we can pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling professional journey.
Remember, self-care isn't a luxury; it's a vital component of sustained career success and personal contentment.
Is Floating Still Good If You're Already Very Parasympathetic?
Everyone has a natural tendency towards action or inaction in how they spend the majority of their time. You probably know someone who wakes up at the crack of dawn and is go, go, go until the minute their head hits the pillow at night. And on the flip side, there are the people in your life that move slower, talk slower, and embrace the pacing of themselves. If you're more of the former, these individually probably drive you crazy at times for not being fast enough.
This comes down to dominance in sympathetic or parasympathetic strands of the nervous system. We recognize that people who run through their days need to take the time to slow down and stop occasionally to avoid the risk of burning out but what about the parasympathetic ones? Are parasympathetic-dominant activities like float therapy beneficial for them or is there such a thing as too much of a good thing?
It first helps to understand more about these underlying systems and tendencies.
What do parasympathetic and sympathetic really mean?
The central nervous system (CNS) including our brain and spinal cord runs the whole show in our body. It's like the conductor of the train engine of our body.
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are like control knobs that are dialled in from our conductor and are referred to together as the autonomic nervous system (ANS) because it was originally believed that we had no conscious control over our parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. This has been shown to not be accurate as research including that done on Wim Hof and groups of individuals instructed by him have demonstrated that they can control parts of the autonomic nervous system through breathwork.
Because of situations like this, there has been a recent scientific uprising on whether it's a misnomer to refer to these branches of the ANS as sympathetic and parasympathetic. The other reason is that the system exists on a continuum so we shouldn't think of it as all one way or the other. That's why the analogy of dials that the conductor has control over works well.
So if the idea of parasympathetic and sympathetic is not the ideal framing, what is?
The common terms we used to describe these systems are "rest and digest" for parasympathetic and "fight or flight" for sympathetic. These rhyming names can help to illustrate what's actually happening when each of these systems is engaged in a healthy and functional manner.
What we don't see, however, is what happens with the dysfunctional firing of the systems which we will turn to next.
Adaptive and Maladaptive ANS Responses
There is not only the consideration of which branch of the ANS is predominantly firing but whether it is doing so in an adaptive manner.
Many of us think of fight or flight as a bad thing, but it is an essential part of our survival and evolution. When our body goes into a heightened sympathetic state, it's because of a perceived threat. Perception is important to point out because so many of us react to things in the modern day that aren't directly threatening us which can lead to conditions of chronic stress.
Chronic stress is one of the maladaptive responses of the autonomic nervous system in which our fight or flight and rest and digest systems are no longer working together in a productive fashion.
But we can also see maladaptive responses due to natural tendencies, like being sympathetic dominant or parasympathetic dominant without practicing becoming aware of our tendencies and working to resolve our maladaptive responses.
things like numbing out for example. Many of us have reached our limits by feeling stressed and overwhelmed and have resorted to moving past fight or flight because we are depleted and into freezing or fawning. We submit to our stressors either because of the natural tendency to be more inclined to the slower approach or because of being way over our limits and frozen.
When to include more parasympathetic if you're already dominant in that state?
If you’re already in an immobile state, should you still be practicing yoga nidra, float therapy, and other techniques for increasing parasympathetic activity?
As humans, we’re meant to move and be active, so you will benefit from more active and engaging practices in your leisure time but there’s also no detriment to doing deep health-promoting treatments like floating.
There’s a vast difference between finding stillness deliberately in a healthful way and the numbing out that leads to our body wanting to be parasympathetic-dominant.
In these still activities, like floating, massages, long stretches, and restful yoga, we can explore our deeper health and build self-awareness to what’s the root cause of our maladaptive coping mechanisms.
When coping with stress, it's important to consider individual tendencies and the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in the autonomic nervous system. While some individuals may already lean towards a parasympathetic-dominant state, it doesn't mean that practices aimed at increasing parasympathetic activity, such as yoga nidra and float therapy, are unnecessary.
Even if you're naturally more inclined towards a slower pace and tend to embrace stillness, incorporating active and engaging practices into your leisure time can still be beneficial. Movement and physical activity are essential for overall health and well-being. However, engaging in deep health-promoting treatments like floating and massages can provide additional benefits.
Being Aware Of What You Need Most
These still activities allow us to explore our deeper health and build self-awareness. They provide an opportunity to delve into the root causes of our maladaptive coping mechanisms. By intentionally finding stillness and engaging in restful practices, we can better understand and address the underlying factors contributing to stress.
It's important to note that there's a distinction between deliberately seeking stillness in a healthful way and engaging in numbing behaviours that may lead to an excessive parasympathetic response. Numbing out or submitting to stressors without addressing them can hinder our ability to effectively cope with stress. By actively participating in practices that promote relaxation and self-reflection, we can develop healthier coping mechanisms and achieve a better balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Even if you're already parasympathetic-dominant, incorporating activities that promote relaxation and self-awareness can be beneficial for stress management. These practices allow for a deeper exploration of our well-being and can help address underlying issues contributing to maladaptive coping mechanisms.
What Are The Benefits of Infrared Sauna?
Using an infrared sauna has many benefits, including improved circulation, reduced stress, and a deeper, more restful sleep. When the weather is cold and you want to stay cozy and warm, there’s nothing better than relaxing with the penetrating heat of an infrared sauna. And there are a lot more benefits that come from using the sauna that you might not know about.
Improving Circulation
Using an infrared sauna can be incredibly beneficial for your health and well-being! Its ability to increase circulation helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fatigue and improves overall skin health by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. On top of this, regular infrared sauna use can help clear toxins from the body and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a glowing complexion. Plus, infrared heat can help to boost your immune system - keeping you feeling strong and healthy.
Reduces Stress
Using an infrared sauna can provide numerous benefits and help reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is because infrared saunas can increase dopamine levels in the body, which is the chemical associated with mood regulation.
In addition to this, infrared saunas can help the body to stimulate endorphins, which are the hormones responsible for the feeling of happiness and well-being.
Regular use of an infrared sauna can also promote relaxation of the muscles and joints, helping to reduce tension and stress in the body Incorporating an infrared sauna into a regular wellness routine can have a positive impact on physical and mental health.
Sleep Quality
Using an infrared sauna can help improve the quality of sleep by providing a gentle, relaxing heat. The sauna's warmth helps relax tight muscles, reduce tension and stress, and can even help relieve common aches and pains. By promoting the body to relax, an infrared sauna can bring a deeper, more restful sleep, allowing the body to restore and rejuvenate itself. One of the factors that signal our bodies to fall asleep fast is a drop in body temperature which can be enhanced by relaxing in a sauna in the evening to trigger deeper sleep. With regular use, an infrared sauna can help improve the quality of sleep and help provide a more restful night's sleep.
Experience The Benefits For Yourself
Using an infrared sauna has many benefits, such as improved circulation, reduced stress, and a deeper, more restful sleep. At Flow Spa, we offer sessions for individuals and 2-person sauna sessions, as well as packages for anyone looking to make sauna a regular part of their wellness routine.
You can find out more about the options we have available here:
Does Athletic Taping Work For Recovery?
The world of sports is something amusing. Different athletes from around the world get paid millions of dollars to play competitively, and in order to do that they must prevent themselves from getting injured. From LeBron James to Lionel Messi, these athletes train and do whatever it takes to improve their performance and body.
Unfortunately, some things in life are inevitable, whether it be bruises, burns or even major injuries like dislocations or fractures, everyone at some point in their lives has gotten injured or has at least felt some type of pain before. Sports competitors usually try to prevent injuries from occurring or from getting worse by applying athletic taping. NBA players, soccer stars or volleyball athletes tend to use these special types of taping to improve their workout, rehabilitate and avoid injuries.
What is Athletic Taping:
Athletic taping is the process of applying tape directly to the skin in order to decrease swelling and pain by helping increase the amount of blood flow to the injured area.
Kinesio-type tape (KT) adjusts to the skin and accommodates movements. As you can see, there are different kinds of taping, people can use, it really just depends on what they prefer. We have all seen athletes on the court, field or pool wearing stripes of coloured tape that are not even wrapped around the limbs or muscles like an elastic support bandage.
Instead, it is a long tape is applied to the skin and sticks on, so what type of athletic taping do athletes use?
As we are talking about athletes, the taping that would be best for them is Kinesio-type taping. Physical therapists use it to treat pain from sports injuries and boost athletic performance, among other things. Sports and Medical Orthopaedists Dominic King, DO explain how KT tape is different than the others, by saying “It’s different than your standard athletic tape, which is used to immobilize a joint. Elastic therapeutic taping has the benefit of being stretchy. When you apply it to a joint, it helps to act almost like a rubber band, supporting muscles and tendons, and taking a little stress off the joints. It also can help relieve swelling in certain areas”. Most notably basketball star James Harden, who is known as a great scorer and known for staying healthy. He is always seen regularly with a sporting KT tape on his right shoulder, and even though he is not injured, he is taking the right measure to make sure that his muscles and joints are behaving the way they should.
Houston Rockets’ Head Athletic Trainer Jason Biles commented “I’ve been in the NBA now eight years, and I’ve been using it probably seven or eight years, right when I came in. I like the KT Tape specifically because it promotes a sort of natural healing response, helping with swelling reduction, encouraging optimal movement and proper movement, and the appropriate alignment of the joints. It gives the athlete great feedback of where their body is in space — we want them to be aware of if they’re in a vulnerable position, or if they’re in the proper position they can move optimally from… So, it’s the tape that we use for those things and also just to sort of encourage the movement that we would like. So, if a joint tends to want to, say, become maligned, then we can apply some tape to encourage the proper movement to achieve what the athlete needs on the court”.
James Harden uses it mostly as injury prevention and having the tape placed on his shoulders says it has helped him mentally as well “Whenever I’m sore, whether it’s my knee or my shoulder, putting the KT Tape on gets the blood flowing and circulating around my body… I’m able to go out there and play free, not really thinking about injuries. It just gives me that confidence. It gives me the confidence to go out there and not worry about getting injured. If you’re playing free and you’re confident, great things are going to happen on the court”.
Additionally, this method can help keep muscles or bones in a certain position in order to prevent an injury from occurring. For this to happen, athletes must put the athletic taping near the joints like the ankles, wrists, and hands for added support due to the elasticity of the athletic tape. It naturally returns to its original position, which alleviates some of the athlete’s muscle strain, which is one of the benefits of the tape; however, Dr. King explains that people report feeling a little more comfortable with the tape, and it seems as if it gives them some added support, and with backed up research, it also shows that people experience short-term benefit from using the tape. “For the short term it actually can help with some joints that might be painful, for a couple of hours or maybe for a day; but it doesn’t really have that type of long-term relief, where this is going to be the only thing, you’re going to need in order to take away all of your joint pain,” he says” Dr. King explains, as research indicates that Kinesio tape may help alleviate pain for individuals who suffer from persistent musculoskeletal pain, it is in no way superior to other treatments. In addition, he asserts that there is no scientific evidence that Kinesio tape can lessen disability among people who suffer from chronic pain.
Some other short-term benefits that KT taping provides are that it helps with stabilizing ankles, supporting knees, solidifying shoulders, opening elbows, supporting weak or injured muscles, improving muscle contraction, and preventing overuse.
Finally, King goes on to mention that the tape should only be used as part of a program that also includes physical therapy to treat muscle soreness as a last resort, nor are there any long-term benefits from Kinesio taping.
Why is Athletic Taping Important?
Taping makes life easier for athletes as it can be effective for rehabilitation. Even though athletic tape can help prevent injuries brought on by exercise, accidents do still happen as it is expected to happen. Athletic tape might be the solution you need when they do. When limiting the range of motion for particular joints and muscles with conventional athletic tape, the body may heal more quickly than if the movement were unrestricted. It can also be used as a splint for sprained joints, which expedites the healing process. Traditional athletic tape can help reduce swelling by compressing the muscle, which can reduce pain and prevent further injury.
The reasons for using elastic therapeutic tape are the same but in different ways. Athletic tape reduces swelling and reduces pain by helping to increase blood flow to the injured area. The elasticity of the athletic tape can also provide the affected muscles with support. It naturally returns to its initial position, alleviating some of the athlete's muscle strain. The tape can help protect the previously injured area from re-injury and reduce pain when the athlete is well enough to resume their sport or activity.
Additionally, the athletic tape can assist in correcting any form of issues caused by injury or other conditions. A trainer can do a runner's analysis to apply the tape in the best position for their injury, which will help them fix their form and stop them from hurting themselves again. Again, Athletic Taping is more beneficial short-term than long term and shouldn’t be depended on without addressing injuries.
How can athletic taping help you?
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just want to stay healthy, KT taping can help you to reduce injuries and feel your best.
And we offer sports taping at Flow Spa.
Flow Spa is the premier float therapy and sports recovery centre in Peterborough, Ontario.
Our centre focuses on helping people deal with stress and pain so that they can recover and feel better.
We ensure that we make our customer’s experience better than any other float centres. As a team, we provide the customer’s needs and wants and deliver phenomenal services.
Our mission is to provide the ultimate relaxing and rejuvenating experience to help you ease your stress and pain.
Flow Spa has the best tools and treatment options available: float therapy, massage therapy, reflexology, reiki, infrared saunas, cold plunges, contrast therapy, Normatec compression therapy, and health coaching.
KT Taping can be included as part of your massage therapy session. Book your appointment online and mention you want taping done or give us a call at 705-230-8575.
When Will I Notice A Difference With Floating?
When will I notice a difference from float therapy?
Right away, although 3 is the sweet spot for most people to really see a difference.
Like anything new, the first float is filled with excitement and anticipation.
You wonder what the experience is going to be like. Especially because it’s so hard to describe an experience that’s like no other.
There’s also the anticipation. How will you feel after?
Research on floating and from our own experience here at Flow Spa, you’ll feel very relaxed after just your first float, and most people really start to notice they can relax deeper And fully experience the benefits of floating after 3 floats.
The research-backed benefits for reducing anxiety, decreasing stress hormones and relieving back pain comes from just one 60-minute float session. And they improve even further with subsequent treatments.
This 60-minute length of time is important to point out because people often wonder how long they should do for their first float and we like to encourage people to relax into and get used to floating for an hour with their first visit.
30 minutes is possible and also very relaxing, but because of the newness of the float experience, it takes time to get settled in and situated.
Letting the music gradually fade out, even for longer than our suggested 10 minutes at the start can help in the first float, but many people are ready to completely let go and escape.
And because 3 floats is an ideal starting point to see if floating is a therapy that works best for your needs for stress management, relaxation, and recovery, we do offer a 3-float package which is $195 - new customers can get it for $165.
You can find that package available in our online store, or talk to the front desk at the spa