Hendrickson Method® Massage and Manual Therapy – Petaluma Client Benefits

Hendrickson Method^® Manual Therapy is a system of treatment for the joints, nervous system, and soft tissue appropriate for people of all ages. It was created by Dr. Thomas Hendrickson, a Bay Area chiropractor specializing in musculoskeletal disorders and author of Massage and Manual Therapy for Orthopedic Conditions (LWW, 2009). The treatments are traditionally done through clothing with minimal use of lotion.

The benefits of Hendrickson Method^® transcend what can be achieved through traditional massage therapy. It is ideal for reducing pain and restoring joint function in acute injuries like whiplash, sprains, and knee injuries, or chronic conditions like degenerated hip, frozen shoulder, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Clients report feeling “open” after sessions. They also feel significantly better within four to six sessions.

Hendrickson Method^® is distinct from other styles of manual therapy in that it combines three modalities into one system: wave mobilization^® massage, muscle energy technique, and joint mobilization. Sessions are a relaxed dialogue between the client and therapist, with the client engaging in gentle resistance (muscle energy technique) that allows them to actively participate in their own well-being. This modality relaxes muscles or fascia prior to the therapist applying the wave mobilization^® massage stroke, allowing deep, effective manual therapy that does not cause discomfort.

Wave Mobilization^® is experienced by clients as a deep, rhythmic oscillation into the body. Modeled after the flow of ocean waves and energy principles from Tai Chi, the therapist gently sinks into areas and performs short, scooping strokes that comfortably realign muscle fibers and eliminate tightness in ligaments and tendons. The therapist moves the joint area while performing wave mobilization^®.

Mobilizing the joint area of focus acts as a “reset button” for the nervous system. Typically the muscles around a dysfunctional or injured joint tighten to protect the area. Specifically moving the joint through its range of motion, after applying muscle energy technique and Wave Mobilization^®, allows it to move with less pain and more freely. It also promotes nutritional exchange through the soft tissue, enabling and potentially expediting healing to an inured area.

To learn more refer to www.hendricksonmethod.com.