Hellerwork - Uses and Side Effects

By: Ricky Hussey

Hellerwork is a type of deep-tissue bodywork developed by Joseph Heller, an aerospace engineer who studied Rolfing, Aston-Patterning, and the use of energy for healing. Heller believed that a person's emotions and way of moving were just as important as bodywork, and developed his method after deciding that the other methods he'd investigated didn't address these issues sufficiently.

Hellerwork encompasses a series of eleven treatments, each focusing on a different part of the anatomy and all intended to align the body. This alignment is achieved through a series of deep massage techniques focused on fascia and connective tissue. A practitioner of Hellerwork will engage the client in a verbal dialog while performing the bodywork. The dialog focuses on what emotions may have contributed to the client's problem. A session will usually end with some form of movement education in order to help the patient maintain the proper alignment.

Reported uses

Hellerwork is used in the treatment of most common body pains such as backache, knee pain, or neck pain. It's also used to assist in such conditions as asthma, allergies, depression, osteoarthritis, constipation, carpel tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive strain injuries.

How the treatment is performed

Hellerwork is deep-tissue bodywork. The practitioner focuses on a different area of the body during each session (shoulders, legs, chest, etc). The practitioner attempts to align the body by massaging and manipulating fascia and connective tissue. Along with this bodywork, the practitioner will often engage the patient in verbal dialogue as to which emotions might have contributed to his current body state. Following the bodywork session, there is usually time spent on movement education, showing the patient how to sit correctly, stand, or walk.

The series consists of eleven sessions, each having an emotional state attached. For example, session 1 works on ribcage, and the patient might be asked what inspires him. Session 2 focuses on legs, and the patient might be asked about support systems such as friends and family. Session 3 focuses on arms and legs, and the practitioner might ask about anger and selfesteem.

Hazards

The most common adverse effect from Hellerwork is the pain that is occasionally associated with deeptissue bodywork.

Safety Risk Hellerwork is Contraindicated in patients with fractures, deepvein thrombosis, and dermatological conditions that may be exacerbated by massage techniques.

Clinical considerations

Aside from contraindications for patients with fractures, deepvein thrombosis, or conditions that could be exacerbated by massage techniques, Hellerwork is generally well tolerated.

Training Training in Heller work can be obtained through Hellerwork International training centers located in Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. To receive certification, the practitioner must complete 1,250 hours of training.

Research summary

The concepts behind Hellerwork and the claims made regarding its effects haven't yet been validated scientifically.