Hellerwork Structural Integration

The primary goal of Hellerwork™ S.I. is to get you feeling better in your body.

More fluid. More connected. More powerful. More “you.”

We achieve this through 3 main components:

Structural Bodywork - Deep tissue bodywork that focuses on the fascia (connective tissue) of the body. We unstick what is stuck in order for you to be naturally aligned in our field of gravity. This helps to reduce chronic tension and return the body to a state of balance, comfort, and fluidity.

Movement Education - Brings an embodied awareness to each individual’s postural tendencies and movement habits in order to not re-create the same tension and misalignments as before. Movement lessons and exercises are offered to support the newly gained freedom and fluidity in the body.

Psychosomatic Dialogue - Awakens a deeper awareness of how emotional and psychological states affect the physical body, and vice versa. In recognizing mental and emotional patterns, we can become empowered to make choices towards our greater well being.

The Series

There are 11 sessions organized in a systematic sequence in order to work through all of the individual parts and layers of the body. The series is divided into three groups of sections in order to facilitate this layer-by-layer release:

The Superficial Sessions
Sessions #1-3 focus on the surface, or “superficial” layers and connective tissues in your body, the ones associated with those muscles that are near the surface of your body – also called the “sleeve” muscles.

The Core Sessions
Sessions #4-7 focus on the deeper musculature and connective tissues in your body. These core muscles, also called “intrinsic,” assist you in fine motor movement, which helps to produce easeful and fluid movement. Prior to Hellerwork, these muscles are often underutilized, tight and immobile.

The Integrative Sessions
Sessions #8-11 will integrate your core and sleeve tissues and layers. Rotational pattern reversal and overall healthy joint functionality are goals of these integrative sessions.

FAQ

Q: What kind of conditions does Hellerwork treat?

A: Hellerwork has been found to be very effective in relieving chronic pain conditions, muscle aches, joint dysfunctions, injury recovery, daily overuse, low energy, digestive issues, TMJ, and headaches (to name a few). It is also helpful in addressing mental and emotional dis-ease, including depression, anxiety, low mood, difficulties concentrating, low libido, and stress.

Q: What should I expect in my first session?

A: Our initial session will include a brief intake so that I can understand the history of your body, injuries, trauma, medical conditions, etc. We will do an assessment of your structure, both standing and moving, to determine the main areas of restriction and how to best work with you. The bulk of the session is bodywork, done on a massage table (although seated and standing work may be included). Before, during, and after the bodywork there are body awareness cues and movement lessons to better your understanding of your body and its function. 

Q: Is it like a massage? 

A: Structural Integration is a different form of manual therapy than massage. While some of the work might feel like a massage because of our use of a variety of pressure on the tissue, the approach of S.I. is to release the tissue in a way that suits your body coming back to it’s structural integrity. Additionally, as a client, you are participating in the session with your full presence and being. Throughout the session I will facilitate breath and movement cues to further aid the manual work that I am giving. 

Q:  What do I wear?

A: We all have different levels of modesty, so please wear what you are most comfortable in. Appropriate options for all genders include sports bras, regular bras, tank tops, workout shorts, bathing suits, or underwear. 

Q: Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my treatment session?

A: Arrive to the session in a similar manner as your would for a workout or class. It’s best not to eat a large meal before or plan a strenuous activity for after a treatment. Your body will need time to integrate the work.

Q: How might I feel after a treatment?

A: You may be sore after a session, as if you had a decent workout. This should not last more than 24-48 hours. Afterward, you may continue to feel the openness and fluidity that we created in the session. Or, you may feel a bit “awkward” or out of place as your body reconfigures itself to a new way of aligning.

Q: Do you treat all body types, gender identities, and ethnic backgrounds?

A: My services do not discriminate against any person. I welcome all body types, gender identities and ethnic backgrounds. I am a proud ally of the LQBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and have worked with many clients that identify with these groups. You are welcome in my room and will be seen, heard, and loved equally to all who choose to enter my space.

Q: Where did Hellerwork come from?

A: Hellerwork was created by Joseph Heller in 1978. He started off as an aerospace engineer, then shifted into humanistic psychology, training in bioenergetics and gestalt. He then studied closely under Ida Rolf, the originator of structural integration, and became the first president of the Rolf Institute in 1975. Throughout the ‘70s, he received further training in movement with Judith Aston and in preventative and energetic medicine with Brugh Joy, which contributed to the creation and development of Hellerwork Structural Integration.