Our Blog
Curious about the services we offer and how they can benefit you?
We've got a blog post for that!
Check out our posts below.
How Massage can positively impact your Health and Wellbeing
If you’ve been feeling tense, sore, or simply overwhelmed by life’s daily stressors, you may want to consider the healing power of massage therapy. At Restore Healthcare in Peterborough, Ontario, our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) provide personalized, professional care to help you feel your best—physically and mentally.In this post, we explore the top benefits of massage therapy and why so many people in Peterborough are turning to this hands-on treatment for long-term wellness.
1. Relieves Muscle Tension and Chronic Pain.
Massage therapy is a well-established method for reducing muscular tension and treating chronic pain conditions such as back pain and fibromyalgia. Techniques like deep tissue massage and myofascial release help relax muscles and improve soft tissue function.🧠 A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that massage was more effective than usual medical care for relieving chronic back pain after 10 weeks (Cherkin et al., 2011).Cherkin, D. C., Sherman, K. J., Kahn, J., et al. (2011). A comparison of the effects of 2 types of massage and usual care on chronic low back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(1), 1–9.
2. Improves Circulation and Flexibility.
Massage stimulates both the circulatory and lymphatic systems, improving the flow of oxygen and nutrients to muscles. This helps with recovery from physical activity and enhances joint range of motion.💡 A 2010 review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that massage increases blood flow and can reduce muscle soreness following exercise (Weerapong et al., 2005).Weerapong, P., Hume, P. A., & Kolt, G. S. (2005). The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery, and injury prevention. Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(3), 235–256.
3. Reduces Stress and Supports Mental Health.
Massage therapy is linked to reduced stress hormones (like cortisol) and increased serotonin and dopamine, contributing to improved mood and relaxation.🧠 A 2010 meta-analysis in Psychological Bulletin confirmed that massage therapy significantly reduces anxiety, depression, and cortisol levels (Moyer et al., 2004).Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3–18.
4. Supports Posture and Injury Prevention.
Postural imbalances, repetitive strain, and sedentary habits can lead to pain and dysfunction. Regular massage therapy helps maintain muscular balance and reduces tension that contributes to poor posture.🧍♂️ A study published in Manual Therapy found that massage therapy, combined with postural awareness education, improved outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal pain (Furlan et al., 2008).Furlan, A. D., Imamura, M., Dryden, T., & Irvin, E. (2008). Massage for low back pain: An updated systematic review within the framework of the Cochrane Back Review Group. Spine, 33(16), 1870–1881.
5. Boosts Immune Function?
There’s growing evidence that massage therapy supports immune function by enhancing lymphatic circulation and lowering stress-related inflammation.🧬 A 2010 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that a single session of Swedish massage increased white blood cell count and decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines (Rapaport et al., 2010).Rapaport, M. H., Schettler, P., & Bresee, C. (2010). A preliminary study of the effects of a single session of Swedish massage on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and immune function in normal individuals. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(10), 1079–1088.
Why Choose Massage Therapy in Peterborough at Restore Healthcare?
At Restore Healthcare, our Registered Massage Therapist in Peterborough offer a range of evidence-based techniques designed to support your physical and mental well-being. Whether you're recovering from injury, dealing with stress, or working toward better mobility, our RMT is here to help.
We work alongside a team of psychotherapists, yoga instructors, and personal trainers to provide holistic care in a welcoming, community-centered clinic.
Book Your First Massage Therapy Session Today!
Ready to experience the benefits of massage therapy for yourself? Book an appointment online with one of our expert RMTs or call us at (705) 740 - 9761.
Our Peterborough massage clinic is welcoming new clients—and your first step toward better health starts here.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Yoga
Whether you're looking to improve flexibility, manage stress, or support your mental health, yoga offers a powerful, research-–backed way to enhance overall well-being. At Restore Healthcare Peterborough, our restorative yoga classes are designed to be accessible, calming, and rooted in mindfulness.
Here’s a closer look at the evidence-based benefits of yoga—and why it’s a valuable part of a balanced wellness routine.
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Yoga is widely known for its stress-reducing effects. Studies have shown that regular practice can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. A 2017 meta-analysis in PLOS One found that yoga significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety across multiple populations.
📖 Cramer et al., 2017 – Yoga for Anxiety
At Restore Healthcare, we emphasize breathwork, mindfulness, and slow, supported movement in our classes—ideal for those looking to reduce anxiety or calm the nervous system.
2. Improves Flexibility and Mobility
One of the most immediate physical benefits of yoga is increased flexibility. But more than that, yoga helps improve joint range of motion, balance, and mobility over time. A 2016 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science demonstrated that just 12 weeks of yoga significantly improved flexibility and functional mobility in participants.
📖 Shiraishi et al., 2016 – Flexibility in Yoga
Our classes include options for all bodies and levels of experience, making yoga accessible regardless of your current mobility or physical limitations.
3. Supports Mental Health and Emotional Resilience
Beyond physical benefits, yoga has a profound impact on emotional regulation, depression, and overall mental health. A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that yoga practice led to significant reductions in depression symptoms and improved emotional balance.
📖 Domingues et al., 2018 – Yoga and Mental Health
Our instructors are trained to create a safe and inclusive space, particularly for those navigating stress, trauma, or emotional overwhelm.
4. Enhances Sleep Quality
If you struggle with falling or staying asleep, yoga might help. A study from Harvard Medical School found that participants who practiced yoga regularly reported improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia.
📖 Khalsa, 2004 – Yoga and Sleep
Many of our restorative and evening yoga sessions at Restore Healthcare are specifically designed to prepare the body and mind for deep, restful sleep.
5. Builds Strength and Reduces Pain
Yoga improves muscle endurance, posture, and spinal alignment, all of which contribute to reduced pain—especially in the lower back and shoulders. The Annals of Internal Medicine published a randomized trial showing that yoga was as effective as physical therapy for chronic low back pain.
📖 Saper et al., 2017 – Yoga for Back Pain
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one, yoga is a low-impact strength practice that supports long-term physical resilience.
Why Practice Yoga at Restore Healthcare in Peterborough?
Our approach to yoga is gentle, trauma-informed, and rooted in holistic healing. We offer:
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Restorative and therapeutic yoga classes
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Small group settings for personalized attention
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A quiet, serene studio space inside our multidisciplinary clinic
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First class free for all new yoga participants
We welcome everyone—from complete beginners to experienced practitioners—who are looking for movement that supports nervous system regulation, body awareness, and lasting wellness.
🧘♀️ Ready to Begin?
Explore our yoga schedule, read about our instructors, or book your first class online. Let your yoga journey begin in a space designed for care, comfort, and community—right here in Peterborough, Ontario.
Counselling: What's are the steps?
New to counselling services or nervous about a first visit?
This post is for you.
We'll walk you through what you can expect!
1. Find a Counsellor
Counselling is a discipline where you may want to read practitioner bio's to try to find the right fit. Our counsellors have their focus areas listed in their bio to help ease this process! All of our counsellors are either registered psychotherapists or registered psychotherapists qualifying. This means that visits are covered by most insurance companies!
- Some of our counsellors are supervised by Psychologists. This means that they are often eligible for even more coverage!
Let us know if this is the case for you and we can book accordingly.
2. Book your first appointment
Book a free 20 min intro session online or in person! These appointments are offered to help ensure that the counsellor you booked with is the right fit for you. However, if you'd rather jump right into a 60 min session you are more than welcome to do so. Once you book, you'll be prompted to complete a brief intake form which includes a brief history as well as questions about what you're hoping to work on!
3. Attending your first session
During your first session the counsellor will discuss confidentiality and discuss why you are seeking support. The counsellor may also ask some questions to try to get a more complete picture. This part is what most people feel nervous about and many struggle to articulate what they are dealing with. This is okay! Our counsellors are there to help you through this and there's no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with.
4. What to expect
You may not leave your first session with all the answers, but that's normal. You'll begin to form a trusting relationship with your counsellor who will help you reflect, explore pattern, and set goals!
5. How should I feel afterwards?
There's no one way to feel after your first session. Some people will feel relieved about finally having the opportunity to open up while others may feel strong or difficult emotions. Many also feel uncertainty after having tried an approach that feels unfamiliar. These are all normal experience.
6. How do I know it's working for me?
Most people don't feel better right away after their first session. Though we're proud of you for taking the first step! Counselling is a collaborative process and it takes time to gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The goal is that you feel heard and that overtime you begin to feel more empowered, emotionally aware, and even a bit more hopeful.
6. Okay, but does counselling really work?
The science based literature points to an astounding yes. Here's some fantastic articles if you'd like to read more!
- https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10101411
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2810866
