Cedar Creek Health
Learning to live vitally, move fluidly and feel deeply transforms how we live and age. - Joseph Heller
What is Hellerwork?
Hellerwork is a form of bodywork developed by renowned somatic educator Joseph Heller, who has been involved with structural bodywork for over 50 years.
The Hellerwork treatment differs from traditional massage or physiotherapy treatments in that it brings into focus an intimate knowledge of the myofascia—the connective tissue that runs through our bodies. It is not always enough to know which muscles are involved in patterns of injury; the related fascial planes are also involved, and this is something that’s often missed in conventional treatment methods.
The Hellerwork-based process practiced at Cedar Creek Health encourages clients to make the connection between movement and body alignment. The potential for recovery and independence is well supported, as the work empowers clients to take responsibility for their health.
Testimonials
Darwyn treated me for a serious back injury and I was impressed with the results. I believe in the benefits of Hellerwork and am confident in recommending Darwyn for his skill and experience.
- Dr. Berte Marr, Shenlong TCM Healing, Victoria, B.C.
In my experience, Hellerwork has proven to be a very effective approach for the treatment of a wide variety of chronic myofascial syndromes. I frequently recommend it to my patients, and use it personally as a first-line approach for muscular tension.
- Dr. M.T. Greenwood, Physician, Victoria, B.C.
Having referred clients to Darwyn over the years, I am confident in his ability to provide effective and professional treatment. People with a wide variety of musculoskeletal and ergonomic issues can benefit from Darwyn's services, including those who have not responded to many other types of therapy.
- Dr. Kent Banks, Physician, Victoria, B.C.
The Process
A client history reviews injuries, surgeries, medical conditions, medications, pain, current problems, biomechanical difficulties and goals.
We make an assessment of posture and movement patterns, and evaluate the body structure for alignment, symmetry and patterns of imbalance.
After discussing the client’s needs, and conducting a visual assessment and analysis of the history, an individual treatment plan is developed.
The treatment includes deep massage that deals, not just with the area of pain, but with its source, as well as with the source of misalignment, imbalance and connective tissue problems.
The massage is done with slow, deep pressure and often results in a sense of ease and relief. The client may be asked to make slow movements while the practitioner guides the tissue, releasing patterns of strain and tension. Darwyn is highly skilled at working with the client to determine the proper speed, depth and pressure.
The massage is followed by movement education, with clients given exercises customized for their lifestyle needs. The emphasis of the at-home exercises is on maintaining healthy posture and movement while walking, sitting and standing, and on awareness of chronic muscle tensions and how to change them.
Each session lasts 90 minutes and includes deep tissue manipulation, movement education and instruction for independence in healing.