Carmen Anderson-RMT

03/24/2025

Stretching That Actually Works: A Massage Therapist’s Guide

Stretching is more than just a quick warm-up—it’s key to reducing pain, improving mobility, and preventing injuries. But most people stretch incorrectly, leading to little or no results. Here’s how to stretch effectively and actually feel a difference.

How Stretching Works

Stretching increases blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and improves joint mobility. It also prevents injuries by keeping muscles and connective tissues flexible. However, to get real results, you need to do it properly and consistently.

Why Most People Don’t See Results
• Holding stretches too short – You need at least 30–60 seconds per stretch.
• Stretching cold muscles – Always warm up first to avoid injury.
• Not breathing properly – Deep breathing helps muscles relax and lengthen.
• Inconsistency – Stretching only once in a while won’t make a lasting impact.

Effective Stretches for Real Results
1. Hip Flexor Stretch – Kneel on one knee, push hips forward to stretch the front of the hip. Hold 30–60 sec per side.
2. Chest Opener – Stand in a doorway, hands on the frame at shoulder height, step forward slightly. Hold 30 sec.
3. Seated Forward Fold – Sit with legs straight, hinge at hips, reach for toes. Hold 30–60 sec.
4. Cat-Cow Stretch – On all fours, arch your back (inhale), then round it (exhale). Repeat 10x.
5. Calf Stretch – Step one foot back, keep heel down, lean forward. Hold 30 sec per side.

Final Thoughts

Stretching isn’t about extreme positions—it’s about smart, consistent movement. Combined with massage therapy, it helps reduce pain and improve mobility. Want help? Book a session and feel the difference!

Carmen Badura

As an experienced Registered Massage Therapist based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients. From those recovering from Motor Vehicle Accidents and navigating WCB claims, to everyday individuals seeking relaxation and stress relief, my practi...

10/23/2024

Anyone need to use up Benifits or just need a massage feel free to book yourself in and I can definitely help you. 🙂

Therapeutic Massage

09/13/2024

Understanding Whiplash and How Massage Therapy Can Aid Recovery

Whiplash is a neck injury commonly caused by sudden movements of the head, often occurring during car accidents, sports injuries, or falls. While it may seem like a minor injury, untreated whiplash can lead to long-term issues such as chronic pain, headaches, and reduced mobility.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the neck is abruptly forced beyond its normal range of motion, leading to strain or injury to the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. This can result in immediate or delayed symptoms, making it difficult to recognize the severity of the injury right away.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches, typically starting at the base of the skull
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Shoulder and upper back pain
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in the arms

While symptoms may resolve within a few weeks for some, others experience long-term effects, known as chronic whiplash.

How Massage Therapy Can Help with Whiplash Recovery

Massage therapy plays a crucial role in treating whiplash. Here’s how it helps:

1. Relieves Muscle Tension: After a whiplash injury, the muscles in the neck and upper back often become tight and painful. Massage helps reduce this tension, which can alleviate pain and restore mobility.
2. Improves Circulation: Massage increases blood flow to the injured area, promoting healing by delivering oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues while helping reduce inflammation.
3. Restores Range of Motion: Whiplash can severely restrict neck movement. Massage therapy can gently stretch and mobilize the neck, restoring flexibility and easing movement.
4. Reduces Stress and Pain: Whiplash can be mentally exhausting in addition to the physical discomfort. Massage therapy reduces stress levels by encouraging relaxation and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
5. Prevents Chronic Pain: Early treatment with massage can prevent acute whiplash from turning into a chronic condition, reducing the likelihood of ongoing pain and mobility issues.

The Importance of Prompt Treatment

It’s crucial to address whiplash early on. Untreated whiplash can lead to long-term pain and discomfort that negatively affects your quality of life. Seeking professional care, including massage therapy, ensures that you don’t just treat the immediate symptoms but also prevent chronic issues from developing.

Conclusion

If you’ve experienced whiplash from an accident or injury, it’s essential to seek care promptly. Massage therapy offers a non-invasive, effective solution to manage pain, restore mobility, and promote healing. Early intervention is key to achieving a full recovery and avoiding long-term complications.

Don’t let whiplash keep you in pain—reach out today to explore how massage therapy can help you on the road to recovery!

09/12/2024

The Power of Therapeutic Massage for a Healthier, Pain-Free Life!

As a massage therapist specializing in pain reduction, increased mobility, and improved blood flow, I’ve seen firsthand how the right approach to massage can transform people’s lives. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury, someone dealing with chronic pain, or simply in need of relaxation, therapeutic massage can make a world of difference.

In my practice, I focus on:

• Reducing pain and discomfort
• Restoring mobility and flexibility
• Enhancing overall well-being through personalized care

The benefits of regular massage go beyond relaxation—it’s about helping your body heal, function better, and thrive. If you’re looking to take charge of your health and well-being, let’s connect!

Feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to learn how massage therapy can support your health goals.

07/24/2024

Like I said I’d post the link to the go fund me daily so no one has to look for it to hard.

Hanna is making small progress and doing pretty good considering. Shes along ways from her normal self but she’s in there.

She’s one tough little princess and is so strong and determined.

Links here for you if you want. Again this is just being amazing the support from everyone. We are all so grateful for everyone’s thoughts and prayers and donations. This truly is amazing when we band together.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

I am creating this to help my sister and brother in-law to help cover some costs … Carmen Badura needs your support for Help Hanna and Family through recovery

06/27/2024

I only have 1 opening today from 1:30 -2:30 for a 60 minute massage.

Next week is also booking up quickly.

Text me to book it 403-479-0709

02/26/2024

If you would like to get my monthly newsletter subscription, please feel free to sign up here. It will be sent out monthly! All I need is your email address, which you can add to this link when you click it!

11/30/2023

As the month closes out. I have been in business for 1 months and i cannot thank the friends and family members that have supported me enough. I also want to thank the surrounding communities around my work. Wow is all I can say.

The success I seen in the past 30 days has blown my mind, I am beyond proud of myself and my business growth. I was hoping to break even month one. I blew that out of the water in 8 days. I turned a profit in less than a month.

I am beyond grateful and wanted to give a huge thank you to all my friends, family and strangers that became new clients.

I havent spent a dime on advertising and made 3 posts on facebook community groups.

If you need a push to go after your dreams and if fear is in your way. F**k it. Go for it. I was told by a very wise person, if you dont try you will never know what could be. If you never quit, you can not fail. Only when you give up you fail. So keep going and if you have a dream make it a reality.

Dreams are dreams til you make a plan and take action to make it a reality. Not a day has been easy but its so worth every second of stress!!!

I am just so grateful as i reflect on an amazing first month. Here’s to going up and achieving the impossible!!!

Stop wishing for a better life. You’re in control, take the actions and do the work.

Again just one more big thanks to all that have supported me.