Hesch Method of Manual Therapy

What is The Hesch Method?

The Hesch Method of Manual Therapy is an evidence based treatment program which is a innovative, effective treatment to restore normative whole-body joint function, developed by Dr. Jerry Hesch, MHS, PT, DPT. Treatment is available in Denver area (Aurora, CO, USA) (30 miles from the Denver International Airport). Education for clinicians is provided  via workshops and home study / AKA Distance Learning.

Dr. Hesch is active in presenting at conferences and publishing which is listed in several locations of this site.

Hesch Method is brief treatment, which focuses on accomplishing goals over a short period of time, generally three visits. Joint dysfunction such as the types that require repeat treatment, repeat adjustment or manipulation can often be resolved or significantly improved within this time frame. For any recurring dysfunction, the client is taught self correction, thereby limiting client dependency on practitioners and reducing economic burden.  Patients who are not having success in resolving musculoskeletal and nerve pain through traditional methods, are encouraged to explore this website, view Hesch Method assessment videos on the Hesch Institute YouTube channel, and consider visiting our clinic in Aurora, Colorado to experience a distinctly different approach to treating injuries and chronic pain.

We offer Continuing Education Seminars and Home Study Learning Programs to teach Hesch Method techniques. Practitioners are encouraged to browse this website and visit the Hesch Institute YouTube channel, to find out more about the Hesch Method body of work. 

Our current programs focus  on the lumbopelvic-hip complex, sacroiliac, and symphysis pubis, and a workshop and distance learning / home study  that encompasses common patterns throughout the rest of the body.

While Manual Therapy is a subset of Physical Therapy, Hesch educational materials are suitable to teach palpatory literacy skills and gentle restoration of joint and dense connective tissue and soft tissue function through reflexes and gentle sustained forces as opposed to a quick adjustment. This approach is within the scope of practice of PT's, PTA's, Chiropractors, Physicians, PA's, NP's, and Massage Therapists.

How is the Hesch Method different?

Whole body is not just a phrase.  We literally test every major joint - head to toe.
  • We start at the feet and work our way up.
  • We test the body and especially the spine and pelvic girdle in multiple positions to ensure all dysfunctional segments are found.
  • We recognize patterns in the musculoskeletal
    system. Over time, Injuries express themselves throughout the body, not just in the symptomatic region.
  • We test and treat the elastic and plastic integrity of dense connective tissue.
  • We balance the direct link between anatomical relationship and reflex muscle tone as it relates to ligament tone.
  • We balance reflexes from the ground up.
  • We quickly restore strength to muscles and ligaments by removing reflex inhibition.
  • We can significantly improve a typical injury in 3 visits. One reason is that Jerry does not utilize assistants, all care is given by Jerry and visits for complex presentation can take up to 2-hours.
  • Jerry performs an extensive chart review and conversation with the client prior to scheduling out of town clients. This practice for obvious reasons is much more thorough than typical evaluations.
  • At times Jerry will make additional recommendations for local care and avails himself to those who have exhausted local resources and after screening through chart review to assure that the travel and expense is appropriate. This is unique and qualifies as a much needed aspect of true Health Care Reform.
  • Treatment utilizes very mild forces that are applied for a much longer period of time than typical interventions to impart lasting change that is readily accepted by the body without provoking soreness or pain. We believe that large abrupt forces are unnecessary and unnatural.
  • We will strive to make an effective, lasting change, and instruct the client in self-treatment reducing dependency on expensive care. 
  • Hesch Institute refers to those who seek assistance as clients not patients.