Denny’s Hellerwork journey started in 1994 when he was searching for ‘anything’ to give him relief from his chronic pain.   He had had multiple back surgeries which were the result of being misdiagnosed.   Denny has ankylosing spondylitis but this was not determined until 2004.

His first exposure to the power of Hellerwork occurred at the hands of Hellerwork practitioner and mentor Donna Rasplica.  Donna recommended that he attend the Victoria Pain Clinic.  There he met another Hellerworker and the body work he received, in addition to other types of treatment he experienced at the Clinic, made him hopeful that there was an answer for him that would help him live a healthier, happier life.

In 1995, he completed a Business Administration Diploma at the University College of the Caribou in Kelowna.  This, in addition to a career which, to that point, had included working in a family business plus sales experience in a number of areas, proved invaluable in creating a full time, successful Hellerwork practice that, as of 2020, has spanned 22 years.

Denny graduated Hellerwork training in August 1998.   He started working part time immediately and, within two months, decided to focus solely on Hellerwork and began to build a full time practice.

Continuing Education has been a foundation of his evolution in structural integration.  The integration of skills from each specialized training course he has taken has made his work better for his clients and for his own body.  Started each session with joint mobilization, fascial stretch movements and somatics, to name just some of the techniques, prepares client bodies for deeper work.  

A commitment to prevention led him to co-develop PRSI Break – a computer based stretching program for prevention of repetitive strain injuries.  The program uses slowly demonstrated, targeted stretches that release fascia and maintain healthy bodies in repetitive work (employment, self-employment, hobbies)/poor posture/high stress/post-surgery/chronic pain situations.

His personal interest in repetitive injuries stems from:  back issues, inflammatory ‘arthritis’ issues, sports injuries, post-surgical problems.

As Denny’s endorsements illustrate, his clientele is wide ranging; it includes professional athletes, musicians, legal & medical professionals, seniors who treasure mobility, those who have suffered from chronic pain for years, cancer patients and many others.

Jason Bast, Professional Hockey Player, Germany:   As an athlete, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my performance, as well as career longevity.  Every time I saw Denny, he corrected issues in my body that I could feel immediately, as well as see visibly.  His knowledge and techniques are something that I have not experienced in a long career of working with many different therapists.  I now feel that I move differently and believe that my body will be more resilient to injury, which has me excited about the future.  I look forward to continuing to correct issues with him in pursuit of a long, pain free career.

Elaine Roysum, Rancher:  My son, Cory, and I first met Denny on May 7, 2004.  My brother Brian recommended him after seeing Denny for his back, legs and just his whole body.  Denny helped him get off a lot of his medication.  He is still seeing Denny today.  Cory and I went to see Denny as Cory is suffering from systemic gout. Denny is able to give him relief so he is now able to walk, ride a horse and even rope.  I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and Denny is able to keep the pain down.  He also got rid of all my scar tissue from all my surgeries so I would not have to go through surgery again.  My husband, Garnet, is now seeing Denny to help relieve his pain in his knees and back.  We have been seeing him faithfully every month to maintain our health to keep going.  Denny is the best.

Kelle Crosbie – Retired Teacher/Lawyer:   Hellerwork and Denny Rudy saved my life. I was diagnosed in 1998 with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. By January of 2003, I had tried multiple drugs, chiropractic, massage, physiotherapy, naturopathy, diet. Some things helped a little bit, but the pain was like a tsunami. I felt like I was failing and falling behind in every area of my life. I had decided that I would wait until the summer and if I still felt the same way, I would end my life. My hairdresser had told me that Hellerwork had changed their life and that it was the only reason they were still able to work. I made my first appointment with Denny shortly after. It’s now been almost 18 years since then. I go every 3 weeks. It’s the single most important thing I do for myself. It didn’t “cure” my pain, but it lessened it significantly and taught me how to live with it. At first, it was just the relief of a treatment, then it became learning more about listening to my body and understanding how muscle and tissue connect and work. Denny is a lifelong learner and enthusiastic teacher. He is always bringing back information from his continuing education to share. He has given me a number of exercises and strategies to use at home or as he says, “tools for my toolbox”. People ask me what Hellerwork is and I say it’s like massage, but gentler; and at the same time, it goes deeper to release “stuck” tissue. Denny is very good at listening and understanding what a client’s needs may be. A treatment may focus on an acute problem, or it may be a general” tune-up”. I have gone through the traditional Hellerwork series a few times over the years when I am feeling good and have found benefit each time from the focused attention to a particular body system or area. I have no hesitation in recommending structural integration body work to anyone, whether you have chronic pain, an injury, or just want to be able to move more freely.

Testimonials:

Kerry Powell, Cancer Survivor:  I was first introduced to Hellerwork almost 6 years ago, following a breast cancer diagnosis which led to DIEP flap breast reconstruction.  My Physiotherapist recommended I see Denny Rudy to determine if he could alleviate the lymphedema and chronic inflammation in my stomach that developed following the surgery.  I had explored a variety of treatment options that provided temporary relief including:  Physiotherapy, massage, laser therapy and strength training.  Hellerwork was a ‘game changer’ and is now a staple in my on-going rehabilitation.  If I miss a session, I definitely notice that my stomach feels tight and heavy.  What I really like about Hellerwork is that it incorporates the “whole body” versus one specific area.  My back, arms, legs, shoulders, stomach, neck and hips are all adjusted as Denny creatively releases tension in the deep connective tissue (fascia), increasing my mobility.  Hellerwork has enabled me to move more freely and function day to day.  In addition, my scars have faded immensely.  I highly recommend Denny and this type of body work if you have chronic pain, trauma to your body and require alignment.  Denny is absolutely amazing, and he has been instrumental in my recovery.  I am so grateful for his knowledge, skill, and healing techniques.  Thanks Denny!

Jeff Crawford, Long Distance Runner/Lawyer:   I owe my running to Denny.  After battling IT band issues for months and countless fruitless massages and physio sessions, Denny had me back on the road after a single session.  My monthly sessions with Denny are the reason I’ve been able to run nearly every day for the last two years.  I can’t thank Denny enough.