RAPID is a method of hands-on neurofascial release of the deepest fascia of the periosteum. The periosteal fascia is the richest source of sensory free nerve endings in the body - richer than the eyes, ears, nose or skin. By stimulating the neurobiological system, therapists aim to affect both the central and autonomic nervous systems to reduce tissue tone and increase intracellular tissue fluids, melting adhesion and tissue tension. Most importantly, therapeutic intervention to these free nerve endings aims to produce a chemical cascade in the tissues to dramatically reduce pain. In addition to the periosteum, RAPID therapists focus on the aponeurosis, nerve sheaths, tendons, join capsules and ligaments, as these tissues are also highly neurological. Simply put, RAPID aims to address dysfunctional nerve endings to reduce tissue tension and pain, and place the body in a relaxed state. Some of the conditions that can be quickly resolved with RAPID ART include:

• headaches/migraines
• back pain
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• shin splints
• shoulder pain
• sciatica
• plantar fasciitis
• knee problems
• tennis/golfers elbow
• whiplash
• TMJ
• frozen shoulder
• bursitis
• arthritic joints
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• concussions
• pelvic floor issues
• scars
• migraine headaches
• diastis recti
• breathing issues
• carpal tunnel
• knee injuries

These conditions all have one thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

How do overuse conditions occur? Over-used muscles(and other soft tissue) change in three important ways:

• acute condtions(pulls,tears,collisions, etc)
• accumulation of small tears(micro trauma)
• not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

     Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissue that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons cause tendonitis and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also fell tingling, numbness and weakness.

     RAPID treatment involves evaluating the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. RAPID may be uncomfortable during the movement phase of the treatment. This occurs as adhesions are released, helping to restore normal function

     There are several ligaments in every joint in the body that act as the primary restraints of the bones that constitute the joint. Ruptured or injured ligaments are a source of mechanical problems. They cause impaired motor function, lost or impaired sensation, pain, joint problems and articular surface injury. Furthermore, injured ligaments increase the potential for injury to capsule, tendons, nerves and nearby tissue. This impaired state eventually leads to deficient function, risk of additional injury, a shift in sensation thresholds, impaired sensation and impaired reflex muscular activation.

     These specific and precise manual techniques, target tissue areas high in mechanoreceptors. They are based on todays most current evidence informed research. After treatments, patients typically comment they can breath, move and function better. They notice longer lasting effects and an improved quality of life. So many different conditions can be treated with LAST. I have got so many amazing releases with this technique, treating many different conditions from headaches, to diaphragm issues, ribs, hip pain, sciatic, knees to feet. The results are quite quick.

Trigger point: a hyper-irritable spot in a muscle, ligament or tendon that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable spot in a taut band of tissue. This spot can be painful upon compression or movement and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, referred tenderness, motor dysfunction, burning sensation and muscle weakness.

What symptoms do trigger points produce?

• “latent” trigger points can cause fatigue and weakness to the involved muscle(s), however they do not cause pain or other symptoms.

• “active” trigger points will also cause fatigue and weakness to the involved muscle(s) and will always produce symptoms. Symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, vertigo, sinus issues,toothache, tinnitus, cardiac arrhythmia, muscle weakness, sciatic pain, migraine, TMJD,heartburn, knee issues, back and shoulder pain, hip pain, painful menstruation, carpal tunnel symptoms are very often caused by trigger points. After releasing the trigger points most often these conditions will subside and tissues will function normally again.

What is Cupping?

     Cupping is a chinese medicine technique that has been used for centuries for many different conditions. Cups are placed on the skin, creating a vacuum-like seal from the lake of oxygen. The superficial muscle layer is drawn up into the cup, which stimulates the circulation of blood, breaks up adhesions, releases the fascia, and creates a pathway for toxins to be drawn out of the body through the lymphatic system. It has been found that cupping can affect tissues up to 4 inches deep: affecting blood vessels, fascia, muscles and scar tissue.

     Cupping has been used in pre and post workout recovery. It has been used specifically to decompress adhesions and scar tissue, relax muscles in spasm, decrease trigger points, and decrease tissue changes and inflammation following drama. Cumulative treatments increase muscle endurance, circulation, increase lymphatic drainage and enhances overall ability to recover from injury.

     Judging by what cupping looks like, you would think it would be a painful experience. Quite the opposite. The feeling is very unique and usually pleasant for the receiver. It feels like a gentle suction is pulling away tension and pressure from tight and painful muscles, and tissue of the marks that vary from light yellow to dark purple. In Chinese medicine it is believed that the darker the marks, the more stagnation of qi and blood. Stagnation leads to pain and dysfunction or imbalance within the tissues, so we want to clear that stuff out before it causes problems.

What can it treat?

• Tight and stiff muscles, neck pain back pain, sciatica, it band syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis
• Respiratory conditions: asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia: Clearing congestion from the lungs
• Emotional balance: Anxiety, depression, stress, migraines
• High blood pressure by calming the nervous system
• Rheumatism

What are the benefits?

• Stimulates whole body relaxation(parasympathetic response)
• Stimulates oxygenation and encourages nutrient rich blood flow
• Increases range of motion, breaks up adhesions and scar tissue and chronic injury sites
• Promotes circulation and increases lymphatic drainage
• Releases fascia from the muscles and hydrates the muscles
• Children benefit from cupping as well.

Massage Therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful complimentary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy such as back ache, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, and edema(swelling). Carrying a baby inside you changes your centre of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you are carrying and you may find you’ve got an aching low back. Muscle tension created by carrying extra weight of the baby can be relieved by encouraging blood flow to afflicted areas. This provides nutrient rich blood flow through the body.

Fatigue, back ache, leg cramps and swelling can all be relieved through various massage techniques.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

• Alleviates stress on weight bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures
• Increases blood circulation, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and growing fetus, and stimulates the lymphatic system, thereby increasing immunity.
• Stabilizes hormonal levels and helps relieve depression and anxiety caused by hormonal changes
• Soothes and relaxes the nervous system by releasing endorphins into the mothers body. as a result the mother feels more relaxed and at ease, and will also sleep more easily and more deeply.
• Assists in maintaining good posture.
• Helps relieve muscle spasms, receiving aches and pains.

This luxurious 80 minute massage treatment combines hot Basalt stones as well as cool marble stones with a full body massage providing deep relaxation and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit. From the head to the toes your treatment will include scalp, face and foot massage. The hot stones also expand the blood vessels, which encourage blood flow throughout the body. The hot stones have a sedative effect that can reduce stress and promote deep relaxation

The stones that are used are Basalt stones, which have an exceptionally high iron content, allowing them to retain heat for much longer then the typical stone. Cool stones are excellent because they promote circulation and act as a powerful decongestant for the body. By promoting circulation, the cool stones can ease inflamed tissues, decrease muscle spasms and reduce swelling and fluid buildup.

Please contact Vicki if you have any questions or concerns