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Blog #4: Diabetes
Feb 12, 2024: Approximately 30% of Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes. Yes it’s true. Among Canadian adults, 90% of diabetes is type 2, which is the preventable form of the disease (through lifestyle factors i.e. diet and exercise)! Importantly, type 2 diabetes are more prevalent among Canadians experiencing marginalization, and those with lower income and education levels.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body is no longer able to uptake the sugar circulating in your bloodstream. Insulin shots help the body absorb that excess sugar floating around. Type 2 diabetes can result in fatigue, nerve pain, blindness, amputation, and death, not to mention greatly reducing your quality of life. How do you prevent type 2 diabetes? 1. Exercise, which helps to reduce your blood sugar levels, and also helps to build muscle, which further burns sugar throughout the day. 2. Not eating too much food at once, not eating too many simple carbohydrates (high glycemic index foods) which spike your blood sugar, and conversely, and trying to eat more fibrous foods (low glycemic index) which don’t spike your blood sugar as much.
Blog #3: Nervous System:
May 28, 2023: The benefits of massage therapy are sometimes vague and unclear. It seems likely that the nervous system plays a role in those experiencing benefits from massage therapy
One potential explanation is descending inhibition, whereby the massage therapy treatment relays afferent or upwards signals to the brain, followed by a series of downwards signals to the affected body parts (or maybe the entire nervous system)
Another explanation for the decrease in pain that a client may experience following massage therapy is the concept of “smudging”, whereby the pain neurons in the brain get a bit jumbled up and disorganized due to the positive afferent input of the massage
Blog #2: Heat AND Cold
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April 9, 2023: It is a hot (pun intended) topic in the rehab world: what is BETTER, heat or cold? Heating pad or ice? Hot bath or cold shower? Sauna or snow plunge?
There are times when cold is preferred (subduing excess inflammation and edema in the acute stages of an injury), and times when heat is preferred (chronic or persistent pains, where we want to deliver signals of safety and security to the nervous system).
However, when it comes to optimizing recovery, I would like to suggest that BOTH are beneficial. Think of the infrared sauna and cryotherapy as low-level stressors to the to the body. As a response to the threat of either supercold or superhot stimulus, the body responds with adaptive and protective mechanisms to help you fend off future stimulus of a similar variety. In other words, the body will bolster its own immune system defences, in preparation for future insults. This process is known as hormesis.
Blog #1: One Year
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April 1, 2023: Thank you for tuning in to The Athlete Reset’s first blog. Today happens to be a celebratory occasion – the 1-year mark, since first opening our doors.
It has been a fantastic first year, and we welcomed over 100 clients into the facility. There were some growing pains (pun intended) in the beginning, but our system and client experience is much more streamlined now.
We were visited by athletes, everyday gym-goers, and clients with various musculoskeletal injuries such as tendinitis of the elbow, rotator cuff issues, strained back muscles etc. The most popular appointment type remains the 60min RMT session; however, several clients tried our signature “The Athlete Reset” session, full their more intensive recovery needs.
Looking forward to helping you recover soon,
Colin, Founder of The Athlete Reset in Don Mills
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Registered Massage Therapy – Don Mills, Toronto
44 Prince Andrew Pl, Toronto – Don Mills
- BOOK & PAY ONLINE (red buttons above)
- 44 Prince Andrew Pl. – near Don Mills and Lawrence
- More info: 416-473-2510 or email athletereset@gmail.com
- Use your RMT (Registered Massage Therapy) benefits and receive an official receipt after your session
- Cancellations/rescheduling must be 12 hours in advance
Prerna Deshpande RMT
- Registered Massage Therapist
- Background in physiotherapy
- Indian Head Massage offered
Prerna Deshpande is a Registered Massage Therapist with a background in physiotherapy. She had also completed her Masters in Exercise Science. She integrates her clinical knowledge with massage therapy to deliver effective, evidence-based treatments tailored to each client’s needs. Her practice focuses on deep tissue techniques, Indian Head Massage, and therapeutic approaches that support pain management, injury recovery, and overall mobility. Prerna is committed to providing patient-centered care, ensuring her treatments address both immediate concerns and long-term wellness goals.
Steve Lee RMT
- Registered Massage Therapist
- CSCS
- Dolphin Neurostim (MPS)
Steve is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with nearly 30 years of coaching experience. He works with active professionals and athletes dealing with persistent pain, tightness, and movement restrictions, especially in the shoulders, back, and overuse-related issues.
His approach is assessment-driven and combines manual therapy, myofascial techniques, and Dolphin Neurostim (MPS) to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve function. Steve has advanced training in concussion support and scar tissue treatment and uses these tools when appropriate based on your presentation.
Sessions are focused on hands-on treatment with clear goals and measurable changes. When helpful, Steve provides simple, practical homecare suggestions to help results hold between visits.
Christina Atherley RMT
- Registered Massage Therapist
- Mindfulness, healing, results oriented
Christina is Toronto born and island raised. She was educated at the University of the West Indies where she obtained a Bachelor of Science along with a specialization in Physical Education, and was a certified PhysEd. teacher in Barbados. In 2010, she became a Registered Massage Therapist, practicing in the Caribbean for a few years. Since moving back to Canada, she completed her Massage Therapy Diploma. Christina is ready to use her positive and energetic personality to help others. Believing in energy and mindfulness as an important part to the healing process, she is very aware of how to positively influence clients listening to the body and mind to gain perspective on how to truly help a person feel better. From a technical aspect, she has an excellent grasp of anatomy and physiology to better understand pain as well as great skill for treatment planning which facilitates her clients’ transitions back to wellness. Christina enjoys learning and is committed to improving her skill set to be in a position to better help her patients.“Live, Laugh, Learn “ is her motto for both life and business.
Colin Badali RMT
- Registered Massage Therapy
- Deep Tissue massage therapy
- Recovery Advice and Exercise Prescription
Colin lives in Don Mills and established The Athlete Reset in 2022. He has 15 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. He is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and holds a B.Sc. in Kinesiology from McGill University (2009). He is committed to providing patient-centered care, ensuring treatments address both immediate concerns and long-term wellness goals. Colin has completed the Hyrox Pro race and has played basketball, hockey, and many other sports.
Treatment Options:
- 30min Registered Massage Therapy session
- 60min Registered Massage Therapy session
- 90min Registered Massage Therapy session
- More Options: Click on Schedule Appointment button above
OTHER PRODUCTS:
The Athlete Reset 30 Day Mobility+ Program: an online VIDEO program featuring 30 unique days of mobility, balance, core and recovery exercises, expertly designed to help athletes and weekend warriors feel better and perform at their best.
More on The Athlete Reset 30 Day Mobility+ Program
What is it?: a video series with 30 separate days, featuring 12 to 15 exercises each day. The program can be a powerful asset in almost anyone’s fitness toolbox.
What type of exercises?: They are mobility, coordination, balance, and stability exercises.
Who is this for: A: anyone in musculoskeletal pain
B: anyone who has been very inactive and wants to start getting fit
C: Athletes working hard in the gym, looking for recovery
What you need at home: a broomstick/hockeystick, 1 or 2 exercise bands, 1 or 2 dumbbells, a foam roller
What you need to be able to do: You need to be able to get on and off the ground, as the programs will often have both standing exercises and exercises on the ground.
How is it different from a Youtube video: Each of the 30 days in the program is different, and are organized in a specific way, to get you the best results.
What is the price: $42 CAD for the whole year ($30 USD).
What people are saying about The Athlete Reset 30 Day Mobility+ Program
“After a tough season, the program helped to reset my body and prepare me for rigorous offseason training”
-D.K, Elite hockey player
“I like the format, with the demo and number of reps, and each exercise set out on its own. I find it easier to use than having one continuous video that I would surely need to pause to make sure I completed all the reps”
-C.G., First user of The Athlete Reset 30 Day Mobility+ Program
Blog
Blog #5: Athletes Who Swear by Massage Therapy
March 25, 2025: Massage therapy has long been a secret weapon for athletes striving to stay at the top of their game. From recovery to injury prevention, many of the world’s most celebrated sports stars have openly credited massage therapy as a cornerstone of their success. Here’s a look at some of these athletes and how massage therapy has played a pivotal role in their careers:
- Michael Phelps: The most decorated Olympian of all time, Phelps has often spoken about the importance of massage therapy in his training and recovery routine. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he reportedly received massages twice a day to keep his body in peak condition.
- Usain Bolt: Known as the fastest man in the world, Bolt has emphasized how massage therapy helped him manage scoliosis and recover from intense training sessions. He credits it as a key factor in maintaining his legendary speed and performance.
- Serena Williams: The tennis icon has highlighted the role of massage therapy in her recovery process, helping her stay competitive through the physical demands of her sport.
- LeBron James: Basketball superstar LeBron James incorporates massage therapy into his regimen to maintain his physical and mental edge. It’s a vital part of his recovery strategy, allowing him to perform consistently at an elite level.
- Kobe Bryant: The late NBA legend was a strong advocate for massage therapy. He even convinced the Los Angeles Lakers to hire his personal physical therapist so he could receive treatment whenever needed.
- Dara Torres: The Olympic swimmer, who competed in five Olympic Games, relied on massage therapy to recover from the physical demands of training and competition. She even had two massage therapists on standby during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Kerri Walsh Jennings: The beach volleyball champion has credited massage therapy with helping her recover from injuries and maintain her competitive edge.
These athletes are just a few examples of how massage therapy has become an integral part of sports performance and recovery. Whether it’s managing injuries, enhancing flexibility, or simply relaxing after a grueling match, massage therapy continues to be a trusted ally for athletes across the globe.