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August 2026 HIP Newsletter

Welcome to The RESTART OF THE HIP Newsletter

Make the Most of Edmonton’s Final Stretch of Summer

Welcome back to the HIP newsletter! We’ve decided to get back to sending out a monthly newsletter to connect with patients, provided some useful information, and keep you updated on all things HIP.

We’re excited to reconnect and share practical ideas to help you feel, move and perform at your best. In this issue, you’ll find a late-summer feature on massage therapy and lower back discomfort, meet massage therapist Alex Hawthorne, discover another useful read, try a simple seasonal recipe and tell us what you’d like to learn about next. We’re glad you’re here, and we look forward to bringing helpful clinic news and insights to your inbox each month.


Client discussing lower back discomfort with a massage therapist in a bright clinic

August Feature Article

Massage Therapy for Lower Back Pain in Edmonton: A Practical Patient Guide

Lower back discomfort can complicate a road trip, a day in the garden or your favourite outdoor plans. This article helps you understand when massage could be useful, what happens during an Edmonton appointment and what outcomes are realistic. You’ll also learn about safety signs that call for different care and practical points to consider when choosing a provider.


Read The Full Article

Provider Spotlight

Alex Hawthorne B.Kin., RMT

Massage Therapist

Meet Alex Hawthorne, B.Kin., RMT, a massage therapist who brings an evidence-based learning approach to treatment. A recent graduate of the Macewan 2200-hour Massage program, Alex previously completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Alberta. Alex is passionate about sport and recreation and works as a trainer alongside a minor league hockey program, where Alex developed an affinity for sport massage. Away from work, Alex enjoys backpacking, camping, fishing, golfing and playing just about any sport.

Alex would love to work with you. Click below to book your next massage therapy session.

 

Take Your Next Step

Massage therapist Alex Hawthorne

“Massage therapy is as much about the nervous system as it is about muscle; it is not focused on muscle alone.”

Believe

Physiotherapy Edmonton - Human Integrated Performance

Perform

Physiotherapy Edmonton - Human Integrated Performance

Achieve

Physiotherapy Edmonton - Chiropractor - Human Integrated Performance

Recover


Adult pausing on an Edmonton river valley trail with mild leg discomfort

Your Next Read

Can a Chiropractor Help With Sciatica? An Edmonton Patient Guide

Leg pain linked with sciatica can make travel, walking and summer activities harder to navigate. Read about how a chiropractor assesses these symptoms, where chiropractic care might fit and which warning signs need attention. The article also covers when imaging is considered, what treatment expectations and timelines can look like, and how Edmonton costs may factor into your planning.


Read The Full Article

Recipe of the Month

No-Cook Late-Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfaits

These colourful parfaits come together in minutes and are easy for the whole family to assemble. Use your favourite late-summer berries and choose yogurt and granola that suit your household.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh mixed berries, washed and sliced if needed
  • 2 cups plain or vanilla yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt
  • 1 cup quick oats or granola
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

How to Make It

  1. If using plain yogurt, stir in the maple syrup and vanilla, if desired.
  2. Spoon a layer of yogurt into four small glasses or bowls.
  3. Add a layer of berries, followed by a layer of quick oats or granola.
  4. Repeat the layers, finishing with a few berries on top.
  5. Serve right away for the best texture.

Makes four small parfaits. Common allergens may include dairy, gluten and nuts. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free yogurt. Check oat and granola labels carefully if avoiding gluten or nuts.

Poll Question

Which HIP service would you like to learn more about?

You Have Questions. We Have Answers.

Question: “Can massage therapy help if my lower back feels tight after gardening?”

Our expert says: Massage therapy may help reduce discomfort and improve movement, depending on the cause. An assessment helps determine whether massage is appropriate or whether another form of care would be better.

— Alex Hawthorne, B.Kin., RMT

Curious about pain, movement, recovery or performance? Send your question to our multidisciplinary team for a future Ask Our Experts feature.

Ask Our Experts

Ready to Feel, Move and Perform Better?

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, working toward a goal or looking for expert guidance, HIP’s multidisciplinary team is ready to help.

Take Your Next Step

 

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