Hellerwork

Synonyms

Aston Patterning, bodywork, deep tissue bodywork, massage, movement therapy, Rolfing®, somatic education, Structural Integration.

Background

Joseph Heller, a practitioner of Rolfing® (manipulation of the muscles), developed Hellerwork in 1979. Hellerwork is a form of structural integration that uses multiple techniques, including deep-tissue bodywork, movement education and verbal interaction to improve posture. Each session may last from 30 to 90 minutes, and a patient usually attends multiple sessions. Hellerwork professional certification involves a 1,250-hour program.

Joseph Heller, a practitioner of Rolfing® (manipulation of the muscles), developed Hellerwork in 1979. Hellerwork is a form of structural integration that uses multiple techniques, including deep-tissue bodywork, movement education and verbal interaction to improve posture. Each session may last from 30 to 90 minutes, and a patient usually attends multiple sessions. Hellerwork professional certification involves a 1,250-hour program.

Theory

In general, Hellerwork practitioners believe that memory is held in the muscles and tissues of the body, as well as in the brain. Treating a patient at the structural level is thought to alter the psychological or neurological state. Hellerwork is aimed at improving or restoring the body's natural balance and posture. There are numerous anecdotes about successful treatment with Hellerwork, although effectiveness and safety have not been thoroughly studied scientifically.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Balance and posture: There is no high quality scientific evidence available on this technique.
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, anxiety/stress, athletic performance, cancers (B-cell), carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic pain, headache, hyperthyroidism, improving breathing, improving mobility, increases energy, low back pain, muscle strains/pain, musculoskeletal conditions, neck pain, osteoarthritis, pain, Parkinson's disease, respiratory problems, sports injuries, stress, tennis elbow, thoracic spine pain, well-being, whiplash.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

The safety of Hellerwork has not been thoroughly studied scientifically. In theory, Hellerwork may make some existing symptoms worse. Deep-tissue massage is not advisable in some conditions. Patients should speak with a qualified health care provider before starting treatment.

Attribution

This information is based on a professional level monograph edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): William Collinge, PhD, MPH (Collinge & Associates); Sarah Elsabagh, BSc, PhD (King's College, University of London); David Lee, PharmD (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

Bajelis D. Hellerwork: the ultimate in myofascial release. Intl J Altern Compl Med 1994;12(1):26-30.

Hornung S. An ABC of alternative medicine: Hellerwork. Health Visit 1986;59(12):387-388.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.