Massage therapists are constantly expanding their knowledge and practical skills to treat their patients. One unique treatment method is Canadian based RAPID Neurofascial Reset (NFR) developed by Massage Therapists Robert and Sherry Routledge. Robert and Sherry have been using RAPID for over two decades to successfully treat patients in their busy clinic located in Three Hills Alberta.

RAPID NFR is a soft tissue based technique where the patient is involved in active movement during the treatment. The technique addresses the role of the central nervous system in alleviating pain, tension and longstanding restrictions within our muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and fascia. RAPID directly impacts neurological hypersensitivity which develops with longstanding dysfunction within the body.

Neurological hypersensitivity contributes to sympathetic (‘fight or flight’) dominance. When this occurs for a long period of time, our brain becomes stressed and creates a ‘lock down’ in our affected bodily tissue.  When left untreated, this neurological lock down literally binds up and ties down tissue.  This ‘lock down’ results in long standing pain, loss of strength and decreased range of motion. Over time, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on the tendons increase causing tendonitis and nerves can become entrapped.  

A RAPID treatment directly impacts the neurological lock down and restores the tissue and nerves being addressed.  Each treatment is unique as it involves a thorough assessment. The therapist uses his or her hands to locate and evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. But don’t mistake a RAPID treatment for a deep tissue massage! When you are getting treated with RAPID, you will remain fully clothed and the treatment can be uncomfortable to endure. This occurs as the neurological system is being stimulated to restore normal function. Many patients and therapists refer to the RAPID ‘burn’ sensation experienced when the therapist compresses tissue while the patient moves. This ‘burn’ sensation typically means the underlying tissue is bound up and in a state of neurological lock down. The good news is, the treatments go relatively quick and the results are ‘RAPID’. Treatment frequency is also usually quite short. A client can expect full recovery within 6 to 8 treatments.

RAPID NFR is beneficial for everyone for but not always preferable by everyone. If you are someone who prefers a less intense massage treatment you may want to discuss easing into a RAPID treatment with your therapist. Your therapist can begin with RAPID light, which is a gentler introduction to the treatment. RAPID light still provides great results and can help better prepare your nervous system for a regular RAPID treatment.

To learn more about RAPID and to find certified practitioners, visit www.rapidneurofascialreset.com
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*All information in this post was written with approval by Robert and Sherry Routledge. 

~ Michelle, RMT

 

Touch is the first sense to develop in humans. A baby will not thrive without touch and in some cases babies have even been known to die without an adequate amount of human touch. The sense of touch is critical to our well being and we can teach our children the benefit of healthy touch by providing them with regular massage therapy.
The benefits of massage therapy for children are priceless and these benefits carry over into adulthood.
Research shows that massage can benefit your child in the following ways:

• Improved sleep
• Relief of growing pains
• Enhanced performance on intellectual testing
• Reduction of anxiety
• Enhanced feelings of self-acceptance and self-confidence
• Promotion of a sense of comfort
• Reduction of colic
• Promotes strength, motor co-ordination and self confidence as the infant body prepares for sitting, standing and walking
• For children with ADHD, massage helps to reduce hyperactivity and increase focus
• For children who are on the autism spectrum, massage has been known to decrease touch sensitivities, disruptive behaviours and anxiety

Most of us access massage therapy as adults but touch is essential to a child’s development, sense of well-being and overall good health. Children of all ages can benefit from a massage and the next time you consider booking a treatment for yourself, book one for your child as well. Typically, less time is required for children and a 30 to 45 minute massage is adequate. And did you know most insurance plans cover the cost of massage therapy for your children? Speak with your registered massage therapist to learn what he/she feels your child would require. A good massage therapist will not only have experience treating children, they will be comfortable and confident in providing the best experience possible for your child.

​~ Michelle Smith, RMT

Cupping is a therapy in which glass or plastic cups are suctioned onto the skins surface through negative pressure. The suction and negative pressure stimulates the lymphatic system to drain excessive fluids and toxins, pull fresh blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin, loosens adhesions and stubborn knots in muscle and myofascial tissue and stimulates the nervous system. Ancient Chinese Medicine believes cupping opens up meridian pathways to all Qi (‘chi’) to flow thru. When Qi flows freely throughout the body one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
 
Types of Cupping
 
Stagnant Cupping is when a cup is placed over a specific acupressure point and left for a few seconds or minutes. This stimulates the Qi at that specific point to clear blockages or harmonize energy. This is often used to clear cold or flu, detoxify specific organs or to place a specific stretch on a muscle or knot. With stagnant cupping you will experience a gentle pulling sensation
 
Sliding Cupping is when oil or lotion is first applied to the area being treated and the cup is moved around to manipulate the tissue. This type of cupping releases the myofascial and muscle tissue increasing overall circulation and reducing the buildup of by products of inflammation and toxins in the tissue. Sliding cupping feels very similar to massage with the pressure varying depending on the amount of suction and how the cup is being manipulated. With sliding cupping you can often get the results of deep tissue massage with less discomfort and less time. Clients often report that the release from sliding cupping lasts longer and is faster than with regular therapeutic massage.
 
Areas Most Commonly Cupped
 
Cupping is most commonly used on the back because this is the most common area for pain and tension. The back is also the location of a series of acupressure points that connect to specific organs and can stimulate and harmonize the energy of those organs. Cupping can be done anywhere on the body suction can be achieved and works well for relieving pain and disorders of the shoulders, neck, hips and feet.
 
Cupping Marks
 
Cupping does commonly leave marks on the skin that vary in pattern and color and usually last from 3 days to one week. The marks may last even longer if the client is sedentary or has had a severe trauma to the area. The marks are often referred to as bruising because of how they look, however, the marks are simply dead static blood, lymph, cellular debris, pathogenic factors and toxins that are being released from the tissue to the surface. Unlike a bruise, the marks are rarely sensitive to touch afterwards unless there are large amounts of toxin being released. By clearing this stagnation in the tissue it allows fresh oxygenated blood to nourish and heal the muscle and surrounding tissue. As the stagnation clears over a series of treatments the marks will lighten and eventually the cupping will leave little or no marking.
 
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This is going to be a slightly different blog post this week.

Each week we do an internal HIGH FIVE FRIDAY, where high fives are doled out to staff for different accomplishments or good deeds. In this post I want to say a few words of thanks and then have some fun. Bear with me. It’s been a long December.

Firstly I want to say a big thank you to all our wonderful clients who have come to see us in the past year for physiotherapy and massage. To those of you who have trusted me with your care in the past ten months, an extra big thank you as I appreciate you taking time out of your busy days for self care and healing.

Secondly I want to thank all my coworkers, physiotherapists Amber, Kristyn, Miranda, Trent, and my RMT room share buddy, Kirsten for all the collaboration this year. It’s always awesome to have people to bounce ideas off of for treatments. Thank you to Sheri, Jocelyn and Shawn. Without you the clinic would grind to an absolute halt.

Last, but certainly not least, thanks to Trevor and Michelle for creating a space for us to work together with so many diverse modalities within our four walls. It makes helping our clients easy and convenient.

Now, without further adieu, and with my apologies to Clement C Moore, (who I am sure is rolling in his grave somewhere) I present to you:​

There are many myths or beliefs surrounding massage therapy. I will debunk some of the most common myths for you.
·         A massage is a massage no matter where or by who.
Unfortunately in Saskatchewan massage therapy is not a regulated profession. This is something the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan is working hard to achieve. Please research massage therapists before you go in for a treatment!
There are also many different modalities of massage or soft tissue manipulation. RMTs deliver these modalities differently and depending on what is decided as best treatment. The modalities I currently provide are:
Swedish Technique – long strokes useful for relaxation and stress relief.
Deep Tissue – slower, deeper strokes to target deeper muscles and connective tissue.
Sports Massage – treatment used to help prevent or treat injuries, or prepare the body for a sporting event.
Trigger Point – focus is on areas of tight muscle fibers.
Orthopedic – rehabilitation treatment following injury or surgery.

·         Massage is used only to pamper yourself.
Massage is useful for a number of different conditions. Regular massage can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, while promoting regular sleep cycles. Healing from injury is improved with massage, as well as maintaining optimal functioning and wellness. Over time, with regular massage treatment, a decrease in blood pressure may be seen.

·         You should be sore the next day.
Tenderness is normal to feel following a deep tissue massage. It is also normal to feel no pain. Pain is not indicative of an effective treatment. Discuss options for post massage pain with your massage therapist following your treatment.

·         Massage moves toxins in the body.
This is a common misconception and is often taught in massage therapy courses. There is no solid scientific evidence to prove this occurs. Regular massage does improve circulation, which is the body’s mode of eliminating toxins and waste.

·         Massage can get rid of cellulite.
If this was true I would be a millionaire!

·         You don’t need to complete a medical history, especially for relaxation massage.
A medical history is VERY IMPORTANT! There are conditions that are not suitable for massage. Knowing your conditions, medications, surgeries, etc. will help me in deciding if massage is appropriate and the best way to deliver a treatment to you.

·         Massage therapy is too expensive.
Most health benefits will cover massage therapy treatments and I direct bill most benefit companies! That means little to no money out of your pocket!

If you haven’t done so yet, get a massage and see how it can benefit you!
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​~ Kirsten, RMT

I’m sure you’ve asked yourself this question at least once in the last month.
Take a moment and check in with your body. 

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and monitor how things feel. Roll your shoulders down and back, away from your ears. Feel different? How about your jaw? Open your mouth wide and close it a few times. Have you been clenching your teeth and not realised it? What about your lower back, hips, legs? Are they tight and stiff? Are you finding it a little tougher than usual to get out of your desk chair? These are all signs of how stress affects your body. 

Our bodies and brain are intricately connected through systems like the endocrine system. Unfortunately, our brains haven’t figured out the difference between thinking about your boss yelling at you, and your boss actually yelling at you. This can cause the endocrine system to pump out high levels of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, when they are not needed. When this happens, the body responds by triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and we stay in a “fight or flight” mode. The muscles tighten, pupils dilate, blood pressure rises, digestion slows and the immune system is suppressed.  Most people live in some level of SNS response due to day to day stressors.

Massage therapy can help the body “switch on” the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS allows the body to “rest and digest”. Hormones such as serotonin are released, helping ease relaxation, decrease blood pressure, increase digestion and circulation.
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If you’ve found yourself feeling more tired, stiff and sore, or just more irritable than usual, it’s probably time for a massage.

~ Becky, RMT