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FAQ’s for Sponsoring Schools

 

How is Hendrickson Method different from traditional deep tissue courses?
Deep tissue massage is a system using deep pressure to stretch the fascia of the muscles and is a wonderful technique for relaxation. You would not apply deep tissue massage to a client with an acute injury. Hendrickson Method is an advanced system of orthopedic therapy. While many of the topics covered in Hendrickson Method are similar to those taught in other clinical courses, there are several significant differences:

  • At the heart of Hendrickson Method is a new massage stroke called wave mobilization® which was developed by Dr. Tom Hendrickson during thirty years of clinical practice. Based on the internal energy healing of Tai Chi, these strokes are performed in gentle, rhythmic oscillations that mimic ocean waves. This stroke is not taught in any other course.

  • Deep tissue massage and most clinical massage techniques such as trigger point therapy are painful. By using these painful techniques, therapists are inadvertently stimulating the sympathetic nervous system (our fight or flight response). Not only does this interfere with healing, it is uncomfortable to receive. Hendrickson Method therapists work within their client’s comfort level, use extremely effective and precise techniques to eliminate painful trigger points, improve the function of the joints, and increase range of motion.

  • Deep tissue work does not address the joints, which is the source of most of the pain in the body. Nor does it address the nervous system. Hendrickson Method brings together a dynamic combination of techniques: Dr. Hendrickson’s style of orthopedic massage, mobilization, and neuromuscular re-education, synthesized with Eastern energy practices. It has evolved during 30 years of clinical practice into a powerfully effective integrated system of orthopedic therapy.

  • Hendrickson Method produces results for clients - quickly. It can be done fully clothed, without oil, and within the client’s comfort zone.

  • Traditional clinical modalities require a great deal of strength and are notorious for leading to practitioner injury and burnout. Most clinical classes teach body mechanics but because the cause of physical stress is in the techniques themselves, simple ergonomics do little to remedy the problem. Hendrickson Method, on the other hand, teaches techniques and body mechanics that are easy on the practitioner’s body. Our practitioners don’t burnout or injure themselves and, as a result, enjoy prolonged and more successful careers.

 

How long has the school been in business?
We’ve just changed our name. We used to be called the Institute for Orthopedic Massage. We’ve been a California State approved vocational school since 1997. Our approved school status assures students of our financial stability and the integrity of our curriculums. Our courses are also approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. And we are members of Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals and The American Massage Therapy Association.

 

What do you require of your sponsoring schools?
All sponsoring schools that offer Hendrickson Method professional certification classes must be approved by the state in which they operate. In California, they must be an approved vocational school through the BPPVE.

 

How long ago was Hendrickson Method developed?
Dr. Tom Hendrickson developed his Method during 30 years of clinical practice. You can read more about Dr. Hendrickson and his process in his biography.

 

Can we customize the program to fit within our own curriculum?
Here are some examples of what we can – and cannot do.

  • We can modify the time period over which the course is offered. We traditionally hold classes once per month for 3 days, over a 9-month period. You may find the class a better fit, for example, if you offered the course over two 3-day weekends per month for 4 months. We can accommodate several timing scenarios. Our primary concern is that the students have enough time between classes to really integrate the material and be able to study adequately in preparation for the next session.

  • Our courses must always be referred to and advertised as Hendrickson Method.

  • We do not offer our curriculum for sale or under any other name.

  • The course content cannot be altered.

 

Can we provide our own teachers?
Only Certified Hendrickson Method Teachers may teach the class. However, we will be happy to support your cultivation of local instructors. They must meet the same rigorous training requirements as our other current teachers. This means they must be graduates of our 500 hour Advanced Therapist Program and have completed our 4-year Teachers’ Training Program.

 

What is the difference between a Hendrickson Method Practitioner, Therapist, and Advanced Therapist?
The degree of training. Hendrickson Method Practitioners have at least 200 hours of professional certification training. Therapists have a minimum of 400 hours of professional training. And Advanced Therapists have completed our entire 500-hour program. Please note that in order to use these Hendrickson Method professional titles, you must be a member in good standing of Hendrickson Method Association. Graduates who do not wish to belong to HMA may represent themselves as having successfully completed our coursework but may not use the registered trademark: Hendrickson Method in their professional titles.

 

Can we offer one of your professional classes or must we offer all three?
Yes, you may offer only Essentials, or Essentials and 2 if you wish. You may choose. However, we find that a great many of our Essentials students immediately enroll in Advanced. You may want to be prepared to take advantage of this after you have held your first Essentials class.

 

What do you charge us for holding your classes at our school?
Our financial arrangements are customized for each school. Factors which affect our fee include tuition charged, support activities (such as marketing), minimum enrollment guarantees, overhead expenses, etc. We pride ourselves on creating mutually beneficial partnerships that are open and professional. Please contact our Marketing Director, Lisa Nichols at Lisa@hendricksonmethod.com to learn more.

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