FAQs

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Hellerwork + Structural Medicine

GYROTONIC® Method

Essentials

Hellerwork +
Structural Medicine

How is Structural Medicine and Hellerwork different from massage?

Generally, with massage you receive a head-to-toe treatment with every session. However, with Structural Medicine and Hellerwork I focus deeply and specifically on the area of imbalance in your body. I focus on treating the cause rather than the symptoms.

How do you know what is imbalanced or out of alignment in my body?

I have been trained to look at the alignment and posture of the body. Based on my understanding of anatomy and function, I have a good starting point of what exactly might be imbalanced in the body. Then, with a series of myofascial length tests, I am able to specifically understand your body and what muscle groups need to change position, shape or length in order to give you more structural balance.

What is the range of problems that you see in your practice?

Some specific conditions that I have experience working with and have seen positive results are fibromyalgia, repetitive strain injuries, pelvic floor dysfunction, scoliosis, coccyx pain, frozen shoulder and general limited range of motion. Clients with chronic pain of any sort can begin to find relief with Hellerwork and Structural Medicine.

How many sessions do I need before I will feel a difference?

The amount of change you will experience depends on the level of restriction in your body. I expect you should begin to feel a difference within 1-3 sessions. I often suggest a series of 10 sessions spread over a 2-4 month period to establish more long- term results.

Do you do hour-long sessions?

I typically do 90-minute sessions. This allows time for me assess your body through muscle length testing and observation, along with the hands-on portion of the bodywork. The bodywork is focused and in-depth and it is my experience that clients are able to thoroughly let go of stress and be involved in the process when we do a longer session. Some clients even decide to have 2-hour appointments.

What is fascia?

Fascia is soft connective tissue located just below the skin. It wraps and connects the muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels of the body. Together, muscle and fascia make up what is called the myofascia system. Our fascial system can be seen as as multi-layer body stocking, wrapping muscles throughout the body. In best condition, fascia is loose and moist tissue, facilitating movement and balance. Under continual stress or lack of movement, fascia becomes rigid, loses fluidity, and its layers begin to stick to one another, The resulting stiffness or restricted movement is often associated with muscle, but it’s connective tissue that accumulates much of this stress.

GYROTONIC®

What is the GYROTONIC® method all about?
The Gyrotonic® (pronounced jie-ro-tah-nik) method uses fluid rhythmic movements to release tension around joints, creating a balance of strength and mobility. The name (gyro means circle, tonic means healing) gives a clue to the origins of the movement which was developed in the 1970s by dancer Juliu Horvath to rejuvenate his own body after a series of debilitating injuries. The movements look like a combination of dance, swimming, tai chi, and yoga. This is the short version of what the Gyrotonic® method is.  If you would like to get a visual of Gyrotonic® in motion, click here.
What are the benefits of doing the GYROTONIC® method?
  • Promotes strong, lean muscles
  • Increases flexibility, coordination, and balance
  • Enhances joint mobility and articulation
  • Frees the body of pain and restrictions
  • Increases circulation of blood, lymphatic fluids, and energy
  • Complements/supplements physical therapy and other rehabilitative bodywork
  • Helps prevent osteoporosis
  • Helps to slow the aging process through mental and physical stimulation and regeneration
  • Strengthens the nervous system
What is the difference between Pilates and the GYROTONIC® method?
Both methods are considered body-mind modalities, promoting the benefits that come with greater body awareness and increased focus. The Pilates method is alignment-based, meaning that it works to create a correct posture by targeting specific muscles and creating balanced strength around the body. The Gyrotonic® method uses flowing movements that release tension around the joints and promote ease and freedom of movement.
Who can benefit from GYROTONIC® movement?
The brilliance of the system is its adaptability–it can be modified for people of any age or ability level. Anyone seeking to improve their balance or coordination, achieve greater flexibility and strength, improve posture, and create a greater sense of overall well-being is a good candidate for Pilates or the Gyrotonic® method training.
How long is each session and what should I wear?

Sessions run 55 minutes. Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement.

What are the fees?

Fees vary depending on the number of sessions you commit to and whether you take private or duet instruction. Click here for fees.

How often should I take lessons?

This depends on your goals, but we recommend having sessions at least twice/week to get the greatest benefit. However you will notice changes in your strength and flexibility with even one lesson/week.

Will the GYROTONIC® method movement enhance my performance in other sports?
Absolutely. These methods, only recently becoming more and more mainstream, have been practiced by pro athletes, dancers, celebrities, and physical therapists for years. The Gyrotonic® method movement strengthens your core, improves your flexibility, balance, and uniformly develops strength and coordination throughout the entire body. No matter what kind of athlete you are, your performance will improve greatly.
Will I feel sore afterwards?

Since every session includes a stretch and a strength component, as well as a warm up and cool down, you will feel minimal soreness. Most people feel energized after their sessions.

Essentials

Are your products organic?

Our signature blend of shea butter and organic coconut oil, the base for all Body Balance Essentials creams, is organic. We use 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils in our blends.

What is the cost?

Click here to view or download our prices.

Is the insect repellent more effective than DEET?

The “Three Ds” of protection to prevent mosquito breeding and biting:

  • Drain – Mosquitoes require water in which to breed, so carefully drain any and all sources of standing water around your house and yard, including pet bowls, gutters, garbage and recycling bins, spare tires, bird baths, etc.
  • Dress – Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing—long sleeved shirts and long pants, hats, and socks.
  • Defend – Use repellent.

Many people do not like to use synthetic chemical mosquito repellents. Studies have shown that repellents with essential oils can be effective in repelling insects.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are the aromatic compounds found in the seeds, stem, flowers, and sometimes rinds of plants. Often called the “life blood” of the plant, they help protect if from predators, illness, and also aid in its general health and reproduction process.

I am allergic to fragrances, can I still use your products?

Often people who are allergic to fragrances do not have a reaction to products blended with 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils, because they contain no unnatural chemicals. If a reaction does occur, stop using the product for a time or reduce the frequency and/or quantity of use. The reaction may be your body releasing toxins.