Le Hellerwork is part of the large family of massage therapy, within which its “interventionist” nature classifies it in so-called massage therapy approaches.structural integration. Like Rolfing, Trager and Postural Integration, it aims to reshape the body structure. It is also related to the various approaches of somatic education since it proposes to re-educate our way of moving. It also has a scope psychotherapeutic. The uniqueness of Hellerwork is based on the combination of three dimensions:

• body work in depth (deep bodywork);
• movement rehabilitation daily;
• le Dialogue patient-worker.

The American Joseph Heller, who developed it, had been trained in Rolfing by Ida Rolf herself. But he had gradually acquired the conviction that bodily work had to involve a part of verbal exchange so that the tensions of the mind could also be expressed. He also believed that bodily blockages are very often associated with emotional blockages.

“The body stores the trauma of our lives in the form of rigidity,” he writes, “which keeps us frozen in the past. When we manage to release those tensions and realign ourselves to the correct vertical axis, it’s like starting over. […] The practice of Hellerwork takes for granted that we are responsible for our life, that we have a choice, and that life can be better from now on.¹. “

Let us recall that the American biochemist Ida Rolf (1896-1979) was the first to discover the role of the important network of connective tissues (fascia, tendons and ligaments) in bodily attitude. She then explored their sensitive and plastic character to create her technique, Rolfing. We therefore know that stress, both emotional and physical, as well as the weight of years and bad postures come to mark and tense these tissues, which disrupts the precious bodily alignments. Rolfing and Hellerwork therefore seek to restore the balance of the body structure by all kinds of manipulations. In either case, the remodeling process follows a number of gradual and well-defined steps.

To stretch the fascia in all directions and soften them, the practitioner vigorously uses pressure and friction. When the work is done in depth, and especially if the tissues have been contracted for a long time, these manipulations can cause some pain. In addition, connective tissues form very large networks of membranes closely linked to muscles, bones and organs. Thus, a person receiving treatment will no doubt be surprised to experience bodily sensations in places of the body which are sometimes very far from the region being manipulated.

Like any massage technique, Hellerwork would have a positive influence on general health. Its practitioners also say that they can treat back pain and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome as well as certain sports injuries, in addition to relieving all kinds of problems related to muscle tension and stress, whether they are of physical or psychological origin.

It also appears that a series of treatments could improve posture, which would help reduce structural collapse caused by aging. Not to mention that good posture is an essential element of well-being. However, this approach has not been the subject of any published scientific study that would have verified its effectiveness or safety.

As is generally the case with massages, Hellerwork is performed on a nearly naked body. Given the intimate nature of dating, both physically and psychologically, it is important to begin the process with someone you can trust.

A list of accredited practitioners around the world, including a few in Quebec, is available on the Hellerwork International site. There are also competent practitioners who are not members of these associations. It is then necessary to make sure oneself of their experience and their training, among other things by asking for references and by obtaining information from other patients. Still young, the approach is especially widespread in Anglo-Saxon countries.

A Hellerwork program usually consists of 11 sessions of approximately 90 minutes, although this number may vary from case to case. Most often, the first three focus on the superficial fascia, the next four on the deep fascia, while the last four focus on the overall integration, body and mind. Each session has a theme (stand on your own two feet, the feminine and masculine poles, relax – or lose – your head, etc.) which will be covered both by the manipulations and by the rehabilitation of movements and dialogue.

The first session of Hellerwork is still on theinspiration and consists in freeing the respiratory system from its physiological and psychological obstacles. We aim to realign the rib cage above the pelvis, relearn the bodily sensations of optimal breathing, and express our emotions about what may limit it. We know indeed how fear or grief can literally “take your breath away”.

“I get people to observe themselves and become aware of their posture and the attitude that underlies it,” says Esther Larose, massage therapist and Hellerwork practitioner in Montreal. When they grasp the meaning of their contracted shoulders or any imbalance, they are no longer constrained by an unconscious attitude. Having said that, one can choose Hellerwork first for its realignment technique, without going into a psychotherapeutic type analysis. But, in general, people are very happy to find out something about themselves!² »

The diploma that allows you to become Certified Hellerwork Practitioner (CHP) requires a minimum of 1 hours of training. Training sessions are given (in English) periodically at various locations around the world. See Become a Practitioner on the Hellerwork International website.

Golten Roger. The Owner’s Guide to the Body: How to Have a Perfectly Tuned Body and Mind, Thorsons / Harper Collins, Great Britain, 1999.

Golten, who practices Hellerwork in Great Britain, discusses how to counter the ravages of time and how to achieve “optimal use” of your body, whether sitting, lying, walking or running. With illustrations.

Heller J. and Henkin WA Bodywise, Wingbow Press, United States, 1991.

In this popular book, Heller sets out the principles behind his approach. The fundamental element is the bodymind, that is, the perception of the person as a holistic entity, body and mind. There follow chapters that explain the mechanisms involved in the 11 stages of the Hellerwork intervention.

Hellerwork International (Hellerwork Structural Integration)

Owned by associations of practitioners, this site contains all the information available on the subject, but nothing in French. See in particular the section Client Handbook for the description of each of the 11 process steps.

www.hellerwork.com

Joseph Heller

The personal site of the creator of the approach, who practices both Hellerwork and trout fishing in Northern California.

www.josephheller.com