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Hellerwork is a type of bodywork
created by Joseph Heller, a former NASA aerospace engineer. Like Rolfing,
Hellerwork uses deep-tissue massage to help reduce stress and ease mobility.
Heller was originally taught Rolfing
by Ida Rolf, Ph.D., a Columbia University trained biochemist, who created the
therapy in the 1930s. In 1976 he became the head of the Rolf Institute, now
located in Boulder, Colorado, which
oversees the training of Rolfing practitioners. Two years later he developed his
own variation on the method, which added verbal dialogue and movement exercises
to the hands-on work.
How Does It Work?
Like Rolfing, Hellerwork is based on
the premise that physical and emotional stress--as well as gravity--can throw
the body out of vertical alignment and cause the connective tissue known as
fascia to become rigid and inflexible. (Fascia encases muscle and connects
muscle to bone.) These problems can then lead to more stress, illness, and a
loss of general well-being.
Hellerworkers seek to realign the body
by using intense pressure and stroking to stretch shortened and tightened fascia
back into shape. The goal is to make the fascia softer and more flexible, and to
restore its natural balance in relation to muscles, tendons, and bones.
The two components that distinguish
Hellerwork from Rolfing--verbal dialogue and movement exercises--complement the
massage component. Through verbal dialogue, Hellerworkers help clients explore
attitudes, feelings, and past traumas that may be contributing to their current
physical and emotional state. Using movement exercises, clients are taught how
to sit, stand, walk, run, bend over, and perform other ordinary actions in a
stress-free, efficient way. This threefold approach aims to realign the body and
release deeply held tensions, which, it is believed, will help increase energy,
flexibility, and overall health and well-being.
What You Can Expect
Hellerwork usually consists of 11
sessions, lasting an average of about 90 minutes each. Sessions one through
three, known as the "superficial" sessions, typically focus on the surface
layers of the fascia. These layers are associated with the muscles that are near
the surface of the body. Sessions four through seven involve the deeper fascia
and muscles and are called the "core" sessions. Sessions eight through 11 are
the "integrative" sessions, which aim to synthesize the work of the earlier
sessions.
At the first session, the practitioner
will ask you about your medical history, so you can discuss your specific needs
and how Hellerwork might address them. For this and subsequent sessions, you
will be advised not to eat for a couple of hours prior to the session, and you
will be asked to undress to your underwear.
Each session will have a theme related
to the part of the body that is being worked on. An example of such a theme is
"Inspiration." During this session, the practitioner--through bodywork, dialogue
about what inspires you, and exercises--will focus on aligning your rib cage
vertically over your pelvis and opening up your breathing.
Some of the deeper work during the 11
sessions may hurt, but it should never be unbearable. You should feel relaxed
and energized at the end of each session. The verbal dialogue portion of the
therapy will not require you to discuss subjects you may find too difficult or
painful.
The practitioner might take
photographs or videos of you throughout the 11 sessions to help you follow your
progress. The final appointment will be a review session. Your practitioner may
recommend postponing further sessions for several months until your body can
process the changes and adjustments you have made so far.
Health Benefits
Proponents of Hellerwork claim that it
can relieve respiratory conditions and problems related to muscle tension and
stress, as well as treat sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back and
neck pain.
While some forms of bodywork, such as
massage, have shown clear benefits in studies, few studies have been done with
Hellerwork. Even so, many Hellerwork patients are very positive about its
effects.
If you'd like to try Hellerwork for a
specific problem, you should first consult a doctor to rule out any serious
underlying medical condition.
How To Choose a Practitioner
There are more than 300 official
Hellerwork practitioners in the United States. To obtain certification, a person
must undergo a 1,250-hour study and training program. The training is generally
divided into intensive courses lasting 12 to 15 days, including weekend classes,
over a period of one to two years.
Some insurance companies may cover a
portion of the cost for Hellerwork treatments. Contact your own carrier to find
out about its policy.
Cautions
1. Hellerwork should be avoided by those who have
rheumatoid arthritis or other serious inflammatory conditions.
2. Hellerwork can be modified to accommodate
pregnant women.
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