Marsha Ball, RMT & Rapid Pain Specialist

01/12/2026

RAPID is about giving your nervous system a very precise, targeted input—right at the spot it’s reacting to the most.

Think of it like this:

Your nervous system is the boss of pain, tension, and movement.
Your body is constantly deciding what feels safe and what doesn’t.
And tightness is often your system’s way of protecting you.

So in RAPID, we apply a focused stimulus (yes, it can feel intense for a few seconds), and then we re-check movement or symptoms right away. That’s how we know whether we found the right spot and used the right dose.

Here’s the interesting part: sometimes the best response isn’t “relax.”

Sometimes your nervous system actually chooses more tone -more tightness -because it decides you need more stability or protection in that moment.

That’s not a bad sign. It’s your system doing its job.

Our goal is to help your nervous system update what it thinks is dangerous and what feels safe -so it can dial down unnecessary protection over time. When we get the right input, your body often responds quickly: less pain, smoother movement, less guarding.

In other words:

RAPID isn’t us forcing your body to change.
It’s us giving your nervous system the right message -
and letting your body decide what it needs next.

If you’re ready to try RAPID for yourself, and reset your nervous system from pain, check out availability online here:
Marsha.noterro.com

01/07/2026

Get your tune up tonight!

Marsha.noterro.com or message me to book

01/05/2026

Temporary intensity vs. Prolonged deep pressure:

When people picture “aggressive manual therapy,” they usually think of things like-
• someone leaning in with an elbow and full body weight
• long, heavy pressure held for a long time
• deep compression that feels like “being crushed”
• lots of brute force

That’s not what RAPID is.

In RAPID, we’re typically-
• using a thumb contact (not elbows or body weight)
• working briefly on specific areas (not sitting on a spot forever)
• pairing the contact with your movement (so your body helps create the change)
• constantly checking in and adjusting based on your feedback

So yes, you might feel a strong sensation -but the actual load going into your tissues is usually less than what people assume.

So what are the real risks then?

The risks are similar to most hands-on therapies. The most common ones are-

1) Soreness for 24–48 hours
This is the most typical response, especially in the first session or two. It can feel like workout soreness or an ache.

2) Temporary flare-up
Sometimes symptoms feel a bit heightened after a session, usually because the area was already very sensitive or the dose was too strong for that day. Good dosing reduces this.

3) Occasional bruising
Not common, but possible -just like massage or other deep manual work.

The big one we try to avoid is overdoing it. That’s true for any manual therapy.

How we keep it safe (and why RAPID is actually very “controlled”)

A safe RAPID session is built around a few simple safeguards-
• Your feedback guides the session. You’re aware, involved, and we check in often.
• We use the minimum effective dose. The goal is change, not punishment.
• We re-test. We don’t just “work harder.” We look for measurable changes like easier movement or less sharp pain.
• We adjust to your nervous system that day. Sleep, stress, training, and how sensitized the area is all matter.

01/04/2026

Note from Marsha Ball, RMT:

Hello & Happy 2026!

With a new year upon us, I have come to realize that a change is due after nearly 25 years in the field of massage therapy...

As you can imagine, massage is a physically demanding job. I have been working on some advanced and highly specific training in the past few years called Rapid NeuroFascial Reset (RAPID for short), as a way to prolong my career on the path that I am so passionate about - helping people overcome pain. I am fully certified in Rapid and also working to attain a Specialist Teacher Certification where I will support and mentor other therapists across NS. Rapid is effective in treating a multitude of problems with much more advanced & specified training than traditional massage - looking at things such as core stability, previous soft-tissue injuries, old whiplash, joint and musculoskeletal problems, scar tissue, jaw pain and headaches, compensatory patterns, and more - any of which could be the root of the pain you experience today.

At this time, I am taking a step back from providing lengthy traditional & deep tissue massage treatments. I will offer 30 & 45 minute traditional massage sessions moving forward - as this new training has improved efficiency and ability to address pressing concerns. Relaxation sessions are not available, therefore appointments will be very direct in treating the problem areas. Rapid is highly effective as an outcome based approach such as other types of physical therapy, and appointments will reflect that. Actual hands-on time will vary depending on your body's needs and response to treatment that day. Booking options are: Rapid - clothing on, or Traditional Massage - using sheets & clothing removed.

So What's Different?
Rapid treatments are applicable for pain relief and improving limited motion. It's direct and to the point - it just hits the spot. You keep your clothing on, and only come for appointments as needed. It's much easier to work directly on a problem as opposed to the repetitive kneading of massage; with that, I am happy to continue offering a pain relief solution that can benefit all ages. Rapid is not meant for 'maintenance or wellness', rather to address a specific complaint when pain arises. More info on Rapid can be found in the attached info sheets (3). As provided by a RMT, Rapid can still be billed/claimed under your extended health benefits.

Thanks for your ongoing support, and I truly appreciate your understanding that this is a necessary step out of respect for my longevity.

12/30/2025

If your Rapid treatment is a little spicy, remember that’s the short-term sacrifice for long-term relief! It humbles me to receive Rapid treatments too, so I DO know how it feels. Breathe, and tell yourself it’ll be over soon. Even utter a bad word, I won’t be mad

Pain reduces pain. 🔥➡️🧠

Sounds backwards… until you remember how protective your nervous system is.

A brief, safe stimulus (the kind that feels “spicy,” not scary) can tell the brain:
“Hey -we’ve got this.”

That signal can help-
✅ calm protective guarding
✅ shift the body out of fight/flight
✅ increase local circulation + clean-up
✅ turn down sensitivity and pain

This isn’t about “pushing through” pain. It’s about using the right input to change the output.

If you’ve been stuck in a loop of tightness, tenderness, and sensitivity… sometimes the fastest way forward is giving the nervous system a clearer message.

12/28/2025

I now have 2 openings tomorrow (Mon. Dec. 29), the last of 2025! Message me to claim your space👩🏻‍💻or book online at Marsha.noterro.com

Edit: all appointments are now booked. See you in 2026!

Marsha Ball, RMT

12/26/2025

I hope everyone is enjoying some time off! Next appointments are in January :)

12/20/2025

This man was amazing! I studied under him in 2003 while still a student; his Myofascial Release training was mind-boggling and shaped my techniques into something I was so proud to share with patients. Rest easy, John, your advanced education will live on

Today I have heard the news of the passing of John F. Barnes.

His Myofascial Release work left a lasting mark on our profession. Sending condolences to everyone who knew him and learned from him.

12/15/2025

RAPID is outcome based. There is no fluff or rubbing it out. Results can be achieved in 20-30 minutes most times!

👩‍💻Marsha.noterro.com for info & availability

12/15/2025

Did you know….RAPID can help with the following list of issues (but not limited to):

- Headaches/migraines
- Whiplash and chronic neck pain
- Post-Concussion syndrome
- Visual disturbances, diplopia, eye alignment issues
- Frozen shoulder
- Shoulder blade pain
- Soft tissue injury from MVA
- Nerve problems, numbness, tingling
- Random pains that won’t go away
- Physical Menopause symptoms
- Tennis elbow
- Wrist and hand pain
- Stiffness and arthritis
- Vagus nerve
- Breathing dysfunction, asthma, rib issues
- Abdominal pain and digestive issues
- Pelvic pain and incontinence
- Core strength and functional testing
- Back pain and limited mobility
- Hip pain, hip flexors, groin
- Tail bone issues
- Knee pain, arthritis, immobility
- Shin splints
- Ankle and foot pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Random or unexplained pains
- Musculoskeletal disorders, pain syndromes, neurological conditions

Are you ready for a change? Send a private message or view availability online:
Marsha.noterro.com

12/14/2025

😂😂😂

12/09/2025

Why We Don’t Recommend Ice Anymore

Subject: A Quick Update About Using Ice for Injuries

I wanted to share something important with you—especially if you’ve ever been told to “just put some ice on it” after an injury.

While ice can temporarily numb pain (which can feel great in the moment!), new research is showing that icing may actually slow the body’s healing process in many situations.

Here’s why:

Your body needs inflammation to heal.
Inflammation isn’t bad—it’s how your body brings in the cells that repair tissue.
Ice stops that process, which can delay healing.

Ice can sometimes increase swelling.
This surprises a lot of people, but icing can affect the lymphatic system and actually push more fluid back into the tissue.

Ice doesn’t cool deep muscles very well anyway.
Most of the “cold” stays at the skin level, which means it might not even reach the injured tissue.

Movement helps more than ice.
Gentle, guided movement helps tissues heal stronger and faster.
(This is exactly what we focus on during treatment.)

So should you never use ice?
Not necessarily.
Ice can still help if swelling is severe or if pain is stopping you from moving.
But for most injuries, supporting your body’s natural healing process works better than shutting it down.

If you’re ever unsure what to do after an injury—ice, heat, movement, or rest—please reach out. I’m always here to help you get back to feeling your best, safely and effectively.

Marsha.noterro.com