WHAT TO EXPECT...

Medical history:

A common session would begin with you filling out a medical history intake form. This will allow us to discuss your pain history, such as previous accidents and/or surgeries. Many painful symptoms can occur years after the most insignificant injury, such as a skiing or rollerblading accident. I want to know as much as possible in order to help your condition.

Clinical assessment:

A series of “Myofascial length testing” is used to investigate your current flexibility and fascial restrictions. The tests are painless and help uncover why you may be out of alignment. The tests will also help determine if there is a serious problem that requires more advanced care.

How you move:

The next step is to investigate your movement habits. Most of us work at jobs that require repetetive movements or sitting at a desk for hours. Movement assesment will be a key factor in your recovery program. Changes to common daily habits such as sitting with the correct chair height while working at a desk, or lifting correctly can prevent symptoms from returning. Most people do not use core muscles during movement or exercise; it is my job to help you find your core with the help of bodywork.

Your posture:

Most pain patterns are reflected in posture. For example neck or shoulder pain can cause one shoulder to be raised higher than the other. This can be corrected with bodywork and normal range of motion can be restored. During the Hellerwork series many of the postural imbalances can be corrected and your body’s relationship to gravity will improve. This means more energy and easier movement for you.

The Bodywork:

Once we have completed the clinical assessment the bodywork begins. Treatments are completed on a massage table in comfortable clinic space. Hellerwork has a unique style that is different than a standard massage. The treatments can be deeper and slower and you will begin to feel your tension release almost immediately. The idea is to restore range of motion and hydrate areas that are stuck, such as scar tissue left by previous injuries. During the bodywork I will dialogue with you to explore the emotional significance of your pain areas. It is a well known fact that we can create our own physical pain with stress or fear, which means we can also stop creating undue stress by uncovering its causes. The elements that can cause a stiff and resrticted body can usually be traced to restricted emotions or previous trauma. Hellerwork works to release not just the physical pain, but the emotional connection as well. This produces results that are truly holistic, and re-connect the mind with the body.