RAPID
by Liesl van Jaarsveldt, RMT
RAPID Neuro-Fascial Reset (RNFR) is a relatively new technique used by manual therapists to treat especially stubborn lingering conditions. It was developed by a couple of Massage Therapists from Alberta who teach seminars online and around the world. I stumbled upon it through direct patient and therapist anecdotes claiming that it had helped tremendously with pain and improved their daily life activities. I had to experience it for myself and I have subsequently been trained in the upper body course (in-person) and lower body course (on-line) and I include RAPID techniques into my practice.
Some of our patients have had tremendous success after integrating some RAPID into our massage therapy treatments. Many conditions that can greatly benefit from RAPID including tendinitis, frozen shoulder, knee pain, arthritis, bunions, sciatica, tennis and golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, headaches, migraines, jaw pain, whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and scar tissue after surgery. Many of these conditions can be tough for therapists to completely resolve, even with regular massage therapy treatments.
During a RNFR session the therapist examines the soft tissue by palpating for restrictions and hypersensitivity, then manipulates it, often combining this with movement from the patient. Treatment can be uncomfortable due to working quite deeply into the fascia, musculo-tendinous junctions, periosteum, joint capsules, nerve sheaths, etc., but therein lies the effectiveness.
RNFR focuses on the central nervous system (CNS) that is the brain, spinal column and numerous major nerves by bringing it to safety. Areas of hypersensitivity arise from overuse or injuries, sometimes minor, which have not been adequately addressed or have not healed properly. The body aims to protect itself by the CNS “locking down” damaged tissues leading to shortened muscles and more pressure on nerves. Rapid aims to correct this neurological source of pain and dysfunction by stimulating hormone release by the CNS that in turn releases tension and decreases pain. Tendons, joint capsules, musculo-tendinous junctions, nerve sheaths and periosteum are especially neurologically sensitive as they contains a plethora of nociceptors known as C-fibres.
When coming for a session we like to know our patients’ medical history especially any traumas, falls and surgeries that could have led to lingering pain or loss of range of motion. These give us clues as to where to start assessing for restrictions and hypersensitivity. Treatment can, and is often done, fully clothed and will require active participation by the client, so please be prepared to move around and you may experience some discomfort during and after a session. However there is often immediate relief and significant improvement in range of motion after only a few sessions.
If you are curious and think that you may benefit from RNFR, please bring this up at your initial intake or when booking a massage. We would be pleased to assess you and integrate RAPID into your treatment.
Liesl van Jaarsveldt is presently the only Registered Massage Therapist at the Active Life Centre who may include RAPID into her practice.
RAPID Neuro-Fascial Reset (RNFR) is a relatively new technique used by manual therapists to treat especially stubborn lingering conditions. It was developed by a couple of Massage Therapists from Alberta who teach seminars online and around the world. I stumbled upon it through direct patient and therapist anecdotes claiming that it had helped tremendously with pain and improved their daily life activities. I had to experience it for myself and I have subsequently been trained in the upper body course (in-person) and lower body course (on-line) and I include RAPID techniques into my practice.
Some of our patients have had tremendous success after integrating some RAPID into our massage therapy treatments. Many conditions that can greatly benefit from RAPID including tendinitis, frozen shoulder, knee pain, arthritis, bunions, sciatica, tennis and golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, headaches, migraines, jaw pain, whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and scar tissue after surgery. Many of these conditions can be tough for therapists to completely resolve, even with regular massage therapy treatments.
During a RNFR session the therapist examines the soft tissue by palpating for restrictions and hypersensitivity, then manipulates it, often combining this with movement from the patient. Treatment can be uncomfortable due to working quite deeply into the fascia, musculo-tendinous junctions, periosteum, joint capsules, nerve sheaths, etc., but therein lies the effectiveness.
RNFR focuses on the central nervous system (CNS) that is the brain, spinal column and numerous major nerves by bringing it to safety. Areas of hypersensitivity arise from overuse or injuries, sometimes minor, which have not been adequately addressed or have not healed properly. The body aims to protect itself by the CNS “locking down” damaged tissues leading to shortened muscles and more pressure on nerves. Rapid aims to correct this neurological source of pain and dysfunction by stimulating hormone release by the CNS that in turn releases tension and decreases pain. Tendons, joint capsules, musculo-tendinous junctions, nerve sheaths and periosteum are especially neurologically sensitive as they contains a plethora of nociceptors known as C-fibres.
When coming for a session we like to know our patients’ medical history especially any traumas, falls and surgeries that could have led to lingering pain or loss of range of motion. These give us clues as to where to start assessing for restrictions and hypersensitivity. Treatment can, and is often done, fully clothed and will require active participation by the client, so please be prepared to move around and you may experience some discomfort during and after a session. However there is often immediate relief and significant improvement in range of motion after only a few sessions.
If you are curious and think that you may benefit from RNFR, please bring this up at your initial intake or when booking a massage. We would be pleased to assess you and integrate RAPID into your treatment.
Liesl van Jaarsveldt is presently the only Registered Massage Therapist at the Active Life Centre who may include RAPID into her practice.