In simple terms, Hellerwork makes changes in the alignment of the body which help to bring the body back into its natural balance with gravity. When the body is in balance, it requires less muscle effort to hold itself upright, giving it more energy to expend in other ways.

With most massages, the technique is basically the same, it is repeated at each visit, and the area worked is much more general. Most massages are not geared at making any necessary structural changes.

In Hellerwork, the focus is on finding the source to the problem and giving the client as much relief as possible, preferably alleviating discomfort all together. Pain and discomfort are signals that something is wrong, and the area in which the pain is felt is not always where the root of the problem is located. Whether it is medical, chiropractic, emotional, chronic, painful, depressing, nagging, or occasional, I believe Hellerwork Structural Integration is the best way to alleviate the pain and to achieve lasting results.

If structural changes are made in the body, individualized homework is then given which will help the body maintain those changes.

If there are reccurring aches or pains within the body,or nagging aches and muscle stiffness that you have not found relief from through other means, chances are you will benefit greatly from Structural Integration.

Structural Integration is a healthy way to relieve stress headaches as well as muscle aches and pains. When posture is poor, physical performance is inhibited, energy and vitality are low, muscle rigidity is apparent, and stiffness results.

Scoliosis, TMJ, Carpal Tunnel, and Tendonitis are a few symptoms which indicate that Structural Integration is needed. When these and other symptoms are addressed through regular massage, relief is welcomed, yet the discomfort will usually return in about a week. With Structural Integration, not only are the symptoms relieved, but so are the causes of the symptoms.

Another difference between regular massage and Structural Integration is that you will not feel the same routine at each session. The work is individualized to your specific needs at each visit and the results are significantly longer lasting.

Have you ever looked at the word disease (dis-ease)? Dis-ease means the body is not in the state of health and wellness. When received at regular intervals, this specialized Deep Tissue Therapy will help move toxins out of the body, increase circulation, ease muscle rigidity, and keep the life force energy flowing within the body. When all of these areas are kept moving, it is much more difficult for stress, and even germs, to gain a hold in the body and stagnate long enough to become a disease.

When pressure is applied without proper training, the tissue can be traumatized during the delivery of the massage. If the therapist has true deep tissue training, the hurt (if felt at all) is usually described as a "good hurt."

To get to the targeted area and bring about relief of stress, discomfort, and pain, several layers of connective tissue are addressed. These may be layers that are not often worked in out daily routines. When the therapist works deeply on these layers, discomfort may show up in a day or two due to the release of toxins in the system. This feeling usually dissipates in a day or so. This type of soreness is a compliment to the therapist because it means that the area that was targeted was addressed effectively. If structural changes are made the range and ease of motion should be significantly improved and immediately evident.

A little bit of discomfort may be a small price to pay for lasting results and relief of pain. The client is always in charge of the amount of pressure delivered in any session, at any time, and by any therapist.

HINT: To alleviate the possibility of soreness, increase the intake of water immediately following the massage and continue for a minimum of 24 hours.