Client Testimonials

…Anyone considering Hellerwork should not hesitate. I’ve been a pro hockey player for 20 years. In those 20 years, I felt my best when Ross Short performed Hellerwork on me. My posture was better, joints moved easier, I could breathe easier and this was only after a few sessions. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Ross’s understanding of the human body’s fascia system is amazing. But that is really just the start of why I highly recommend him.

The biggest reason relates to how big a heart he has. There is NO question as to what Ross’s mandate is. He is there to help and educate in a way I have not experienced from any other modality of treatment.

That education empowers you to take ownership of change. DON’T procrastinate. Simply book a time and judge for yourself.

Ross Short is a very skillful professional! He has demonstrated time and time again that he is in tune with the problems I am facing, and he has supported my healing in every way he can. While my path has been a tough one — I’ve practically had to learn to walk again — he has been there every step of the way with me, offering me his many skills in support of my efforts even when I am not with him. I’ve enjoyed his sense of humor that often shows itself at a tough time, humor that has made me smile when I felt like crying. Perhaps his abilities are honed and his caring is deep and genuine, because he has walked the same walk, and it this experience that has actually brought him to his life’s calling. I feel like I have a good friend walking this tough path with me; I do not feel alone. I appreciate Ross’s enthusiasm and efforts on my behalf. When I thought I’d come to the end of the road, Ross has given me a new lease on life – one which has not and will not require drugs, and I’m am so very grateful to Ross and his efforts on my behalf.

I’m much stronger and my posture has improved considerably. The chronic morning backache I used to blame on our mattress is gone. Ross Short is an excellent pilates instructor and makes the sessions most enjoyable.

When I met Ross, I was at a point in my life where I had merely accepted the fact that I would never walk unassisted again. I had been sick for many years with a virus that had nearly taken my life and had caused many painful and damaging symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, chronic low back pain, arthritis and scoliosis. Unable to walk more than a few feet with the aid of a cane, I needed to use a wheelchair to have any outings at all. I was dependent on potent painkillers just to get through each day. The most I hoped that Ross could accomplish was some pain relief, but honestly I was skeptical as doctors had told me that my condition was progressive and not reversible. Ross started with a simple massage that felt different from any other I had ever had. The results could be felt immediately as he kneaded out painful scarring in connective tissues. While working on me physically, Ross talked to me about my body, showing me how it worked and why there were problems. This “Dialoguing” is a two way conversation where I was encouraged to share with him what I was feeling. Events from my past that he could not have known, came back to my mind, along with emotion.

At first I was embarrassed as I felt tears stream down my face and long-buried feelings came to surface. Ross’s gentle persuasion and encouragement spurred me on though, as he helped me to take control and “Choose to release” The memories that were trapped, not only in my mind, but in every cell of my body. It literally felt as though he had stepped inside my skin and showed me how to operate my body, mind and spirit connection. This was, he explained, a technique called Hellerwork. (I would call it “Miraclework” – on day 13 I threw away my cane!) in addition, Ross instructed me in a series of Pilates exercises which help to maintain the physical correction he achieved with the Hellerwork. In short (pun) I am thrilled! I no longer have to use a cane or wheelchair. And most important, I have discovered hope in a life that I had given up on. I still have the virus that caused my sickness, but the symptoms no longer overwhelm me. I have cut back on my use of painkillers dramatically, and my doctors are amazed at the degree of recovery I have achieved. I would strongly and most enthusiastically recommend Ross Short’s unique bodywork programming to anyone in need of pain relief.”
49 year old mother & grandmother
Ottawa, Ontario

Testimonial for the Body-Wize Bolster.

-I have been using it for just over a month and I am sleeping more deeply than I have ever slept.

I wake up in the AM feeling rested. I also have been getting 8 hours of constant sleep. I am not experiencing muscle cramps in my legs anymore. I highly recommend using the Body-Wize Bolster.

Randi D.

Thank you Ross for helping me become pain free after a decade of attempts to reduce hip pain due to osteoarthritis.

I tried acupuncture, massage, physio, red light therapy and countless supplements and pain killers for over a decade and NOTHING has worked as well as your magic hands manipulating my fascia, your superb breathing and stretching exercises and your zany sense of humor!

Not to mention enhanced lung capacity! Wishing I had met you decades earlier. You’re the best – simply the best!

-Claudette

For over a decade I endured worsening pain throughout my body. Osteoarthritis affected my right hip and shoulder in particular limiting range of motion.

By the time I discovered Ross about a year ago I had all but given up on therapies: acupuncture, physiotherapy, tai chi, massage, pain killers, countless supplements and laser therapy. All had limited effect.

Ross has gradually reworked deep tissues, freeing up knotted muscle and fascia.

He has taught me how to balance my posture and realign my body.
His skilled hands have freed deep tissue damage done over 78 years of hard work, traumas and misalignment.

Once a month I am like a lump of clay in Ross’s skillful hands as he goes deeper into knotted tissues freeing up what has been bound to my bones for decades allowing me to move freely pain free!

Thank you Ross Short for giving me a new lease on life as I approach 80!

Claudette Kelly RN (ret), BScN, MA, PhD.

Some years ago I completed the 11-session Hellerwork series and followed that up with a tuneup session a few years later. When I wanted another tuneup, I discovered my Hellerwork practitioner had moved. After some searching I discovered Ross Short in Kelowna, so made an appointment. I expected more Hellerwork but Ross gave me much more.

In taking my history Ross soon understood that as a triathlete in relatively good health simply desiring better balance and improved posture, it would be more to my advantage for him to combine Hellerwork with other modalities such as Pilates in what he calls structural integration.

Ross has an incredible amount of training and experience which showed in how he quickly identified my imbalances. While gently doing his bodywork with me he also focussed on helping me to be more body aware. After every session I was given some exercises to reinforce the adjustments he had made. The results were consistent – every session led to improved posture and a greater sensitivity to my body positions and movements.

Ross is scientist, artist, philosopher and teacher all rolled into one. Go see him for your health and enjoyment!

Ross is simply amazing! I had a soft tissue injury in my left pectoral; had never heard of Hellerwork and made the initial appointment based on a recommendation from a friend. Ross not only improved this injury and affected area he also found other injuries I had endured for years but thought they were just part of getting “older” And provided the healing I didn’t think possible.

I had a shoulder injury obtained 20 years previously which limited my range of motion (I was a college football quarterback). I had gone to physio for a few months with minor improvements and thought this was just an injury I would have to live with. I am so glad Ross proved me wrong! After he had worked on my shoulder for one session all pain was gone in the area. Ross increased the range of motion by about 30%. I was absolutely astounded by the increase in flexibility.

Ross also worked on my Achilles heel, where i had over 20 years of tightness with some burning sensations and with limited flexibility. This also affected my calves and feet. I lived with the pain again thinking this was just part of the process of playing contact sports and getting older. Ross worked on the areas with some very unique techniques i had never before encountered and my feet, calves and Achilles have never felt better.

I had originally planned only 3 sessions but have made so many significant improvements that are “life changing” I have since booked the whole program…

Ross your passion for your work is truly appreciated!”

I’ve been attending Pilates classes for seven months attending three times a week average. After taking a week off for a great holiday, I was eager to return to the studio and resume exercise. To my great surprise, my body didn’t want to cooperate as well as I had assumed. In short order I realized how very much the Pilates method of exercise and strength training had improved all of my body movements. Being sixty years young, keeping my balance and sense of centre of gravity has been one of greater concern. However, in the last couple of months my balance has improved immensely and no one now can say I’m the least bit clumsy! I’ve saved the best until last….. Because my body strength is so improved, my sense of myself has also changed. Several people have commented on my good posture and gracefulness.”
60 year old grandmother
Kelowna, B.C.

The domino’s of facial release. There are few professionals who are as dedicated to life long learning and have a natural intuitive response to the need in my (our) facial planes. When a system in my person struggles it affects everything it touches. The decades of accidents, falls, stresses in me met with Ross a decade ago, he patiently helped to unravel the twists, knots in my fascia that had put my commitment to physical health on hold. The result is I am aware of the rhythmic balance needed to maintain the health I am committed to. Ross takes time, listens to the whole person. Then gently walks with you to a healthier you.

Body wise – Ross Short (Chip as I like to call him 🙂

I have taken eleven treatments from Chip, and the difference in mental and physical improvement over that period of time was eye opening.

First you think this is just another possibility for your improving your over all health and the aches in your body. At the start your are greeted by this enthusiastic individual who after a small introduction informs you that there are no guarantees but if there is no improvement you can leave at anytime, but as he works the tissues of the body you will gradually realize things begin to evolve into better mind and body health. His constant instruction as he works with you is about all things important to the treatment; it took me a few visits to catch on to this and paid him more attention going forward. I see him as needed now and consider him a trusted friend.

At the beginning I was asked a sequence of questions, about my over all mental and body health and feelings.  Chip asked me the same questions on completion of treatment, and my score went from a 30 percentile score to 80.

I left with a better outlook and feeling the Traumas in my body had been addressed and I could function with less pain and limp.

Thanks Chip

Sincerely,

Jamel

I’ve been to dozens of therapists in the bodywork genre over the past decade. Ross Short is by far the most knowledgeable and skilled practitioner of all I have seen. Ross has exceptional technique and an almost magical ability to hone in on the problem area, getting to the root of the problem quickly. 

He was able to accomplish in 4 sessions what has taken others a whole year of therapy to achieve. 

I also truly appreciate how he always goes the extra mile to teach you valuable self care tools so you can be even more empowered in creating health.

If you’re lucky enough to get an opening with Ross, absolutely take it! 

Jenna McCabe, Master of Science in Chinese Medicine