East Meets West(ern): How Massage and Acupuncture Help You Recover from Stampede Season

The Calgary Stampede is known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”—and for good reason. Ten days of cowboy hats, concerts, midway food, late nights, and general Yahoo energy can do a number on the body (and mind). Whether you’re a seasoned Stampede-goer or this was your first rodeo, you might now be feeling it—in your feet, your back, your head, your digestion, your sleep—maybe even all of the above.

This is where a little East-meets-West recovery can go a long way.

As a Doctor of Acupuncture and a Registered Massage Therapist, I often see a post-Stampede uptick in patients coming in with issues they didn’t have before July 4th—or issues that got louder. From calf cramps after dancing in new boots, to low back pain from watching the Grandstand Show, to full-body fatigue from too many days of sensory overload and not enough water—it’s all part of the ride. Add in rich food, sugary drinks, and maybe a few late nights, and your nervous system and liver may also be looking for a reset.

Let’s not forget the incredible volunteers who support this amazing event. They are the constant driving force that keeps everything running smoothly. From rodeo helpers to groundskeepers, agricultural farmers, veterinarians, and carnival staff—the list truly goes on and on.

The good news is, you don’t have to tough it out. We’re here with some fun tips and resources to help you along the way.

Muscle Aches & Calf Fatigue? Let’s Start There.

Stampede fashion isn’t always Stampede-functional. Wearing cowboy boots for hours (without breaking them in) on asphalt can lead to tight calves, aching arches, and even knee or low back pain. Acupuncture and massage therapy help by addressing fascial restrictions in the feet and calves, improving circulation, and releasing tension patterns that otherwise would make you feel like you just ran a half marathon—while line dancing.

Tips: What is the leading cause of Achilles tendinitis? If you’re asking yourself “What is Achilles tendinitis?” it’s an injury of the Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon. It often results from overuse—using the tendon too much or too hard without enough rest—but sometimes it can develop without a clear cause. The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.
Treatment: We use a variety of techniques including electrostimulation acupuncture, cupping, massage therapy, and trigger point release to help prevent and treat this.

Neck or Back Pain After the Bull?

Yes, mechanical bull injuries are real. Even if you didn’t fall off, the quick twists, full-body contractions, and sheer effort of hanging on can leave you with muscle strain, joint misalignment, or delayed-onset soreness. Whether you’re riding the mechanical bull or a true cowboy participating in bull or horse rodeo, there are treatment options for you. Massage techniques like deep tissue release or trigger point therapy can ease tension patterns. Combined with acupuncture, you can target deeper pain pathways and help regulate inflammation.

Tips: When participating in these events, the best advice is to maintain good posture—make sure your chin is tucked, and your shoulders are engaged like you have an apple between your shoulder blades. If not, you might experience whiplash symptoms the next day.

What is whiplash? Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when the head suddenly jerks backward and then forward, like a whip cracking. This rapid movement can stretch and damage muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. It commonly occurs in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Symptoms often include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or fatigue.

Head Pain from Dehydration or Weather?

As Calgarians, we know how quickly the weather can change here. Barometric shifts often trigger headaches and migraines—one of the most common issues we see. Add to that the effects of loud concerts, dehydration, and the sudden movements on carnival rides, and it’s no surprise headaches become a frequent complaint.

Tips: Acupuncture offers personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific type of headache you’re experiencing. Our acupuncturists work to not only relieve current headaches but also develop preventative strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines over time.

Sensory Overload & Sleep Disruption

It’s not just physical tension that ramps up during Stampede. Between concerts, rodeo events, band shows, crowds, bright midway lights, and maybe a little too much excitement, your nervous system might be running hot. Acupuncture is a powerful tool for calming the sympathetic “fight or flight” response. Even a short series of treatments can support better sleep, improved digestion, and a greater sense of calm—especially helpful if you feel like you haven’t truly relaxed in a week.

Think of your body as a large electrical grid system. When that system becomes overloaded, it can shut down. This can lead to sleep dysfunction, poor memory, brain fog, and other symptoms—conditions that are often reset by a few acupuncture treatments. Our goal is to get your grid back online and operating at its best so you can return to your week after Stampede feeling refreshed.

Tips for better sleep: Acupuncture helps reduce overstimulation and adrenal fatigue. By treating the Heart meridian—specifically the command point “Heart 7”—it can improve insomnia and promote restful sleep.
Grounding your life force: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is called your Shen. Treatment involves acupuncture points along the crown of the head combined with red light therapy to support collagen production, regulate sleep, calm the nervous system, and anchor the Shen.
Screen time management: With high levels of light exposure, sensory overload, and constant social media posting, the best solution is to monitor your screen time, allowing your body to reset and decompress from the digital world.
Blue light lenses: If you need to use screens, blue light glasses are essential to protect your eyes. Acupuncture treatments focusing on your Kidneys and Liver can also support eye health, as these organs are the major controllers of vision in TCM.

Digestion, Detox & the Liver

Stampede food is delicious—but it’s often deep-fried, sugar-heavy, and not exactly hydration-friendly. Add in a few adult beverages over the course of 14 days, and your digestive system might start to feel sluggish, and your energy may hit the tank. Acupuncture and abdominal massage can stimulate your internal organ systems, support detoxification, and help bring your gut back into balance.

Tips: Greasy and refined sugary foods can affect many areas of the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is called “dampness,” which is linked to the Spleen channel. Think of dampness as invisible phlegm that makes you feel like you’re carrying a piano around. During treatment, an acupuncturist will examine your tongue, which acts as a roadmap to your organs. Too much dampness often shows as a scalloped tongue, indicating the Spleen channel is affected.
Aftercare tips for Stampede: Focus on clean eating with hearty soups like bone broth, and incorporate herbs and spices such as mint, ginger, and turmeric. These ingredients are great for flushing your gut and supporting digestion.
How does acupuncture help detox? In TCM, the Liver is the key commander of Qi—our body’s vital energy and driving force. The Liver regulates Qi flow to all organs, and when disrupted, it can cause irritability, digestive issues, and sleep problems. Targeted acupuncture points on the Liver and Gallbladder channels help restore smooth Qi flow, supporting detoxification and overall balance.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Feel “Broken” to Come In

Your body works hard to keep up with all the fun, and recovery isn’t about punishment—it’s about tuning in and giving yourself permission to recalibrate. Whether you’re dealing with tight shoulders, a foggy head, or calves that feel like concrete, we’re here to help.

At Momentum Health, we blend the best of Eastern and Western therapies to meet you exactly where you are. If you’re experiencing post-Stampede tension, pain, or exhaustion, come see us—we’ll help you feel like yourself again.

Written by JM Bertoli, Dr. Ac, RMT, Clinic Director Momentum Health Ogden

Acupuncture Demo by Jon-Michael Bertoli

Curious about how acupuncture and massage therapy can work together to help you move and feel better? In this video, Jon-Michael Bertoli, RMT, walks you through what to expect during a session with him at Momentum Health Ogden. With a calm, personalized approach, JM integrates massage therapy and acupuncture to help reduce pain, release tension, and support your recovery—whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, muscle tightness, or a specific injury.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Feeling sore after Stampede season? Schedule your appointment with Momentum Health today and experience the perfect East-meets-West blend of massage and acupuncture to restore balance, ease pain, and get you back in the saddle.

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Clinician Spotlight: Jon-Michael Bertoli, Clinic Director, Dr. Ac, RMT

Meet Jon Michael Bertoli, Clinic Director at Momentum Health Ogden, a skilled Registered Massage Therapist and Doctor of Acupuncture dedicated to promoting holistic well-being.

Background & Journey

Raised in Kamloops, BC, Jon Michael grew up immersed in team sports such as hockey, lacrosse, and volleyball. In 2010, while working in construction, he witnessed firsthand the physical toll labor took on his father’s body. Inspired to make a difference, he relocated to Calgary in 2011 to pursue massage therapy. A decade later, in 2021, Jon Michael expanded his skill set by earning a Doctor of Acupuncture degree. Today, he combines the best of both massage therapy and acupuncture to provide comprehensive care to his patients.

Areas of Expertise

Massage Therapy: manual techniques to treat pain, muscle tension, sports and motor vehicle injury recovery, fascial release, stretching, pre- and post-natal massage, and reflexology
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine: specializing in pain management with electrostimulation acupuncture, fire cupping, women’s health (including PMS and fertility), headaches, hormonal balance, stress, anxiety, cosmetic rejuvenation, and other tailored techniques

Treatment Philosophy

Jon Michael emphasizes treating the root cause of each patient’s concern rather than simply alleviating symptoms. He views the body as an interconnected ecosystem where balance is key to achieving optimal health. His integrative approach blends massage, acupuncture, customized home-care plans, hot/cold therapy, traditional Chinese herbs, and ear seeds — all delivered within a warm and relaxing environment.

Outside the Clinic

When not caring for patients, Jon Michael enjoys snowboarding in the mountains, paddle boarding, exploring new cultures with his partner, cooking homemade family recipes passed down from his grandmother, gardening, and spending time with his dog, Ruby.

Summer Special!

Teachers: Let Us Help You Relax with a Massage!

This summer, the Momentum Health team wants to give back to the teachers in our community by offering $20 off any 1 hour or longer massage during July and August. Let’s get you refreshed and rested after a year with our kids!

To claim your discount and schedule your massage, contact your closest clinic and let them know you’re a teacher. The staff will provide the specific details for that location.

Note: This offer is not available at Momentum Health Creekside.

You work hard for us throughout the school year. Now, it’s our turn to work hard for you! Call your nearby clinic today and come in for an hour of rest and relaxation.

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Seasonal Recipe: 🍁 Maple-Glazed BBQ Chicken

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

For the Maple Glaze:
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)

Instructions:

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375–400°F).
Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and smoked paprika. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Begin basting with the maple glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking, brushing both sides and letting it caramelize.
Check for doneness: Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Rest for 5 minutes, then serve with extra glaze on the side if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Pairs well with grilled veggies, corn on the cob, or a light summer slaw.