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Developed
in the 1970s by an American engineer, Joseph Heller, this therapy combines
massage with reeducation in the way the body moves, and an exploration of
emotional issues. Heller had worked with Dr. Ida Rolf (see Rolfing) and shared
her ideas about body alignment and releasing muscular tension, but emphasized
the therapy's psycho-emotional aspects. "The body stores the traumas of
our lives in muscular rigidity," he wrote. "When we release the
tension in the body and align ourselves with gravity, we take a new stand in
life." Hellerwork is worldwide, but mostly practiced in the US.
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HISTORY
Joseph
Heller trained as an aerospace engineer and studied the effects of gravity and
stress on space rockets. His interest in human development and manipulative
therapies led him to train as a Rolfer, and in 1975 he became the first
president of the Rolf Institute. However, three years later, Heller broke away
from the Rolf Institute, arguing that simple restructuring would not produce
long-term benefits, and that treatment should be supplemented by exercises and
by an exploration of the relationship between body and mind. Since this time,
Rolfing has also developed "movement reeducation" exercises. There
are over 160 practitioners, mostly in the US, with some in Europe and a few in
Australia and New Zealand.
EVIDENCE & RESEARCH
In
the 1990s, Hellerwork was practiced on employees at a software company in
Portland, Oregon, and found to improve posture and reduce physical stress. Most
employees also reported better working relationships and less susceptibility to
back pain. The study was, however, uncontrolled and poorly designed. Any
studies on Rolfing techniques also have implications for Hellerwork.
MEDICAL OPINION
So
little specific clinical research has been conducted into the practice of
Hellerwork that it cannot be said to have any proven effect in cases of
disability or rehabilitation after injury. However, it may possibly be of value
in preventing muscle strain, promoting health and managing stress.
CONSULTING
A PRACTITIONER
Comprising
11 sessions of 90 minutes each, a Hellerwork course involves deep tissue
manipulation using techniques similar to Rolfing, combined with "movement
reeducation," teaching stress-free ways to perform everyday actions. A key
feature is "guided verbal dialoguing," in which the practitioner and
patient explore emotions triggered by the release of body tension.
An
initial interview will be conducted to build up a case history, and photographs
taken before and after treatment. Each session concentrates on a particular
part of the body and emotions related to it. Firm pressure is applied to
release tension in the fascial tissue surrounding the muscles. The first
sessions focus on outer "sleeve" muscles, for example in the feet and
arms, that control functions learned in childhood, such as
standing
and reaching. Later sessions concentrate on "core" muscles deeper in
the body, for example in the pelvis and spine, and on their relation to
repressed emotion; final sessions integrate the work done on the
"sleeve" and "core" muscles and explore issues of maturity.
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