Jasmine Russ, RMT - RAPID Pain Specialist

Sometimes it's the little things that remind me why I love what I do.

Today, I received a message from a client after their RAPID session that simply said they had to adjust their rearview mirror on the drive home...

Because they were sitting taller.

This wasn't about forcing "better posture."

It was about helping a body that had spent years adapting to chronic tension and postural imbalance find a little more freedom.

The body is remarkably intelligent.

When it's been protecting itself for a long time, those protective patterns can begin to feel normal. We adapt without even realizing it.

Then one day, something shifts.

You take a deeper breath.
Your shoulders settle.
Your head sits a little differently.
You realize you're seeing the road from a slightly higher perspective.

And sometimes...
..you have to adjust your rearview mirror.

I'd call that a pretty good day, in my books!

🤍

This is one of the hardest parts of being an independent practitioner.

Every appointment reserved means I'm holding that time specifically for you. When appointments are cancelled last minute or missed altogether, it's often too late for another client to take that spot.

My cancellation policy has always been 50% of the appointment fee for cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice or missed appointments. While I truly understand that life happens, these policies are what allow small businesses like mine to continue serving our communities.

One thing I deeply appreciate is that most of my clients respect that policy, and because of that, I've been able to avoid requiring credit cards or deposits to book appointments, this far (and hoping that it wont change)... but, it's something that's becoming increasingly common for independent practitioners.

Thank you to everyone who honours my time, my livelihood, and the care that goes into holding space for you. It truly doesn't go unnoticed.

🤍

A Gentle Reminder from Cedar & Sea

Every appointment on our calendar is time intentionally set aside for you.

As independent practitioners, we dedicate that time exclusively to your care. When an appointment is cancelled at the last minute or missed without notice, it's often time that cannot be filled... and for many of us, that means lost income and another client missing the opportunity to receive care.

We completely understand that life happens. Illness, emergencies, and unexpected circumstances are part of being human. If you do need to cancel or reschedule, we simply ask that you let your practitioner know as soon as you're able.

Your consideration and communication help us continue doing what we love while supporting our community with thoughtful, uninterrupted care.

Thank you for choosing Cedar & Sea and for respecting the people behind each treatment room.

🤍🌊

Last-minute RAPID openings tomorrow!

I've had a cancellation and have opened a few additional emergency RAPID appointments before I head away for the week!

Perfect for those dealing with:
• Neck or back pain
• Headaches
• Shoulder or hip pain
• A flare-up that's just not settling

Message me or book online before they're gone! 🤍

Out of office July 30th & 31st!!

Oooh, what a beautiful collective 🌿🤍

You may have noticed that over the last little while, I've quietly stopped talking about ice... or you've heard me recommend against it after an injury.

So... why the change? 🧊🤍

Like many healthcare professionals, I was taught that icing an injury was simply "what you do."

But as our understanding of the body continues to evolve, so does my practice.

Inflammation isn't just swelling... it’s one of your body's natural healing responses. It's how your body delivers the cells, nutrients, and blood flow needed to begin repairing injured tissue.

While ice can absolutely help numb pain in certain situations, my goal isn't just to help you feel better for the moment, it's to support your body's ability to heal to it's fullest potential.

This same idea often comes up with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen). While they can be helpful for managing pain, they also work by reducing inflammation... which, again, is part of your body's natural healing process. That doesn't mean they should never be used, but it does mean we want to be thoughtful about when and why we're using them.

That's why you'll often hear me recommend things like:

🌿 Gentle movement (within your comfort)
💧 Hydration
😴 Rest and quality sleep
🧠 Supporting your nervous system

Every injury and every person is different, so there will always be exceptions. But as I've continued learning through RAPID, pain science, and nervous system research, my recommendations have evolved too.

Healthcare should evolve with the evidence - and I'll always do my best to evolve alongside it.

Have you noticed this shift in recommendations over the years?

A little practice update... 🤍

If you've been trying to book a RAPID appointment lately... you've probably noticed it's become a little tricky.

First of all, thank you.

Every referral, every recommendation, every review, every family member, friend, coworker, or neighbour you've trusted me enough to send my way has allowed my RAPID practice to flourish far beyond what I ever imagined. I truly don't have the words to express how grateful I am.

With that growth has also come a challenge.

It's become increasingly difficult to get people in for follow-up appointments or those unexpected moments when you tweak your back, your neck locks up, or an old injury suddenly flares.

And if I'm being honest... that doesn't sit well with me.

RAPID is at its best when I can help you when you need it, not weeks later.

Beginning this September, I'll be restructuring my schedule to better reflect where my practice has naturally evolved. This means significantly expanding my RAPID availability while offering a much more limited massage schedule.

My hope is simple:
🤍 Better access to follow-up appointments.
🤍 More timely care for acute injuries and flare-ups.
🤍 Greater flexibility for both new and existing RAPID clients.
🤍 And finally... the ability to offer more same-week appointments.

For those looking for ongoing wellness or relaxation massage, please know I'll always be happy to recommend some truly incredible RMTs—both within Cedar & Sea and throughout our community. One of the greatest parts of building Cedar & Sea has been creating a space where I can confidently guide you to the practitioner best suited to your goals.

To everyone who has trusted me, supported me, and encouraged this journey... thank you. This next chapter wouldn't be possible without you, and I'm so excited for what's ahead. 🌿🤍

Thought of the Week... 💭

"Success is outside your comfort zone."

I've been thinking about this one a lot lately...

Not because success means having more, doing more, or being more.

But because growth asks us to do things that feel uncomfortable.

• To try something new.
• To start before we're ready.
• To make decisions without knowing exactly how they'll unfold.
• To trust ourselves through uncertainty.

Especially in a world that feels increasingly expensive, overwhelming, and unpredictable...

The truth is, most meaningful change doesn't happen when we feel comfortable.

It happens when we take a step forward despite the discomfort!

If you're navigating a season of change, this is your reminder...

You don't have to have it all figured out.

You just have to be willing to take the next step.

🤍

A little Monday update...

Over the past few years, many of you have watched my practice evolve.

What started as massage therapy gradually grew into a deeper focus on pain management through RAPID NeuroFascial Reset, and more recently, Craniosacral Therapy and nervous system-focused care.

As I've continued learning and growing, one thing has become increasingly clear: there is no single approach that works for everyone. Some people benefit from direct, movement-based treatment. Others need a gentler approach that allows the body and nervous system space to settle and restore.

Because of this, my services, schedule, and treatment approach have changed over time to better reflect the type of care I feel most called to provide.

I also know that some of you have found it more challenging to book with me lately due to limited availability. I truly appreciate your patience. If you're hoping to get in sooner, I always encourage you to join the waitlist through my booking site or reach out directly. I do my best to accommodate where I can.

I am also fortunate to share Cedar & Sea Wellness Collective with some incredible practitioners. Sarah Swinamer, RMT, offers therapeutic massage, deep tissue treatment, and TMJ-focused care, and is someone I trust wholeheartedly. There are times when another practitioner may be the best fit for your goals, and I am always happy to help guide you in the right direction.

At the end of the day, my goal has never been to keep everyone within my treatment room. My goal is to help people find the care they need, whether that's with me or someone I trust.

Thank you for supporting me through every stage of this journey. Your trust, referrals, stories, and willingness to allow me to learn alongside you have helped shape the therapist I am today.

With gratitude,

Jasmine 🤍