Welcome Brendan Ashman, M.H.Sc.(Osteopathy)

January 28, 2019 Anatomica Comment

We’re very happy to welcome Brendan Ashman, M.H.Sc.(Osteopathy). Brendan joins us from Melbourne, Australia where he graduated from Victoria University with a degree in Bachelor of Sciences (Clinical Science) and a Masters of Osteopathy. Osteopathy as studied in Australia has some differences from Osteopathy studied in Canada, with the treatments being more focused on joint manipulations and stretch mobilizations and remedial exercises – similar to physiotherapy!

After working in Australia for 2 years, Brendan has recently made the move from Australia to Canada to further his osteopathic career. Brendan is dedicated to expanding his knowledge and osteopathic skills to provide the best treatment and management care for his clients and uses a wide range of techniques including massage, joint manipulation, stretching and rehabilitation to get the best outcomes possible for his patients.

Whilst studying, Brendan worked as a sports trainer for Australian Football club, where his developed a passion for treating and managing sports injuries. This provided the necessary skills and experience needed for working with a wide range of clientele, which allowed Brendan to refine his treatment and rehabilitation skills to enable athletes or weekend warriors get back to their desired sports and activities. Brendan is passionate about educating his clients about their conditions and giving them the knowledge, tools and support to help them on their health journey. Brendan enjoys treating a wide range of conditions, including headaches, sporting injuries, back, neck and knee pain.

Brendan has past experiences in playing basketball from the age of 12 playing domestically and representative basketball at a semi-professional level. Away from work Brendan, can be found in the gym, working on his strength training. In his down time Brendan enjoys travelling and spending time watching the NBA, NFL and Australian rules, and has recently taken up the winter sport of snowboarding.

Cupping Therapy – FAQ

November 4, 2018 Anatomica Comment

Toronto Registered Massage Therapist Sasha Marakuna answers common questions about Cupping Therapy, our newest specialty massage treatment!

Cupping therapy is an ancient technique that was applied to treat an array of illnesses. Used for centuries, its popularity continues to grow as people seek alternative and natural methods for treatment. Cups are used to suction soft tissue, and it is this vacuum effect, or negative pressure, that produces a therapeutic result. Therapists use cups to distract congested tissue, release trigger point and myofascial restriction, and to reduce pain and stiffness.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy include:

- Increases circulation
- Promotes relaxation
- Increases range of motion
- Decreases muscle tension
- Breaks down fascial restrictions, scar tissue and adhesions
- Encourages healing and immunity
- Encourages lymph drainage
- Aids respiratory system

Cupping Therapy is a useful treatment for a variety of conditions, including:

Scar tissue
Contusions
Tension headaches
Strains/sprains
Whiplash
Edema
TMJ dysfunction
Bursitis
Tendonopathy
Plantar fasciitis
Frozen shoulder
Chronic bronchitis, Asthma
ITB contracture
Scoliosis
Hyperkyphosis/hyperlordosis

FAQ:

Is cupping covered by my insurance? At Anatomica, cupping therapy is offered as a Specialty Massage Treatment, and is eligible for reimbursement by plans with Registered Massage Therapy coverage. Direct billing is available on all RMT treatments, including cupping therapy.
Is cupping painful? Your therapist will check in with you throughout the treatment to make sure you are comfortable. You can expect about the same amount of pressure/discomfort as you may feel during a therapeutic Swedish massage therapy treatment.
Should I take a shower or bath after a cupping treatment? It’s better to stay away from warm temperatures 2 hours before and 2 hours after the treatment as it can lead to skin damage and inflammation.You can return to all your other regular activities after the treatment.
How long will the cups remain on my body? Therapy includes static placement of the cups and as well dynamic distraction while the therapist moves them around particular areas. Cups shouldn’t stay on one spot longer than 15 min, and can be removed sooner if there is any discomfort.
Does cupping treatment include a regular Swedish massage? Yes, the therapist will also use Swedish techniques before and after the cupping application in order to warm up and flush out the tissue. You will be comfortably draped by sheets and a blanket throughout.
Are there side effects of cupping? Yes, as with regular massage therapy and other manual treatments, some people may experience such as dizziness or light-headedness following the treatment if blood pressure is low, and there will be round marks on the areas treated.
How long will the marks stay? Cupping leaves red, circular marks that can look like bruises (but are not usually painful) These are caused by the increased circulation that the cups draw into the layers of the skin, and they usually last for around one week, sometimes a bit longer.

Book an RMT Cupping Treatment online!

STWM 2018 – Marathon Recovery Tips

October 21, 2018 Anatomica Comment

Whether you are relatively new to running or a seasoned racer like Tsegaye Mekonne, if you are one of the 26,000 people who ran in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon events this weekend, what you do after your run has a big impact on your recovery. Here are a few tips for recovery:

At the finish line: Your body will cool down swiftly. Using the reflective blanket provided at the finish line and continuing to walk for at least 15-20 minutes can help prevent a sudden body temperature drop, and help your heart rate and breathing to slowly return to normal.

20 minutes post run: You’ll need to restore electrolytes and fluids. Adding a pinch of salt to your water or making your own natural sports drink (recipe below) will help your body retain more of the fluid you drink, and reduce the risk of hyponatremia (low blood sodium) as you rehydrate. Electrolyte gels and salty, starchy pretzels are a great snack after you’ve cooled off a bit. Bone broth is an excellent recovery drink due to its natural mineral content and collagen for tissue regeneration.

One hour post run: A high carb meal with a generous amount of protein will give your body the fuel to start replenishing glycogen and repairing muscle damage. Potassium rich high-carb whole foods such as squash, sweet or baked potatoes, lentils and bananas are good choices to refuel while further restoring electrolytes. Magnesium, available from fatty fish, broccoli, spinach, nuts and chocolate, helps regulate muscle tone and prevent spasm. It may be tempting to celebrate your victory, but alcohol should be avoided as it can dehydrate you further.

Four hours post-run: A warm bath can help relax sore muscles and calm the nervous system, but be careful not to run the water too hot after a long run, as it can increase your blood pressure and cause you to sweat (and therefore dehydrate) even more. Some people swear by Epsom salts to reduce soreness, but they should be avoided if they irritate open blisters or sores on the feet.

Twenty four hours post run: Active recovery measures such as walking or biking, swimming, foam rolling, stretch and mobility exercises will help reduce Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Keep your effort low and your warm ups long.

Forty eight hours post run: You may want to schedule a massage for a day or two after the marathon to relieve discomfort and muscle tension. Plan to recover for at least three days before feeling ready to return to more intense exercise or strength training. Incorporate dynamic mobility and gentle stretching daily to maintain flexibility as your muscles heal.

Greaterade Recovery Drink

Juice 3 oranges and 2 lemons,
Stir in 1/2 tsp Himalayan sea salt,
And 1/4 cup maple syrup until well combined.
Mix with 2 liters of spring or mineral water
Adjust salt and maple syrup to taste.

Why We Run

October 21, 2018 Anatomica Comment

The first marathoner was Greek, and running was his day job. He was an Athenian hemerodrome, or “day runner,” some sort of very fit mailman. In the three days before to the run for which the marathon race was named, the “day runner” covered 240 kilometers on foot and then participated in a lengthy and gruesome battle with the invading Persians. That was in August or September 450 BCE. Even on a cloudy day the temperature would have reached the high twenties. Sweaty, exhausted, and probably covered with the humors of his vanquished foes, he ran another 40 or so kilometers from the battlefield at Marathon to the city of Athens to inform them of the victory. And he did it in sandals. Then again we don’t know what his time was.

Message delivered, the “day runner” immediately died. For obvious reasons, no one attempted such a run again for at least another 1500 years. In 1896 the French aristocrat Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games and included the 42.195-kilometer marathon as a major event. This he did on the recommendation of his friend, the grammarian Michel Breal. Neither fellow undertook to run it himself, of course. This was done by another Greek man, Charilaos Vasilakos, who ran it in three hours, eighteen minutes on March 22^nd 1896.

We might well wonder, when not in the heat of battle, why would anyone push himself like that? Even Paul Revere took a horse. The question of why we run, have always run, is a mystery. Even Holden Caulfield, not known for healthy habits, breaks into a run at the end of Catcher in the Rye’s first chapter, for no reason, just to run. Perhaps why we run depends on from what or towards what we run. Coubertin himself put it tidily: “The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle, the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

Overwrought militarism aside, it’s a nice sentiment. The thrill of victory that motivated the day runner is perhaps the same drive that pushes modern marathoners. The struggles of modern life are so often a long game: a career, parenthood, political change. In the dawn light, the struggle is immediate: It’s between you and the pavement. It can be measured and contended with. A 10K in under an hour. That’s victory. The marathon in under four. That’s another. Even to get out there, in the cold morning air, running shoes laced in anticipation. Even if you don’t run, you’ve managed it, to get out there. That’s a victory too.

Welcome Dr. Ali Manavi, B.Sc (Hons), DC

September 10, 2018 Anatomica Comment

Further to our post about welcoming our new Team members, we’re happy to do a profile on one of our new Chiropractors, Dr. Ali Manavi. Dr Manavi is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He also holds an Honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. He is a chiropractor in good standing with the Canadian and Ontario Chiropractic Associations. Dr. Manavi is a movement specialist who uses functional assessments to exploit unhealthy movement patterns that lead to chronic and recurring injuries. He focuses on patient education and active rehabilitation to restore healthy movement through targeted exercise. He uses a variety of manual techniques including but not limited to spinal and extremity adjustments, mobilizations, and soft-tissue therapies.

We asked Ali a few questions so you could get to know him better!

What are some cool courses/certifications you have taken?
- Athletic Movement Assessment (AMA)
What are you interested in learning more about?
- Functional Assessments and Restoring/Correcting Dysfunctional movement
- Fascial release techniques
- Systemic Disorders and Laboratory Diagnosis
- Neurophysilogy (both this and above are personal areas of interest that I have been researching! There are endless things to learn)
Three types of treatment at which I am really good?
- Spinal Manipulation Therapy
- Soft Tissue Therapy
- Breaking down faulty movement and prescribing appropriate exercise(migraine/headache, temporomandibular joint, stress management, joint injury)
How do you work with the other health professionals on the team to carry out a common treatment plan?
- Most clients can benefit from multi-modal care,which is why multi-disciplinary clinics are ideal for clients. It is essential for me to get to know the different practitioners personally and know their professional areas of expertise and interest. When I do my original client intake I derive a treatment plan that involves all other practitioners at the clinic who can help care for an aspect of the client’s health. I treat the areas that I feel I can improve, refer to other practitioners, and follow up with the client/treat the client regularly until the treatment goals are met. This involves a lot of communication between practitioners so that we are on the same page about client goals and stage of treatment plan.
Something fun you don’t know about me!
- I am a huge soccer fan
- I am a huge music fan. I am a drummer, an aspiring guitarist and secret signer.

Appointments Available Thursday, Friday & Alternate Saturdays here

Welcome Adam McLaughlin, B.Sc, CAT

September 5, 2018 Anatomica Comment

August was busy at Anatomica, as we brought on three new team members! We’ll be doing a profile for each of them in the next week so you may learn more about them as therapists and the treatments they provide. We’re going to start with our new Athletic Therapist, Adam McLaughlin.
Adam became a Certified Athletic Therapist in 2015 after pursuing an Undergraduate Degree in Human Kinetics from Laurentian University and further continuing his formal education at Sheridan College graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences in Athletic Therapy. As an Athletic Therapist, Adam specializes in the assessment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries applied through a sports medicine model using manual techniques and therapeutic exercise prescription.

We asked Adam a few questions so you could get to know him better!

What are you interested in learning more about?
- Advanced Soft Tissue and Fascial Release
- Alternative means of therapeutic exercise prescription
- Clinicial Biomechanics
- Concussion Rehabilitation
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Neural Mobilizations/therapy
What are three types of treatment at which you are really good?
1. Myofascial Release Techniques
2. Therapeutic exercise prescription and progressions
3. Postural Education and Injury Prevention
How does an athletic therapist work with other health professional to carry out a common treatment plan?
- I would be able to loosen up the joint/treatment area before they see another professional such as a chiropractor, and then provide therapeutic exercises and at home treatment programs to provide progression with the affected area.
Something fun about you?
- I have a goal to volunteer for the Olympics as an Athletic Therapist, and I’m a self proclaimed geek!

We’re very happy to have Adam join us so we can provide our clients with a fully rounded rehabilitation team.

Appointments Available Wednesdays and Alternate Tuesdays & Fridays here

Why you should try Acupuncture!

July 11, 2018 Anatomica Comment

Shape magazine recently published an article about all of the wonderful benefits of Acupuncture, including pain relief, stress relief, and more.

You can read the full article here: https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/acupuncture-treatment-benefits

Osteopathy

July 4, 2018 Anatomica Comment

We get so many requests for Osteopathy and so many questions about it, that we thought we’d answer a few of them here for you! We offer a few options for clients interested in adding Osteopathy to their treatment plan at Anatomica:

Classic Manual Osteopathy

Most major benefits plans allow coverage for Osteopathy, and direct billing is available on many Greenshield and Medavie BlueCross plans. Receipts will be provided for any clients wishing to submit to other health care plans with coverage for Osteopathy.

Osteopaths are functional anatomists who use manual therapy and gentle manipulations to restore proper body mechanics, nerve impulses and the circulation of cardiovascular, digestive, lymphatic and spinal cord fluids. This allows the client to thrive, as the body naturally heals from injuries, illness, and trauma. All Osteopaths at Anatomica hold Masters degrees in Osteopathic Science – the highest standard of education in Osteopathy.

Julie Krize, M. OMSc – Osteopath

Julie is a graduate of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and is a member of the Ontario Osteopathic Association. She is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Art Historian, and through a weaving of these global experiences Julie because interested in the artful mechanics of the human form, and the body’s self-healing mechanism. Julie continues to study functional anatomy, physiology and body mechanics to provide highly personalized care for each individual she treats.

Brendan Ashman, BCSc, MH.OSc

Brendan graduated from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelor of Clinical Science and a Masters of Osteopathy. While studying, Brendan worked as a sports trainer for AFC, where he developed a passion for treating sports injuries. back, knee and foot pain, He uses a wide range of physical therapy technique including joint mobilization, massage, stretching and rehabilitation exercises.

A certified member of the OAO, Brendan is dedicated to expanding his knowledge and osteopathic skills to provide the best treatment, and passionate about educating his clients and giving them the knowledge, tools and support to help them on their health journey.

View Julie and Brendan’s Schedules

Appointments Available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Integrative Manual Treatment

Integrative Manual Treatment is a great option if you want to experience Osteopathic theory but your benefits or health care plan doesn’t have separate coverage for it!

Amir Salkic, RMT – Osteopathic Candidate

Amir graduated from Sutherland Chan in 2004 and went on to complete 5 years of study at the Canadian College of Osteopathy. He is currently writing his thesis as a candidate to obtain his Diploma of Osteopathic Manual Practice.

Integrative Manual Treatment by RMT Amir Salkic is a unique therapeutic approach which draws on his osteopathy training and 14 years of professional massage therapy practice experience. Integrative treatment starts with osteopathic & orthopedic assessments, and may include soft-tissue release, visceral manipulation, and Craniosacral therapy, as well as precision joint mobilizations and osteopathic manipulations and techniques, within the RMT Scope of Practice.*

View Amir’s Schedule

Appointments available on Wednesdays, Fridays and select weekends

*Eligible for direct billing or reimbursement under plans with RMT coverage. Integrative Manual Treatment does not qualify for Osteopathic coverage.

Registered Massage Therapy with Osteopathic Techniques

Want to experience some of the benefits of osteopathy, but don’t want to “miss out” on your traditional Swedish massage session? We understand!

Janet Alilovic, RMT – Osteopathy Student

Janet is a senior massage therapist at Anatomica. She became an RMT in 2001 and is currently in her third year of study into the D.O.M.P. program at Canadian College of Osteopathy.

She offers deep tissue therapeutic massage with an emphasis on orthopedic assessment, postural alignment, and trigger point therapy. Her unique approach is grounded in Swedish massage and influenced by her osteopathic training. Janet incorporates new osteopathic assessment and treatment techniques into her massage treatments as she masters them

View Janet’s Schedule

Appointments available Monday, Tuesday and Sunday

Summertime

June 18, 2018 Anatomica Comment

The beautiful warm weather that we’re having usually means more time outside, playing sports and doing yard work. We had what felt like an extra long winter this year, so returning to more activity may mean more aches, pains and sprains. Here are a few suggestions on how to keep yourself safe this season!

Stay hydrated! Most people generally sweat more in warmer temperatures. Although sweating is a necessary process that cools the body, it results in the loss of water and salts in the body. Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, weakness, lack of coordination and heavier than usual sweating accompanied by moist and cold skin). Drink something with electrolytes after exerting yourself outside.
Warm Up and Cool Down – No matter what activity you’re participating in, taking even a five minute warm-up and cool-down period will help to elevate the heart rate and keep muscles warm and flexible, helping to prevent injury. Try jogging for five minutes before a run or doing jumping jacks before a workout as part of a warm-up routine. After a swim workout, try swimming slowly and focus on stretching out your stroke for a nice, easy cool-down.
Treat Injury Early – If you start to feel some aches and pains, treat them before they become too much of a problem. Depending on the injury, gentle movement may help, as could compression and elevation. However, if you’re unsure it’s best to get it looked at by a health professional, whether it be an RMT, Athletic Therapist, Osteopath. Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Physician, depending on the severity.

We hope that everyone has a safe summer, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Mexican Eggs Benedict

May 11, 2018 Anatomica Comment

Perfect for brunch, or any meal really! This meal is paleo and Whole30 friendly.

MEXICAN EGGS BENEDICT

Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce

1 to 2 dried chipotle chilies
3 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons lime juice
2/3 cup salted clarified butter or ghee, melted

8 large eggs, poached
1 tablespoon Whole30-compliant bacon fat or extra-virgin olive oil
8 cups baby spinach
sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
for serving: avocado slices, fried plantains, fresh cilantro

To make the sauce: Soak the chilies in boiling water for 15 minutes, until softened. Remove the seeds for a more mild sauce, or leave them in for a spicy sauce. Add the chilies to a blender with the egg yolks and lime juice. Blend until smooth. With the blender running on medium-speed, slowly drizzle in the melted clarified butter or ghee. If sauce separates or is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches desired consistency. The sauce can now be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated over a double boiler.

Melt the bacon fat in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it is wilted, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the spinach between 4 plates and top with 2 poached eggs and a drizzle of the Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce.

Serve with avocado, fried plantains, cilantro, and a side of bacon if desired.

Tip: to poach eggs, bring a deep skillet of water to a low simmer and add 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar. Reduce the heat so the water is just barely simmering. Working with the eggs one at a time, crack the egg into a small bowl or cup. Place the bowl close to the surface of the hot water and gently slip the egg into the water. Repeat with the remaining eggs, making sure to space them out around the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, and then remove with a slotted spoon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Poached eggs can be stored in an airtight container filled with ice water in the fridge for 2 days. Gently reheat in simmering water before serving.

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Functional assessment and integrative manual therapy. It’s healthcare, for your muscles.

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