Stretch It Out: Why Stretching Deserves a Spot in Your Busy Life
By Melissa Madsen, RMT | East Mountain Massage
In our fast-paced, always-on world, self-care often ends up at the bottom of the to-do list. But here’s a simple, effective practice that can have a big impact on your well-being: stretching. It doesn’t take much time, but the benefits are far-reaching—for both body and mind.
Why Make Time to Stretch?
Whether you spend your days at a desk, on your feet, or somewhere in between, your muscles are constantly working and adapting. Over time, without enough movement or variety, they can become stiff, sore, or imbalanced.
Regular stretching can:
• Improve flexibility and mobility
• Reduce muscle tension and soreness
• Support better posture and alignment
• Increase circulation
• Help prevent injury
• Relieve stress and promote relaxation
At East Mountain Massage, I often see clients whose pain or discomfort stems from muscular imbalances that could be eased—or even prevented—with a few simple stretches added to their routine.
Stretching Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated
The good news? You don’t need a ton of time, space, or equipment. Just a few mindful minutes a day can make a big difference.
Here are a few easy ways to make stretching part of your day:
• Morning stretch before you get out of bed
• Midday break from your desk or devices
• Evening wind-down to release tension before sleep
• Stretch while brushing your teeth, waiting for the kettle, or during commercial breaks
It’s about creating small moments of connection with your body—moments that add up over time.
Treat Stretching as an Act of Self-Respect
Stretching is more than a physical act—it’s a quiet commitment to caring for yourself. It supports your mobility, your nervous system, and your ability to handle the daily grind.
Not sure where to start, or need help addressing stubborn tension and imbalances? I’d love to help. Whether it’s through therapeutic massage, a targeted treatment plan, or customized self-care tips, we can work together to get your body moving and feeling better.
Book your next appointment at East Mountain Massage and let’s stretch your potential—one session at a time.
New for April 2025
Welcome Shanta Wehrli to the East Mountain Massage Team!
We are thrilled to welcome Shanta Wehrli, RMT, to the East Mountain Massage team! Shanta brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both rehabilitation and holistic wellness. With an Honours BA from the University of Toronto and a career foundation in personal training and fitness instruction, Shanta’s dedication to helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals is unparalleled.
After graduating from the Advanced Massage Therapy program through Mohawk College and McMaster University, Shanta has worked with a diverse range of clients, including the Hamilton Bulldogs hockey team, patients recovering from knee and hip replacements, and individuals in palliative care. She has also enjoyed her time as an RMT at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, where she provided compassionate care to patients in various stages of recovery.
Shanta’s portfolio includes a variety of specialized techniques such as IASTM, PNF stretching, trigger point release, Hot Stone Massage, Cupping Massage, Bamboo Massage, and Hot Oil Scalp Massage, ensuring that each treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs. She believes in the body’s natural ability to heal and is committed to partnering with clients who are determined to improve their health and well-being.
In addition to her massage therapy expertise, Shanta is passionate about mindfulness and movement. She teaches meditation and yoga and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking the Bruce Trail with her husband and dogs, embracing the healing power of nature.
We are excited to have Shanta join our team and look forward to the incredible care and expertise she will bring to our clients. Welcome, Shanta!
Starting April, you can find Shanta Wednesdays and every other Saturday!
Valentines Day Special
February 14, 2025 success!
What a great day at East Mountain Massage!
we have 4 massage therapists and 4 massage tables! We thought, "Let's offer Couples Massage!"
The idea became a reality, Friday, February 14! We are so happy to announce that it was a success!
"We would do this again for sure!" Was a comment from our one couple!
Some took the experience as a quiet enjoyment, knowing their partner was in the same room! Others had wonderful conversations and laughter too!
The energy was so positive and the atmosphere relaxing!
It was so successful, there is talks about having couples massage ongoing!!
Mountain Brow Counselling
Moving
Mountain Brow Counselling is moving. Their last day is February 28, 2025.
We are sad to see this move, but excited to have been a part of their growth. Please follow their website and social media for news on location.
Wishing you endless success and prosperity in your new location and congratulations on starting this exciting chapter! May good fortune follow every step.
Welcome Rahul
East Mountain Massage is Growing!
Welcoming Rahul Ghosh to the team!
We are so excited to announce we have a new addition to the massage therapy team!
Meet Rahul Ghosh, a former aerospace engineer and dedicated yogi, has transitioned into the field of healing as a registered massage therapist, following his initiation by the Inner Engineering program at the Isha Foundation. His distinctive background in engineering, combined with his extensive yoga practice, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the human body. Over the years, Rahul has acquired proficiency in various Indian and Ayurvedic massage techniques, celebrated for their therapeutic efficacy.
You can find Rahul Sundays at Brucedale! to book online
