Registered Massage Therapists or Massage Therapists are professionally trained and governed/regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Before you book a massage or treatment, be sure to ask whether the person you're seeing is an RMT or MT. Both RMT and MT are trademarked terms that only registered therapists are permitted to use. Same with the term "massage therapy". A masseuse is not a regulated health professional, which means they are not governed by the CMTO.

Occasional updates are also posted on my Google page.

Thank you for your continued support. Keep safe and well!

​Linda Jung, RMT

Due to COVID-19, massage therapy treatment protocols have changed. Our mandate is to protect the public and to provide effective treatment for conditions that are indicated for massage therapy.

With this in mind, please click on the image "What to Expect from Your Massage Therapy Treatment During COVID-19".

We will also provide more information in separate cover.

Thank you for your continued support. Keep safe and well!

​Linda Jung, RMT

If you have nerve damage or compromised nerve, it's not too late to get treatment. Even after initial rehabilitation and you feel that results have plateau'd, resumed treatment could work wonders again.

Aside from going to College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO.com) to look for a RMT, you may also go to Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario (RMTAO.com) and search in your area for a RMT.

I've been very fortunate that many patients ring me up at early onset of injuries. Most don't think about the need for monthly maintenance treatments. Likened to annual physicals or dental checkups every 6 months, massage therapy has the same importance - it's your health and body, look after it well!

When you feel good, it's easy to forget how not-feeling-so-well felt like. Keeping up good feeling in you muscles and body; when an injury happens your body is in better state for recovery because the muscle fibres and circulation is maintained on a regular basis.

Start booking your next treatment after each massage therapy appointment!

Check out how massage therapy can help with sleep and anxiety.

Check out how massage therapy can help with TMJ.

If you experience headaches and migraines, here's how massage therapy can help.

I'll be on my way to Washington DC with my Squadron next week, returning Monday March 19th. For bookings, please email or text and I'll do my best to get back to you. Emails will be checked once a day.

Wishing everyone a great week!

Well folks, I graduated on 5 Nov 17! It was not an easy journey but I did it. The support from staff at RCIS, Mr. P., and my fellow course officers, were amazing. Couldn't have made it through without the camaraderie -it's an honour to call them my brothers-and-sisters-in-arms.

Also, a huge thanks to all my friends and patients who have cheered me on since the beginning, and for believing in me. All that and especially to Mr. P. :)

The Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant-Commander Martin gave me an invaluable momento to take back to my Squadron; thank you, Sir.

Great news to share! Starting his month I'll be at Yonge and Summerhill every Wednesday. Address is:

1246 Yonge Street, Suite 303

Toronto, ON

M4T 1W5

Please spread the word!

Thank you for supporting us and Warriors' Day Parade on such a hot and humid day. My family and friends came out for the first time which really made my day :)

​Here are some pictures (credit: Peter Olsen):

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zyqcgoz7w40k05v/AADjQbMTx8ENZUytigUZFRlPa?dl=0

Dileas Gu Brath

I just discovered my information listed on Craigslist. Please ignore as I DO NOT LIST ON CRAIGSLIST.

It was done by the clinic - I'm sure with good intentions - without my consent.

I'm waiting for a space at Yonge and St. Clair location to open up to run my practice solo.

Thank you for your patience.

Searching for an ideal space location environment to set up independent practice is more challenging than I thought. Thanks to my realtor friend for helping.

Ideally, I’d like to return to Yonge and St. Clair area. Yonge and Summerhill is fine as well. Has to be within a few minutes’ walk from subway station; anywhere between Yonge and Bloor and Yonge and St. Clair; must have an elevator.

Wish me luck that by end of the year I’ll have a place of my own.

To begin, I’d like to thank Dr. Sean McConnell, ND, for steering me on this path of self-discovery, awareness, and improvement. He’s the only person I trust fully without fear of judgment, and who listens with compassion, detachment, and acceptance.

Each day, I spend a bit of time in meditation. Sitting in silence feels so good. I’m a better and better person but not quite as natural as I’d like to become - accept compliments with ease and poise; love my unique personality and individuality; fully feel my emotions without judgment from others; and to embrace my natural gifts from the Universe, entirely.

I am Linda first, then everything else that gives me an identity. I am Linda, the person who loves to laugh be silly smile dance, is kind loving caring considerate, has an insatiable love for cats and dogs, loves to eat sing dance, and loves lofty daydreams.

This is how I often remind myself of who I am; I was born therefore I’m special unique important.

Again, thank you, Sean.

I like to make my posts fun, what better way than to introduce Mr. P.? Isn't he adorable?!

A huge thanks to Peter Olsen, the artist behind the cute little man.

Continuing to work on this site. Please pardon certain malfunctions or off-centred depictions.

Thank you for patience.

Recently, I’ve had a few patients come in for treatments for herniated disc. I love treating this condition - one of many, actually. To see them walk in with excruciating pain and walk out with 75% improvement makes me smile.

I use a lot of rocking to achieve a relaxed spine and muscles and get right into the problem area. I also incorporate stretches during treatment sessions for the patient to chart progression.

So far, I’ve managed to achieve a 5-day pain-free record with my patients that has never been reached with other disciplines.

If you know of anyone who has given up hope, recommend massage therapy.

A patient with severe foot pain due to a bunion was recommended surgery about six months ago. She felt surgery was a drastic measure and I suggested gentle treatment to her foot and big toe just to ease the pain - not to cure the bunion. Lo and behold, it’s been at least four months with weekly treatments and her foot pain has eased and has maintained a bearable level.

While massage therapy cannot heal or cure bunions, treatments have proven to be effective in easing pain and delaying surgery (surgery may be inevitable) until the patient is ready.

Having recently recovered from a kidney infection, I can identify with patients who have or have had it. It is painful. Very unpleasant. Now, my feline son has one and in doing countless research to help my little man I have found some helpful preventative tips for myself as well. Cranberry extract seem to be of popular choice as well as apple cider vinegar. While I am not endorsing these products, I have read articles and abstracts about them.

From a massage therapy perspective, I can identify with the tenderness and irritability to touch and to treatment of my torso, specifically from mid to low back and along the flank. Using slow and gentler pressure to the neck and shoulders work best. Massage therapy- in general - is applicable once the infection is past the acute stage or is controlled by medication.

You and your health are important: at the first sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or of renal pain, consult your doctor or naturopath. Likened to any profession or discipline, conflict of opinions is inevitable so heed to your needs and wants.

Post-surgical rehabilitation at early incipience is a very important step. Scar tissue formation is quick and if not treated as soon as possible, it will harden and cause fascial tightness. At times, it may even affect posture.

Recently, I’ve been treating a patient for scar tissue management post C-section twice. She feels her hips are tight and her posture poor (unable to stand straight). Since treatment, she’s now able to stretch, have better posture, and is experiencing less low back pain/ache.

During my employment at St. John’s Rehab Hospital, my case load involved primarily burn patients and amputees. With the help of dry cupping (suction cups that pick up and separate layer of fascia), it had a tremendous effect on healing and pain management.

Massage therapy and stretching are important steps to maintaining scar tissue pliability as well as overall mobility. If you have scar tissue from recent trauma, seek treatment as soon as possible.

Over the past few months I’ve been experieincing excruciating foot pain, specifially in the heel. Following all treatment protocols for plantar fasciitis there has been no relief. Sitting or walking could trigger a sharp burning pain; pain is worse when taking a step after sitting or leg elevation.

Both plantar fasciitis and tibial nerve entrapment exhibit very similar symptoms however, the fact that there is swelling in the inside part of my ankle along with burning pain and little or no relief with rest, it dawned on me that I have the latter condition. In addition, my plantar fascia (the foot muscle located along the arch and sole of the foot) is not tender or painful.

I started by massaging my foot and ankle and worked my way up to the knee along the inside of my shin bone (part of where tibial nerve runs) and my heel pain seems to be getting relief each time. Mind you, I still have to ice and rest it and do mild stretching of the low back to manage day to day pain and discomfort.

Next time you have heel pain, seek treatment and ask your physician/ND or therapist of their findings to determine if it’s plantar fasciitis or tibial nerve entrapment.

Practically after each treatment with a patient, the question “When and how many times should I come back?” surfaces. It’s an excellent question.

If the injury or trauma is recent, then it’d be good to return in a few days or within a week for a second visit, then for subsequent two or three more treatments. If the injury or trauma has been on-going for a few or several weeks, then it’ll depend on how the patient responds to the initial session and return within a week for a reassessment and treatment, and go from there.

If the condtion is chronic, I usually recommend a follow-up wthin two weeks, then on a montly basis. Remedial exercises (important component of rehab) should relieve some of the symptoms in conjunction with initial massage.

Regardless of the stage of healing, I work with the patient on suitable home care and always recommend a monthly follow-up treatment. It’s imperative that one does not wait until the point of pain - seek treatment at early onset of symptoms.

Your health is your greatest asset; treatment of any discipline is good and necessary and what better than preventative maintenance!

Being rehab focused allows me to be creative with how I treat to effectively reach the patient’s goal(s) (i.e. increased mobility; pain reduction; etc.). Among my patient population, I treat dancers/performers. In working with their need for hypermobility I treat while they’re in certain dance poses or stretches to maximize the session.

Incorporating passive and active therapy is most ideal because not only does the patient see results immediately, it also gives me an idea of where restrictions or limitations are from an assessment point of view.

With the patient’s consent, I enjoy letting my creativity flow and still maintain treatment integrity.

I can’t go a day without meditating. Likened to myself, many believe they meditate but most of us actually don’t - or don’t know how - to do it properly. Not that I’m a genius or an expert at it, however, this video has opened up my consciousness and understanding:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1Dlsa8tbvU

See if this will help you as much as it did for me.

Happy meditating!

Take a hot shower. Seriously. Ever feel empty, not knowing what to do with yourself? Then you think or over-analyze and beat yourself up for feeling ‘unproductive’? I had one of those days recently.

Meditation just wasn’t working; I was irritated. instead of coming up with “what to do now”, try a hot shower.

Showers isn’t just good hygiene practice, it can relieve achy joints, tired muscles, and even brighten your mood a wee notch. Focus on how good the warmth feels - sing!, laugh!, or cry!. No one cares, no one is judging. You’d be amazed how quickly your body responds.

And, since your muscles and joints are all warmed up it’s the perfect opportunity to stretch. After a (deep tissue) massage, taking an epsom salt bath not only feels great, it detoxifies toxins moving along the lymphatics.

Happy hot shower to brighten up your mood!

You’ve probably experienced - or heard of someone who have - wrist and thumb pain. Agonizing. Painful. Swollen. Unable to grasp or bend at the thumb. It’s likely De Quervain’s tendosynovitis (irritation and swelling of the sheath protecting tendons). Mothers lifting their babies; massage therapists; construction workers and, or, machine operators, etc., are highly affected populations due to repetitive usage of wrist and thumbs.

While icing the area and rest will alleviate the pain, massage therapy can speed up the healing and potentially eliminate the condition. Some doctors will suggest surgery as an option, however, I see that as an ABSOLUTE last resort. That you’ve tried physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and laser, and NOTHING is helping. With surgery comes scar tissue, a separate issue to be addressed post-op.

While massage therapy may be painful for this condition, with skill and experience it should be tolerable. I aim at forearm muscles first and that makes a difference.

Regardless of your choice of therapy, always go with your comfort level. Be sure the therapist is experienced, is a good listener, and works with your pain level.

Recently, I treated a patient diagnosed with the condition post-fracture (4th and 5th metacarpals) of her left hand. While the fractures have healed, she noticed a feeling of ‘disconnect’ from the other half of her hand - occasional numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, and limited range of motion. Nodules began to form at the fracture sites - tender and painful at times.

She didn’t think that massage therapy would help. She was very concerned that her hand will eventually curl up into a semi claw hand. During the session I showed her how to self massage and to stretch her hand as much as possible to prevent the nodules from further hardening, as well as, to prevent thick cords from developing leading to shortening of the tendons (claw hand).

While treatment may be tender and painful, post treatment results are desirable: increased ranges of motion; decreased pain; heightened sensation; and increased strength.

This is one condition that massage therapy may be the best course of treatment at early onset. Upon 75% to 85% improvement, physiotherapy is best.

It takes courage to elect for reconstructive surgery - especially, of the foot. With a positive attitude and trust, my patient allows me to work with him aggressively on scar tissue breakdown and on muscle strengthening and reconditioning.

He’s been receiving physiotherapy which is helping, However, he feels he can do much more than advised, that he can wear his cast half the time and try gentle weight bearing. He’s now walking short distances and around the house without his cast. At the office he is keeping up with his stretch and strength exercises.

Working with patients with a positive attitude makes my work that much easier. If a patient feels they can push their rehab progress further, trust that they can. As therapist allow your patient to be an expert too by engaging in a good discussion about pain, progress, expectations, and repercussions.

With the extreme heat lingering, heat cramps can be a concern. Staying indoors, in a cooler environment is the way to go. Hold off outdoor activities until early evening when the sun starts to set.

Staying hydrated can prevent heat cramps. If you work outdoors or are participating in outdoor activities, do some moderate stretches (along with drinking plenty of fluids), or get a massage before and after your activities. Massage with help with blood circulation reducing the chances of heat cramps. Mind you, pressure should be moderate not deep, with a lot of muscle shaking and rocking.

Whether you’re a believer of sports drinks, pickle juice, or good ol’ agua, the perfect formula is to stay hydrated, do gentle stretches, and get preventative massage therapy treatment.

Always exercise good sense.

Here’s an article by Mayo Clinic on what to do should you get heat cramps:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-heat-cramps/basics/art-20056669

Having practiced massage therapy for 9 years, I’m always evolving and getting my confidence up. I believe all therapists (of all disciplines) or doctors are great, after all, they’re regulated/licensed with reason. As therapist, my approach is laughter. Treatment goals and outcomes have a greater success rate with it.

I love adding humour to massage therapy. Mind you, I have to know my audience - patients - and gauge appropriately. If the patient doesn’t want to engage I respect and stop. Luckily, most of those I treat have an awesome personality and an even greater sense of humour. When they’re at ease, their body can stretch a bit further, that shoulder drops an inch lower, their breathing more at ease.

I didn’t appreciate my specialization in Human Resources Management while in capacity. Now in my second career as RMT I’m grateful for the former experiences.

When a patient walk in and things aren’t going well (in life, work, or health), I listen. Humour breaks the ice, the tension, and distracts their attention from the pain and worries. It makes my heart sing when they realize that things really aren’t so bad once they detach - even momentarily - from the proverbial hold of humdrum and woes.

Laughter is disarming and creates a mutual dialogue. I use it to embody a safe and harmonious environment for my patients.

Not many will think of dance as a mode of rehabilitation - we’re ingrained to go mainstream with physiotherapy, massage therapy, medicines, etc.. There is nothing wrong with that!

I often get asked (by patients) what types of exercises to do for their injury or trauma. My responses are case-by-case, of course, but for the majority, DANCE! Those suffering from chronic lumbago, postural dysfunctions, muscles stiffness and aches, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), etc., can greatly benefit from non-regimented exercises. Doing repetitions with weights, or equipment at the gym is good, why not do rehab and have fun at the same time?

For years, I danced at goth clubs to heavy thumping music and it was a great way to release pent-up anger/frustrations. Needless to say, a great workout every time. Then I was in a car accident - rolled over a guardrail, rolled some more down a ditch, and landed upside down. Survived. I couldn’t move my right neck shoulder, nor could I turn my head to end-range of motion. The pain was near unbearable. Massage therapy instructors gave me exercises and moved it along. Dance pushed it through and the experience changed my life. In 3 months I was almost at full range full recovery.

I moved on to listening to ‘happier’ music for I’ve always been a jazz fan too and embarked on a journey of ballroom and latin dances. Dance is a confidence builder and lets us be creative. Go at a pace (and at a dance) that’s comfortable. With movement, your injury has the best chance at healing quickly with mindlessly fun, and goodbye to equipments and counting reps.

Happy Feet!

Part of my specialization in Human Resources Management (my previous career) is sharpening my ability as active listener. As RMT, I like engaging my patients in determining whether their pain is associated with physical trauma/injury, or “stress” related (often the patients’ words).

Frankly, “stress” is such a buzz word nowadays thrown about casually it has lost its effect. It’s real, it affects blood pressure cardiovascular health digestion and much more.

My question is: how much of “stress” is self-induced? Is a loved one sick or dying? Or, is it about catching that bus so you can get to that supermarket to pick out the best corn before someone else gets to it?

Now, I’m not the best therapist to be dealing with high-strung patients - best to leave that to the experts or a therapist (any disciplines) suited to your personality or needs.

Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist psychiatrist psychotherapist, etc..

I’ve been treating patients in Complex and Continuing Care at TEGH for over 7 years now. Specifically, 2 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been receiving treatment over the past 5 to 6 years. They’re wonderful individuals who have accepted their condition and are wheelchair-bound, with no mobility in their limbs and torso. With limited ranges of motion in the head and neck, they’re able to control their wheelchair by blowing into a straw and by pressing a button with their jaw or cheek. Isn’t it great technology can give them some control and mobility?!

As MS progresses, the patient will eventually lose all motor and muscle function. Their primary complaint: muscle tightness, stiffness, and regression of neck function. Through massage we’ve been able to curb the deterioration so that these 2 patients are still wheelchair mobile.

Treatments are once a week, concentrating on neck shoulder and jaws. Simply stripping the muscles along the jaw line yields instant results - increased range of motion in head and neck. Compressions and effleurage to back neck and shoulder muscles are still applied.

It’s mind-blowing how after all this time their condition has not regressed. I am so grateful for their trust and confidence.

The idea of expanding my practice is beckoning that I must acknowledge it. I really enjoy performing injury/trauma rehab. Lately, I’ve been thinking of incorporating rollers and mats to treat patients while they’re in dynamic stretches.

For many, traditional stretches have little effect and I find that putting patients in certain positions/poses/stretches really enhance results.

I can’t wait to have an office, call it my own, and have full autonomy and freedom to work with my patients.

It’s no secret that stretching is an integral part of good muscle health, movement (dance; athletics, etc.), and a general sense of feeling good. Many stick with traditional stretches that really don’t work as great.

Part of my practice is putting patients in various stretches and treating the restrictions. It works great and results are almost immediate. The trick is to keep up with it.

I’m in the process of expanding my practice space to include a mat and few stretching tools. Will update as soon as I find the right space and area.

I love finding creative ways to treat these conditions. What has worked well is rotating the head to the side and tilting it at a 30 degree angle and perform joint mobilizations. And, at times, I ask the patient to thrust their lower jaw forward - an underbite - too.

These techniques have served well especially in C0/C1 dysfunction along with cervical nerve impingements causing radiating pain down the shoulder.

As a massage therapist, I’m just as prone to carpal tunnel as anyone else. I am very diligent with stretches and massages - self-care. What also helps me is applying ice compress and washing my hands in cool (not cold) water.

Treating in a hospital, I have encountered a number of carpal tunnel surgery cases. Before you consider this option, try massage therapy. While it may not cure the condition, it can maintain or better it.Surgery is traumatic and the recovery time can be long and excruciating. Not withstanding the scar tissue build up, if not treated in a timely fashion, can be more problematic.

Massage therapy, coupled with stretches and proper home-care, you’d be amazed at the level of improvement that might change your mind about opting for surgery.

Over a course of several treatments (massage therapy and physiotherapy), a patient with plantar fasciitis is seeing results. Through ultrasound with the physiotherapist and joint play/manipulation and joint mobilization of the ankle over the dome of the foot, it has yielded results of decreased foot pain, increased mobility and endurance, and decreased calf muscle pain and achilles tightness.

With manual treatment, it is important to keep up with home care such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation of legs.

It’s rare that I ever get sick but when I do, it hits me like a tonne of bricks. Silly thing is, I’m very prone to getting bronchitis. I use eucalyptus oil to ease nighttime cough and breathing.

Massage can help a great deal too. I use tapotement (gentle hacking and other techniques) to loosen up mucus buildup in the lungs. Needless to say, neck and shoulder treatments is a must during recovery; they are accessory breathing muscles and when you’re congested, they get real tight. I also do some rib-raking - rib muscles are primary breathing muscles - to prevent soreness and tightness in the chest.

Top up on fluids and doing some gentle stretches will make a world of difference.

Let’s face it, we need to be on our feet daily. It’s no fun hobbling around painfully from plantar fasciitis. It’s tricky - I’d treat a patient, they feel better, then they’re back on their feet for hours on end again.

I’m always looking for creative ways to treat plantar fasciitis, especially having suffered it myself. After treatment, try soaking in cool or cold water as soon as you have the opportunity; do active range of motion of the ankle in clockwise and counter clockwise; and, keep on top of getting regular treatments and get the stretches going.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, I can help.

That massage therapy can treat a variety of conditions? It surprised me when a patient commented that they didn’t think that massage therapists treat tennis or golfer's elbow!

We do and are very effective at it too. They key is not to wait too long until the pain is unbearable excruciating and is affecting your activities of daily living. In the interim, ice is always your best friend for pain. If there is redness and, or, heat emanating from the site of injury, they are cardinal signs of swelling. Heat will only exacerbate the problem, so use ice.