hole in blue sock Larisa Stefanuyk/iStock/Getty Images

Seasons change, fluids retain

Fit to Farm: Unlike blood, your lymphatic fluids could use your help to overcome gravity

Most of us experience a bit of extra fluid retention occasionally, as “puffiness” in our lower bodies, when weather changes. Gravity naturally keeps lymph fluid down, but gentle movement can help keep it flowing properly.

Medical doctor and massage therapist. Miragest/iStock/Getty Images 2177642786

When pain literally gets on your nerves

Fit to Farm: This kind of pain gets around within the body, so just treating the local area won’t solve the problem

All pain links back to our nerves, but our nerves themselves can also become irritated due to inflammation, immune system activation, physical or emotional trauma and/or fatigue.


treating shoulder pain

Understanding shoulder pain

Fit to Farm: If we don’t move in ways that keep the joint stable, our bodies will tense up to hold it in place

Posture, breathing patterns and body maintenance all affect your risk of shoulder pain, one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic.



Pelvic rocking (yoga mat optional).

Maintain your pelvic floor function

Fit to Farm: These muscles help keep our posture and vital organs where they belong

An often-overlooked source of common complaints like back pain, hip pain and fatigue lies in the hard-to-access soft tissues of our pelvic floor — the soft tissues within the inner bowl of our pelvic bones.



Build strength to prevent hand pain

Build strength to prevent hand pain

Fit to Farm: Pain in the hands is a common problem — but don’t write it off as normal

Many hand issues actually originate in the tissues higher up in the arm. To keep our hands functioning well, we need to care for our shoulders and neck too.

hot water bottle

At-home remedies for arthritis pain

Fit to Farm: It only seems weird to use heat and warmth to reduce inflammation in your joints

Joint pain and pain related to arthritis are common occurrences heading into our colder months here in Canada. With extreme and frequent changes in temperature and air pressure, many of us experience increased achiness, stiffness and inflammation. Here are a few at-home ideas to try this winter to hopefully take the edge off some of […] Read more


Intentionally slowing down your usual simple routine movements can help calm your nervous system and dial down a pain response.

Non-surgical options to manage pain

Fit to Farm: Don’t just ignore pain or the clues to its causes

As an athletic therapist, I often work with individuals faced with managing painful conditions in the short and long term. Many conditions or injuries do require surgery to repair underlying issues. That said, many pain-related symptoms do not require surgical intervention to alleviate. Pain and other uncomfortable sensations occur for many reasons, often entirely unrelated […] Read more

Gently moving your skin, and the surgical scar itself, will help you make sure scar tissue doesn’t impede connective tissues and soft tissues.

Recovering from joint replacement surgery

Fit to Farm: Many people wait too long to begin rehabilitation afterward

Last issue I wrote about the preparation and potential “pre-hab” strategies I recommend to individuals waiting or pursuing a joint replacement surgery. Now it’s time to explore what to do after a joint replacement to support optimal recovery. Regardless of which area has been replaced or operated on, joint replacement surgeries are often relatively quick […] Read more