Yoga, Tai Chi & Pilates – An Article on The Hendrickson Method

The Hendrickson Method

When healing comes full circle

I have been in practice as a physiotherapist for 19 years and over that time I have found that my area of expertise has become working with people in chronic pain, who have already experienced countless therapist and therapies. In order to succeed as a therapist I developed treatment protocols which were gentle, enabling them to become unafraid of their pain and to reclaim ownership of their body. I found these protocols did not add to their pain, but gave me the best result. They did not challenge the sympathetic or the parasympathetic nervous system and calmed down the central nervous system. People were feeling calmer, and generally recovering successfully. I had looked at Strain-counter-strain, Muscle Energy Technique, and embarked on a NLP practitioner programme for greater communication skills.

I discovered Tom Hendrickson′s manual ′Massage and Manual Therapy system for Orthopaedic Conditions′. Tom′s life work brought together all the techniques that I had been exploring. A long with his own unique style of massage and manual therapy, the Hendrickson Method brings together a dynamic combination of techniques: soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and muscle energy technique re-education, all synthesized with Eastern energy medicine practices which gave me an accessible comprehensive treatment regime.

For the client, there is often immediate relief from pain and profound improvement of function. For the therapist, there is a departure from the physical demands of traditional massage and manual therapy techniques. Hendrickson Method therapists remain relaxed and fluid, use minimal effort and achieve maximum results.

Tom explains the method well, ′Clients receive a gentle session that provides pain-relief and functional rehabilitation. Precise and extremely effective, Hendrickson Method is suitable therapy for most orthopaedic conditions including low back pain, whiplash, and rotator cuff injuries. With long-term benefits far beyond what is possible with massage, this exceptional system of functional rehabilitation uses techniques that stimulate the synthesis of new cells, rehydrate cartilage, and realign soft tissue. At its core is a one-of-a-kind stroke called wave mobilization®, so named because its gentle rocking motion mimics ocean waves.′

Hendrickson′s Orthopaedic Massage allows the therapist to use minimum muscular effort and reduces the stress and strains associated with overuse. Hendrickson′s emphasis on the influence of Tai Chi limits exertion yet maximises effect for both the practitioner and patient. The method also allows a treatment to be given through clothing, broadening the spectrum of patients that can be treated. The method was clear about the importance of taking a full history and ensuring any treatment was in context for the individual.

A lifetime of development

Tom Hendrickson′s own professional journey began over 30 years ago and has been influenced by a host of practitioners. Tom began studying massage in 1972 as part of a teacher training course in yoga, and he began to see the transformative power of touch. After training in Shiatsu and a four-month training programme in Lomi work he met Lauren Berry in 1978. This was a profound turning point for Tom.

Berry had over 50 years′ experience and an extremely practical approach that soon changed the way Tom looked at massage, resulting in an influential book published in 1981 shortly before Berry died.

Although a follower of Berry′s techniques, Tom found the high-speed soft-tissue and joint manipulations lacked a relaxed quality; they were a little aggressive and invasive, and what′s more they were extremely strenuous for the therapist. He recalls, ′It was my personal goal to be as gentle as possible without sacrificing therapeutic results.′

Over many years′ practice Tom developed what he called ′interfascicular torsion′ to describe the tiny adhesions and twists he could feel with his hands, and developed techniques to ′unwind′ these segments.

It was at this point he began to look at the ergonomics of massage – changing the position of the patient on the table to allow a more upright delivery of massage, and beginning the use of a rhythmic oscillation – a wave-like motion that is now a fundamental part of his approach.

Tom also incorporates the work of James Cyriax, whose work on transverse friction has had such a profound influence on soft-tissue treatments, and Rosalyn Bruyere and Muriel Chapmen whose use of gentle touch for healing is reflected in his very gentle therapy. In particular the environmental aspects of the massage process are important to Tom, ′. . . one of the most important goals of the therapist is to create an experience with touch that the client feels completely safe, completely comfortable. This induces a state of relaxation and trust in the client that allows for the healing of not just the physical pain but also provides an environment for the healing of the emotional and psychological components.′

First encounters

Tom′s unique way of working – the Hendrickson Method – grew out from this period of study, development and practice and is described well in his book, ′Massage and Manual Therapy for Orthopaedic Conditions′. When I read Tom′s book, I was delighted. Dr Tom Hendrickson′s teaching focuses not only on manual skills, but on the development of the student′s inner awareness of body, mind, and spirit to allow for greater healing energy to flow through their work. His book was a revelation, however, the more I explored his technique, the more I became convinced that meeting Dr Hendrickson would be the best way to reach a better understanding of his approach and in 2006; I decided to visit him in California.

My journey begins

In September 2006, I arrived in Berkley California, to join Tom′s class. His work and teaching style was immediately appealing. There was no ego, just a genuine, authentic way of working, and the desire to make a difference to people′s lives. This was clear from his technique, but also in the way he spoke about it, demonstrated it and taught it to us. Seeing him in action was an inspiration – but with inspiration came frustration. I wanted to use it – but felt it would be some time before I could master the wave, sinking mobilization method. Tom offers substantial, intensive training but it seemed I would not be able to take advantage of them being based in the UK.

I approached Tom and explained my predicament, and he provided a solution – I arranged to return periodically and completed a course of training over a period of a few years. My world as a therapist was broadened as I trained along side yoga instructors and they saw Tom′s work as an extension to their practice. This regular visit to attend Tom′s workshops and sessions became a highlight of my working year and I now have a confidence and understanding that could never have come from simply studying a book.

Changing practice

The effect on my practice has been extraordinary. I have a clearer protocol, a confidence in being able to explain treatment outcomes. One of them being that the patients has to join in with their own healing process, enabling them to become unafraid of their pain and regain ownership and awareness of their body. This is change from lying there passively, and disconnecting with their injury. Initially this was a little challenging for some of the people I treat, but all of them have realised the importance of massage as an interactive activity. However, the relaxation aspect of the treatment is still much in evidence as the wave motion that typifies the treatment is highly relaxing and deeply rhythmic – with result that seem far more long-lasting and positive than typical massage.

I was also quickly aware of an improvement in terms of my own stamina. The reliance on hands, poor posture in the therapist, and the repetitive actions take their toll in many practitioners.

Tom has reinforced the importance of taking ′in depth′ history which has added breadth and depth to my relationship with my clients – each individual brings with them a unique story, and understanding that story is vital if we are to develop an effective, long-lasting solution together. This dialogue also adds to the therapeutic elements of the session, building confidence and positivity within the patient, and making them more likely to change habits outside the practice room.

An additional aspect of working in this way has been the importance of reflexive perspectives – taking a good hard look at my practice, my methods and the effects my own approach has on patients. The method provides space for personal, professional development that is not usually part of a massage technique.

I was so impressed with the effect adopting Tom′s technique was having, that I decided to look for any other practitioners using the Hendrickson Method in the UK. I was astonished to find almost no-one had discovered Tom′s work, and that I was one of a very few people who had experienced his teachings first hand.

I invited Dr Hendrickson to visit the UK and conduct a compact session here in Otley, West Yorkshire. The visit – in June 2008 – culminated with a workshop during which he demonstrated his method to 28 massage therapists from all over the UK. The three- day workshop gave them an introduction to his Hendrickson Method including ′wave mobilisation′.

Dr Hendrickson was impressed by the standard of the massage therapists he met at the workshop, especially the levels of anatomical knowledge. He said, ′I am thrilled and excited at the skill and commitment I have found here, and how quickly and effectively everyone picked up what I was doing.′

Feedback from the massage therapists attending the workshop showed the impact he made in such a short time. Tonia Jones of Leeds said it was ′Fantastic! . . . great support and encouragement. A privilege to be taught by such amazing practitioners′. Mark Stoll (who has worked with the Scottish National Football team) commented, ′my own work will only get better from this course . . . it was well worth the trip from Peebles.′ Massage therapist Ian Chapman commented on how generous Dr Hendrickson was with his knowledge, while Nicola Nicol said it was ′the best course I have ever been on – what an excellent few days of learning, enlightenment and good fun!′

As a result of this positive experience, Dr Hendrickson and his assistants presented 112hr ′Fundamentals in the Hendrickson Method′ practitioner programme this spring here in the UK.