What is Hendrickson Method?
Safe, Gentle Manual Therapy
The Hendrickson Method (HM) is an advanced system of orthopedic massage and manual therapy.
It is designed to efficiently treat acute and chronic pain, restore joint mobility, and rehabilitate orthopedic conditions without using heavy pressure or force.
Unlike traditional massage, patients usually remain fully clothed during a session (without the use of oils), and the therapist typically focuses deeply on a specific dysfunctional area rather than giving a general full-body massage.
The Core Techniques
The Hendrickson Method is unique because it simultaneously treats the soft tissue, the joints, and the nervous system by combining three distinct modalities:
- Wave Mobilization®: This is the signature stroke of the method. Modeled after Tai Chi energy principles and the flow of ocean waves, the therapist applies gentle, rhythmic, scooping oscillations perpendicular to the tissue fibers. Done at about 60 cycles per minute (matching a resting heartbeat), this deeply relaxing motion hydrates joints, shifts soft tissue, and helps dissolve scar tissue.
- Muscle Energy Technique (MET): This addresses neuromuscular rehabilitation. The client gently resists a precise counter-pressure applied by the therapist for a few seconds and then relaxes. This tricks the nervous system into safely "turning off" hyper-tight muscles, instantly lowering tension and resetting muscle length.
- Joint Mobilization: The therapist uses low-velocity, passive movements to gently open up joint spaces. Moving the joint through its natural range of motion coaxes synovial fluid to lubricate the joint, restoring "joint play" and relieving chronic stiffness.
What Conditions Does it Treat?
Because it targets the root of musculoskeletal dysfunction rather than just masking symptoms, HM is commonly used to treat:
- Back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain, whiplash, and TMJ
- Rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder
- Hip degeneration and bursitis
- Sports injuries (like sprains or tennis elbow)
- Chronic postural strain from desk work
- Any tight muscles that need to be released
- Hip pain
