Hesch Institute Client & Professional Comments
In 1998 an MPT student wrote an analytical paper about participant response to the Hesch Method Workshop. It can be read here.
Comments About The Hesch Method Workshop: Treating Pelvic and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
This course was absolutely fantastic! I left feeling like I had something I could immediately put to use on my patients and it would work!! The material and information was made so simple by Jerry! I loved how easily everything was integrated and the thought process was explained as to why you would look at a certain area and what would logically follow. Great job connecting the dots – it all made sense!
Kristen Goodman, PT Rehab Director, Greene County General Hospital
In my 8 yrs of practice, I have been to at least 3 SI courses but never left feeling comfortable enough to properly assess and isolate SIJ Dysfunction especially when screening for hip and/or lumbar spine. 2 years ago, I stumbled upon Hesch Technique and thought to check this out. Well, I was very much shocked and surprised about how easy the Hesch Method was to not only assess but to treat SI Dysfunction as well. Ever since I have attended this course, I keep the book by my side and now I am having great results treating not only my SI patients but also my lumbar and hip patients as well! Not to mention, I am very much comfortable and confident in treating and isolating SI now!
Ridhima Wason, DPT, St. Francis Outpatient Physical Therapy
I liked that it was a more gentle approach than others. Nice to try techniques that don’t involve manipulations. Whole body approach to treatment. Four lab assistants were great – always had someone who was willing to help. Enjoyed hands on lab time.
Camille Fenwick, DPT
Good sequencing of positional testing and excellent use of spring testing (mobility testing) versus over depending on palpation of bony land masks/symmetry. Excellent HEPS. Great simplification of Sacral (SI) mobility/restrictions.
Jay D. Slusher, PT, Sportworks/Major Hospital
This is much clearer and less intimidating. More “clear cut” and common sense, easier to understand and integrate into treatment.
Ashlee Grant, DPT, Westview Hospital
I enjoyed the hands on and multiple subjects. I like that you didn’t just lecture on stuff we learned in school. Loved how active the course was.
Erin Wohlfert, PT, ATC, Indiana University Health Arnett
Info that can immediately be taken into clinic and put to use. Like layout of book. Good
balance of lab and class.
Marsha K. Pyle, PTA, Northcentral Indiana Sports Medicine
Kristen Goodman, PT Rehab Director, Greene County General Hospital
In my 8 yrs of practice, I have been to at least 3 SI courses but never left feeling comfortable enough to properly assess and isolate SIJ Dysfunction especially when screening for hip and/or lumbar spine. 2 years ago, I stumbled upon Hesch Technique and thought to check this out. Well, I was very much shocked and surprised about how easy the Hesch Method was to not only assess but to treat SI Dysfunction as well. Ever since I have attended this course, I keep the book by my side and now I am having great results treating not only my SI patients but also my lumbar and hip patients as well! Not to mention, I am very much comfortable and confident in treating and isolating SI now!
Ridhima Wason, DPT, St. Francis Outpatient Physical Therapy
I liked that it was a more gentle approach than others. Nice to try techniques that don’t involve manipulations. Whole body approach to treatment. Four lab assistants were great – always had someone who was willing to help. Enjoyed hands on lab time.
Camille Fenwick, DPT
Good sequencing of positional testing and excellent use of spring testing (mobility testing) versus over depending on palpation of bony land masks/symmetry. Excellent HEPS. Great simplification of Sacral (SI) mobility/restrictions.
Jay D. Slusher, PT, Sportworks/Major Hospital
This is much clearer and less intimidating. More “clear cut” and common sense, easier to understand and integrate into treatment.
Ashlee Grant, DPT, Westview Hospital
I enjoyed the hands on and multiple subjects. I like that you didn’t just lecture on stuff we learned in school. Loved how active the course was.
Erin Wohlfert, PT, ATC, Indiana University Health Arnett
Info that can immediately be taken into clinic and put to use. Like layout of book. Good
balance of lab and class.
Marsha K. Pyle, PTA, Northcentral Indiana Sports Medicine
It was great to meet you, and to participate in your workshop both as a student and assistant. While I feel like my manual skills are more advanced than the typical outpatient PT, I clearly have a lot to learn when it comes not only to the pelvis but the distal joints. I can't thank you enough for all the additional information you provided over dinner and during the class breaks. I have been busy implementing my new skills on my patients yesterday and today, and am encouraged with every instance.
Cara Ogren, Synergy PT
This body of work, knowledge and research was presented in a clear, thoughtful and specific manner making it easy to understand. It will be enormously helpful in my growing treatment of pelvic floor rehabilitation. I am very grateful.
Carolyn S. Bentley DPT,PT, M.Ed
The work you have done is incredible . . . I am so excited to be more educated in the Hesch Method and I look forward to using this method on my athletes. Furthermore as an educator, I’ve learned so much about the SI Joint that I can now use in the classroom, and hopefully invoke more knowledge and awareness in future athletic trainers and therapist.
Jennifer Papp EdD, ATC, LAT
I so appreciate the thoughtfulness of Jerry's philosophy and body of work. I don’t think anyone is doing more thoughtful research in this area. Understanding each bone of the pelvis and it’s normal movement and dysfunction, and then putting it all together in a logical sequence is a great way to learn this complex region. As women’s health and pelvic joint specialist, I would highly recommend this course to all of my peers.
Lizanne Pastore PT, MA, COMT
Thank you so much for also looking at my areas of pain and distracting my 7th rib. I feel really good right now. All upper and lower back pain is gone. I wish you the best and am very interested in helping you in any way that I can to further your expansion of this method. I have already recommended you to my PT friends. When I feel more confident, maybe I could help you with a lab.
Denise Knight, MPT
I believe this course is valuable for every health professional. It is not only designed for PT’s or PTA’s but also strength coaches and other health practitioners. It provides great insight into SI joint problems. It can be utilized in any movement/training program.
John Hofman CSCS, MS
Content excellent. By far the best SI/Pelvis course I have taken in my many years as a PT.
Richard Talbot, DPT
Loved getting so much info that I can use the next day in the clinic.
Jodi Tuzzolo, PT, DPT
In general, the Hesch Method just makes more sense. Assess for blocked regions and make them move.
Michael Friar, PT
I am using the Hesch Method and getting great results. I love treating the pelvis with a sequence that has been researched and proven to increase consistency of pelvic alignment after treatment. Having SIJ pain myself for over 3 years, I was so relieved and thankful to find out I was the "second most common pattern" there was a way to treat it! Thanks, Jerry, for sharing all your knowledge and experience treating the pelvis!
Crystal McCallum, PT, St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers, Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
I feel that this approach is much more thorough compared to the other courses. I feel more confident in treating my patients. Most courses I take, I feel like I have to "experiment" with my patients more until I learn the technique. With this approach, I feel like I can go to work and start treating immediately-without stumbling through it.
Hillary Grimm, PT, MS
More applicable because it is easier to digest and easier for patients to comply with.
Shannon Lutz, MS, PT
Much better organization of order of treatment and testing/ evaluation. Great course, great organization, great straight-forward concepts and treatment.
Charles Brown, MS, PT with over 25 years experience
Chris is great, besides her friendly personality and good sense of humor, the knowledge and protocol is clear, simple and effective. Lab work: loved it!- all that HANDS-ON.
Anne B. Smith, PT
Much more clear as far as explanation of evaluation and treatment. Easier to learn and grasp. Chris, you were great! Thanks for lots of information, techniques and explanations.
Shellie Parkinson, MS, PT
Far easier to apply immediately. Well presented with a great amount of lab time.
Pat O’Malley, PTA
An athlete of mine had a complicated history of 5-year post coccyx fracture with surgical removal of the coccyx, and an iliofemoral postero-medial labral tear, so I was unsure if the Hesch Method was the best course of treatment for her, until after I took the course. Soon after learning the techniques, I used them with her for three treatments sessions, and she is now running for the first time in 4 months. Thank you for the wonderful education, and helping us as ATC's… God bless the Hesch Method!
Alicia Lysiuk, MS, LAT, ATC , St. Vincent Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
General Workshop Feedback
Again, I will say that I am enjoying this training and am quite impressed so far! Do you know how many courses I have taken trying to understand the sacrum!? Several! Your method is so simple and effective.
Coleen Basler, PT, Women's Health Specialist, Austin, Texas
I attended the Hesch course this past weekend and wanted to let you know I loved it. I’ve been able to apply it on 10 different patients as well as myself. FYI, my hip pain is better.
Jennifer Sergeant Hungate, DPT, MS, Physical Therapist
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago-Northshore
I just wanted to thank you for a great workshop. I have heard nothing but positive feedback since Sunday. All of the therapists tried it on one or more patients on Monday and were so excited that it actually made sense and seemed to just make everything about the patient's problems CLICK. We enjoyed your teaching style, sense of humor, and patience with us. Thanks to Christine also who was very humorous and very helpful with labs. It was awesome. Thanks again.
Jerilyn Inmon, LPT, Supervisor of Physical Therapy. Fisher-Titus Medical Center
The education was outstanding!
Joe Gutzwiller, ATC
The aspect I liked most about the course was lots of lab time. I wish we had even more. I hope to take it more into pediatrics. I can’t wait to start looking at my little unstable patients!
Karen Timmons, PT
Everything was very useful.
Elaine Hinton, PTA
There was a lot of hands-on application. I loved the SI joint models provided to allow therapists to continue to refer back as needed. You were a very knowledgeable instructor.
Synde Canarina, PT, DPT
I thought the course was very informative.
Jessica McLeod, PT
Letters
Thank you for the life commitment you have devoted to the Hesch method. Today, I have learned so much and it has not only opened my eyes to evaluate more pelvises but also explains the dysfunctions. I’ve been seeing with many points. Thank you!!
Patricia Gray
Dear Jerry, I really enjoyed the Hesch Method Course. The sequence and treatment model seems very logical and organized. I look forward to trying this on a real patient and feel that the sequence will become innate with practice. I will look forward to additional research on the Hesch Method.
Megan O, PT
Hi, my name is Ari Globerman and I'm certified in the Rolf Method of Structural Integration and am a licensed Massage Therapist. I've been practicing Structural Integration for five and half years, and am always looking for ways to sharpen my assessment and treatment skills in order to help my clients achieve greater and longer lasting results. I would like to introduce you to a novel approach called the Hesch Method of Manual Therapy. Hesch Method is logical, effective, and accessible to biomechanically oriented clinicians.
I originally found Rolfing Structural Integration in 1995 when I had low back pain that was attributed to my sacroiliac joint. After my body was better organized, my lower back pain and sacroiliac issues were much improved for a period of time. Later, the pain returned, and was recalcitrant, which prompted me to go on a quest to discover a therapy that could resolve it permanently. I initially attended an expensive sacroiliac workshop. Unfortunately, this did not clear up my confusion about the sacroiliac joint; nor did it allow me to resolve my condition. Upon further research, I discovered that the Hesch Method was a comprehensive analysis and treatment system for the pelvis and SI joints. So, I took it upon myself to learn the Hesch Method not only to treat myself, but to apply it to my clients to resolve cases of chronic pelvic and low back pain.
I signed up for the Hesch Method Distance Learning program, and soon after received a comprehensive workbook and DVD explaining how to manually assess and test the soft tissues and joints of the pelvis. It was everything I was looking for and more. That it was a reasonably priced program, was an added bonus. Jerry Hesch has developed a very comprehensive and thorough system of assessing dysfunction in the pelvic joints, and a methodical step by step protocol to resolve it. If you have ever wondered what to do when you noticed that an ilium was superior, or anterior, or a sacrum felt side bent, etc., the Hesch Method material will answer all of those questions for you.
This method is a perfect adjunct to Structural Integration and other biomechanical forms of Manual Therapy, and I highly recommend it as a complementary therapy for correcting mechanical dysfunction. As the pelvis is a key area of misalignment in the body, learning how to comprehensively correct it is invaluable. The Hesch Method joint work is a unique, alternative, and integrative method; and should not be confused with Chiropractic, Osteopathic, or traditional PT Manual Therapy.
In addition to his work on the pelvis, Jerry Hesch has a whole body approach to treating joint dysfunction. This integrative work is very unique, and addresses complex joint dysfunctions that cannot be resolved by traditional methods. Having completed the basic and Intermediate sacroiliac program, I look forward to pursuing the Advanced work and learning the Hesch Method approach to the rest of the body.
Ari Globerman, Rolfer, Florida
I especially like some of the techniques that I learned from you that no other manual therapy course I have been to has yet addressed.....like the left side bent sacrums that remain after fixing the major problems, and your techniques of correcting that. No one else even mentions that, not the NAIOMT people, of course, not DonTigney, not Diane Lee, not Richard Jackson, not the Michigan State folks (at least the therapists I know who have taken those course don't mention it). But is the one thing that is needed in some folks to get them all the way better, and without you I would not have know to look for it. I have learned some new things though at about every course I go to, that I am adding to my bag of tricks....some muscle energy techniques and neuromuscular reeducation techniques to rid some abnormal neuromuscular patterns that lead to recurrence, of like a sacral rotation and segmental dysfunctions, that work really well. Like the protective spasm in the iliopsoas that occurs with an acute disc derangement that side bends them off the hot disc, and rotates them away. That can get imbedded as an abnormal pattern, that leads to recurrent FRS lefts, and left sacral rotation. So, there is a exercise that is done to reestablish a more normal pattern gets rid of the bad one. It is cool. It has worked on the last 6 patients that I have tried it on. Thanks for sharing.
Barb Carusillo, PT Indianapolis
This is Shellie Parkinson writing and I first met you back in March when you brought the Hesch course to Physical Therapy Innovations in Auburn, MA. You may not remember me, but I was the PT in the course who was positive for (almost all elements of) the most common pattern and became the class example. What was also unusual about my situation was that I was about two weeks away from undergoing hip surgery for a labral tear and femoral acetabular impingment.
I would like to sincerely THANK YOU for all of your knowledge and hands on treatment approaches. My surgery has come and gone and I would have never made it NWB/PWB on crutches for five weeks in the pain I was in regarding my SI and low back. Thanks to you, I am a true success as a result of the Hesch method!
Also, professionally, being able to treat those previously 'difficult' LBP/SI patients with the Hesch method has really changed my practice. Luckily, I was able to take the course with some co-workers and all of us have had great results using what we learned at your course.
Thanks again for helping me so much personally and professionally.
Rachelle Parkinson, PT, Physical Therapy Innovations, Hopkinton, MA
Hi Jerry...I've never met you but learned your approach from Christina Maxwell. I just wanted to let you know how many patients I've been able to help using the info I learned. It has been one of the most useful tools I've had for everything from feet to neck. Seems I always clear the pelvis first on almost everyone and so often find a problem which then translates into narrowing the pain down to one or two places. Thanks so much for taking the time to find a way to help these patients.
James Phillips, PT Indianapolis
I watched your video, and now I better get on your web site to read up some more on what you had to say about dorsally subluxed cuboids. That subject was covered in my NAIOMT classes, saying it occurs often with jumping, when a person comes down in plantar flexion and rolls inward, like when coming down on another players foot, rolling in. The manipulation they teach to restore normal position requires two people to do, and is fairly dramatic. So, it will be interesting to read more about yours. I am seeing a patient currently who found out about me through your web site, so thanks for sending her our way. She has been through a lot, and I definitely am using a lot of what I learned from you on her, along with everything else I can pull out to help her. Hope you are doing well!
Barbara Carusillo, PT Indianapolis
I have a renewed excitement about the Hesch Method and have used it many times in the past two days. It is so much easier with the new patterns and it makes so much sense. I even adjusted Stefani's second most common pattern (she said she met you at pub 99) before I discharged her. Her thoracic pain was gone but I could see her increased lordosis and just needed to do that so she could do her core exercises better. I gave her the home program and I felt so much more complete in her treatment. I even adjusted a cervical patient that I was discharging. She was older and had arthritis in her cspine so she was not 100 percent pain free all the time but she was significantly better. She had a hx of low back pain also so I keep her during my break and gave her a free pelvic allignment to see and gave her the home program. She called me back so excited she has not felt this great in years. Those patterns are fantastic. I am getting better results than ever before with the old material. Thanks again, I hope you are well.
Patty
I took your course this weekend at Hancock Regional Hospital and thought it to be very insightful. It was a very understanding and helpful and can see how helpful this can be.
I’m glad that I (took) this course and got a great tool for my toolbox. I’ve always felt uncomfortable treating SIJ or pelvic dysfunction, but I can see how easy and simple this is that can do it. I got to learn more than what I’d expected from this course and probably got more confidence in understanding and treating SIJ/pelvic dysfunction. Chris was a great instructor and great help with her feedback.
I would definitely recommend this course to coworkers and other physical therapist and friends. I am looking forward to using what I learned on Monday.
Ridhina Narayan, DPT
Two things, first, I was wondering how _____did after you saw her again? Second, I was wondering if you had any thoughts about another patient of mine. She was able to ride and swim most of the time since then but had to give up running and she just dealt with the pain and muscle spasms as no one to this point has helped her for any length of time. During the past 2 months she has been able to work on a walk jog progression and has progressed to jogging 25 minutes. She has a lot of confidence in your techniques and is pretty happy with how much better she has felt- even going a few days without spasms was huge for her. I have done a lot of manual therapy including positional release & augmented STM (Graston tools).
Sharon O, PT Indianapolis
Jerry's comments: Again, I am grateful that this is an unsolicited compliment. This very brief case shows that the Hesch Method is not a closed system, it encourages any and all other approaches after the Hesch Method has been utilized to balance the pelvic structure. Within my clinical practice I do treat whole-body. The term "Hesch Method" applies to my system of treating the sacroiliac, symphysis pubis, pelvis, lumbar spine and hip, which then segues into any of several appropriate techniques such as Grafton for scar release, myofascial release, movement with awareness, lumbar stabilization, etc.
This email came and the compliment was completely unsolicited. I removed her name, per her request "I have been a _____ for over 20 years. I now have a two year old daughter. When she was born, the first check in hospital, thought they heard a click in her hip joint. An ultrasound revealed nothing. Now, she walks with definite "pigeon toes" and her ambulation is therefore challenged. I have taken her to a naturopath who advised "wait and see", which is generally good advice. A friend of mine had her teenage daughter's subluxing kneecap corrected by the Hesch Method after a Dr. had recommended surgery. I am writing to ask, after reviewing your website, does your work/research extend to feet and ankles? If so, is it "Wait and see?" or "Why did you wait so long?" Understanding the pelvis as I do, it seems reasonable to ask you if Hesch Method can help my daughter. If so, at what age? Thank you for any info you can give me."
J P, Black Canyon City, AZ
When I was a PT student my clinical instructor used the Hesch Method to treat a client. The client was very pleased to finally achieve pain relief, having previously sought care from several practitioners. So when I started working in outpatient Orthopedics, I took the basic/intermediate Hesch Workshop.
I was pleased to achieve quick and lasting results, and find the self-treatment very helpful. I appreciate that this work is not restrictive or dogmatic, and it is easily integrated with other PT approaches. Jerry Hesch is very available by phone and e-mail, which helped with learning the advanced material.
I completed an outcome study with 11 discharged clients and 8/11 reported benefit with the Hesch self-treatment. Most clients who present with pelvic girdle movement dysfunction are significantly improved within 3 visits and readily segue into strength and stabilization exercises. I have presented this approach several times to PT students at UNM and it was enthusiastically received. It has been 5 years since I took the workshop and I am grateful that I am very comfortable the lumbopelvic and hip girdle and easily achieving lasting change.
Bernadette Lynch, PT Albuquerque, NM
Just wanted to thank you again for the great course in Indianapolis, IN on 9/8-9/07. You have a contagious excitement and I am now pumped to see some SIJ clients (instead of dreading them as I did before your course).
My previous SI coursework consisted of muscle energy techniques and I did not feel competent in treating SIJD because it relied too heavily on palpation findings. I now understand the importance of incorporating sping mobility testing to help determine where to mobilize.
I will relay my positive feedback to my director for we are still hoping to bring the course to Goshen.
Also, thanks for treating me. We saw the difference at the course, but I also saw a difference while playing disc golf the next day. In disc golf there are huge transverse plane motions. I felt better power transfer from my left hip with less effort to get the distance required. I'm looking forward to applying the techniques and I'm sure I will have a few questions, so plan on a few more emails. Thanks to Jerry Hesch for developing this work.
Craig Enright PT, Centers for Rehab, Goshen General Hospital, Goshen, IN
Again, I will say that I am enjoying this training and am quite impressed so far! Do you know how many courses I have taken trying to understand the sacrum!? Several! Your method is so simple and effective....This (distance learning with phone consults) seems like the bargain of the century! C.B. Distance Learning Student-When we complete the training I will ask for a longer endorsement! Jerry Hesch is not only committed to assisting Physical Therapists enhance their manual skills, but is passionate about his work and studies of the pelvis. He is able to explain and describe the complexities of the pelvis in such a manner that it is easier to comprehend and learn the mechanics of his Hesch methodology. It has been a fabulous learning experience to have Jerry as a mentor giving feedback with some of my patients even though he lives in a different state. He is quick to respond to both phone calls and emails, and gives the experienced Physical Therapist a chance to be challenged and to experiment with new and creative treatment approaches. As a Physical Therapist who specializes in pelvic pain and dysfunctions and has over 17 years of experience, I highly recommend Jerry Hesch as teacher, mentor, and educator.
Deena Goodman, PT, Los Angeles, CA
Hi Jerry, Thanks for the training set received yesterday. Awesome. Spring test great. Of course I need plenty of practice. As Osteopaths treating somatic dysfunction we were taught TART; being subjective tenderness, asymmetry, restricted motion and tissue texture change. The spring test fits the bill for restricted motion criteria. I’ve never seen an Osteo perform a spring test, so I don’t think in practice that we are true to our objective. Have you seen the chiropractic drop table approach at all, as I see that with your spring tests that would flow easily into a mobilisation using the momentum induced drop table. Will be using your approach but I think the spring tests could be widely used as confirming a diagnosis leading to a multitude of different treatments dependent on ones’ training.
I have no one to spring test me. But I just did a self stretch for right sided downslip and I’m feeling immediate relief. My history was bending to pick up a pencil from a seated position bending to my left. I Came up with an acute catch and leg referral to outer side right foot the next day. When i sit I don’t sit symmetrical. I feel my right ischial tuberosity doesn’t contact as well as my left, and I get the feeling my left sacrum is posterior and hugs the seat better. Wouldn’t it be great if I could fix this.
I notice your second pattern refers to a forward bent sacrum with decreased inferior guide. Fits into our spynamic tool that is shaped at the base to exert greater pressure to the lower portion of the sacrum. There is a belief in the Dorn method that the sacrum is prone to getting stuck into nutation or forward bending hence this tool was designed to assist in addressing this. Lots of theories one of my respected peers treats almost everyone for a stuck posterior sacral base bilateral or stuck in backward bending. He suggests as we have all fallen at some point onto our rears the coccyx will flex and tuck under and the sacrum gets stuck in counternutation as a companion lesion.
Plenty of different models but I’m liking your work as I knew I would. Congratulations and best regards
Wayne Sibson, D.O., Perth, Western Australia
Cara Ogren, Synergy PT
This body of work, knowledge and research was presented in a clear, thoughtful and specific manner making it easy to understand. It will be enormously helpful in my growing treatment of pelvic floor rehabilitation. I am very grateful.
Carolyn S. Bentley DPT,PT, M.Ed
The work you have done is incredible . . . I am so excited to be more educated in the Hesch Method and I look forward to using this method on my athletes. Furthermore as an educator, I’ve learned so much about the SI Joint that I can now use in the classroom, and hopefully invoke more knowledge and awareness in future athletic trainers and therapist.
Jennifer Papp EdD, ATC, LAT
I so appreciate the thoughtfulness of Jerry's philosophy and body of work. I don’t think anyone is doing more thoughtful research in this area. Understanding each bone of the pelvis and it’s normal movement and dysfunction, and then putting it all together in a logical sequence is a great way to learn this complex region. As women’s health and pelvic joint specialist, I would highly recommend this course to all of my peers.
Lizanne Pastore PT, MA, COMT
Thank you so much for also looking at my areas of pain and distracting my 7th rib. I feel really good right now. All upper and lower back pain is gone. I wish you the best and am very interested in helping you in any way that I can to further your expansion of this method. I have already recommended you to my PT friends. When I feel more confident, maybe I could help you with a lab.
Denise Knight, MPT
I believe this course is valuable for every health professional. It is not only designed for PT’s or PTA’s but also strength coaches and other health practitioners. It provides great insight into SI joint problems. It can be utilized in any movement/training program.
John Hofman CSCS, MS
Content excellent. By far the best SI/Pelvis course I have taken in my many years as a PT.
Richard Talbot, DPT
Loved getting so much info that I can use the next day in the clinic.
Jodi Tuzzolo, PT, DPT
In general, the Hesch Method just makes more sense. Assess for blocked regions and make them move.
Michael Friar, PT
I am using the Hesch Method and getting great results. I love treating the pelvis with a sequence that has been researched and proven to increase consistency of pelvic alignment after treatment. Having SIJ pain myself for over 3 years, I was so relieved and thankful to find out I was the "second most common pattern" there was a way to treat it! Thanks, Jerry, for sharing all your knowledge and experience treating the pelvis!
Crystal McCallum, PT, St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers, Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
I feel that this approach is much more thorough compared to the other courses. I feel more confident in treating my patients. Most courses I take, I feel like I have to "experiment" with my patients more until I learn the technique. With this approach, I feel like I can go to work and start treating immediately-without stumbling through it.
Hillary Grimm, PT, MS
More applicable because it is easier to digest and easier for patients to comply with.
Shannon Lutz, MS, PT
Much better organization of order of treatment and testing/ evaluation. Great course, great organization, great straight-forward concepts and treatment.
Charles Brown, MS, PT with over 25 years experience
Chris is great, besides her friendly personality and good sense of humor, the knowledge and protocol is clear, simple and effective. Lab work: loved it!- all that HANDS-ON.
Anne B. Smith, PT
Much more clear as far as explanation of evaluation and treatment. Easier to learn and grasp. Chris, you were great! Thanks for lots of information, techniques and explanations.
Shellie Parkinson, MS, PT
Far easier to apply immediately. Well presented with a great amount of lab time.
Pat O’Malley, PTA
An athlete of mine had a complicated history of 5-year post coccyx fracture with surgical removal of the coccyx, and an iliofemoral postero-medial labral tear, so I was unsure if the Hesch Method was the best course of treatment for her, until after I took the course. Soon after learning the techniques, I used them with her for three treatments sessions, and she is now running for the first time in 4 months. Thank you for the wonderful education, and helping us as ATC's… God bless the Hesch Method!
Alicia Lysiuk, MS, LAT, ATC , St. Vincent Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
General Workshop Feedback
Again, I will say that I am enjoying this training and am quite impressed so far! Do you know how many courses I have taken trying to understand the sacrum!? Several! Your method is so simple and effective.
Coleen Basler, PT, Women's Health Specialist, Austin, Texas
I attended the Hesch course this past weekend and wanted to let you know I loved it. I’ve been able to apply it on 10 different patients as well as myself. FYI, my hip pain is better.
Jennifer Sergeant Hungate, DPT, MS, Physical Therapist
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago-Northshore
I just wanted to thank you for a great workshop. I have heard nothing but positive feedback since Sunday. All of the therapists tried it on one or more patients on Monday and were so excited that it actually made sense and seemed to just make everything about the patient's problems CLICK. We enjoyed your teaching style, sense of humor, and patience with us. Thanks to Christine also who was very humorous and very helpful with labs. It was awesome. Thanks again.
Jerilyn Inmon, LPT, Supervisor of Physical Therapy. Fisher-Titus Medical Center
The education was outstanding!
Joe Gutzwiller, ATC
The aspect I liked most about the course was lots of lab time. I wish we had even more. I hope to take it more into pediatrics. I can’t wait to start looking at my little unstable patients!
Karen Timmons, PT
Everything was very useful.
Elaine Hinton, PTA
There was a lot of hands-on application. I loved the SI joint models provided to allow therapists to continue to refer back as needed. You were a very knowledgeable instructor.
Synde Canarina, PT, DPT
I thought the course was very informative.
Jessica McLeod, PT
Letters
Thank you for the life commitment you have devoted to the Hesch method. Today, I have learned so much and it has not only opened my eyes to evaluate more pelvises but also explains the dysfunctions. I’ve been seeing with many points. Thank you!!
Patricia Gray
Dear Jerry, I really enjoyed the Hesch Method Course. The sequence and treatment model seems very logical and organized. I look forward to trying this on a real patient and feel that the sequence will become innate with practice. I will look forward to additional research on the Hesch Method.
Megan O, PT
Hi, my name is Ari Globerman and I'm certified in the Rolf Method of Structural Integration and am a licensed Massage Therapist. I've been practicing Structural Integration for five and half years, and am always looking for ways to sharpen my assessment and treatment skills in order to help my clients achieve greater and longer lasting results. I would like to introduce you to a novel approach called the Hesch Method of Manual Therapy. Hesch Method is logical, effective, and accessible to biomechanically oriented clinicians.
I originally found Rolfing Structural Integration in 1995 when I had low back pain that was attributed to my sacroiliac joint. After my body was better organized, my lower back pain and sacroiliac issues were much improved for a period of time. Later, the pain returned, and was recalcitrant, which prompted me to go on a quest to discover a therapy that could resolve it permanently. I initially attended an expensive sacroiliac workshop. Unfortunately, this did not clear up my confusion about the sacroiliac joint; nor did it allow me to resolve my condition. Upon further research, I discovered that the Hesch Method was a comprehensive analysis and treatment system for the pelvis and SI joints. So, I took it upon myself to learn the Hesch Method not only to treat myself, but to apply it to my clients to resolve cases of chronic pelvic and low back pain.
I signed up for the Hesch Method Distance Learning program, and soon after received a comprehensive workbook and DVD explaining how to manually assess and test the soft tissues and joints of the pelvis. It was everything I was looking for and more. That it was a reasonably priced program, was an added bonus. Jerry Hesch has developed a very comprehensive and thorough system of assessing dysfunction in the pelvic joints, and a methodical step by step protocol to resolve it. If you have ever wondered what to do when you noticed that an ilium was superior, or anterior, or a sacrum felt side bent, etc., the Hesch Method material will answer all of those questions for you.
This method is a perfect adjunct to Structural Integration and other biomechanical forms of Manual Therapy, and I highly recommend it as a complementary therapy for correcting mechanical dysfunction. As the pelvis is a key area of misalignment in the body, learning how to comprehensively correct it is invaluable. The Hesch Method joint work is a unique, alternative, and integrative method; and should not be confused with Chiropractic, Osteopathic, or traditional PT Manual Therapy.
In addition to his work on the pelvis, Jerry Hesch has a whole body approach to treating joint dysfunction. This integrative work is very unique, and addresses complex joint dysfunctions that cannot be resolved by traditional methods. Having completed the basic and Intermediate sacroiliac program, I look forward to pursuing the Advanced work and learning the Hesch Method approach to the rest of the body.
Ari Globerman, Rolfer, Florida
I especially like some of the techniques that I learned from you that no other manual therapy course I have been to has yet addressed.....like the left side bent sacrums that remain after fixing the major problems, and your techniques of correcting that. No one else even mentions that, not the NAIOMT people, of course, not DonTigney, not Diane Lee, not Richard Jackson, not the Michigan State folks (at least the therapists I know who have taken those course don't mention it). But is the one thing that is needed in some folks to get them all the way better, and without you I would not have know to look for it. I have learned some new things though at about every course I go to, that I am adding to my bag of tricks....some muscle energy techniques and neuromuscular reeducation techniques to rid some abnormal neuromuscular patterns that lead to recurrence, of like a sacral rotation and segmental dysfunctions, that work really well. Like the protective spasm in the iliopsoas that occurs with an acute disc derangement that side bends them off the hot disc, and rotates them away. That can get imbedded as an abnormal pattern, that leads to recurrent FRS lefts, and left sacral rotation. So, there is a exercise that is done to reestablish a more normal pattern gets rid of the bad one. It is cool. It has worked on the last 6 patients that I have tried it on. Thanks for sharing.
Barb Carusillo, PT Indianapolis
This is Shellie Parkinson writing and I first met you back in March when you brought the Hesch course to Physical Therapy Innovations in Auburn, MA. You may not remember me, but I was the PT in the course who was positive for (almost all elements of) the most common pattern and became the class example. What was also unusual about my situation was that I was about two weeks away from undergoing hip surgery for a labral tear and femoral acetabular impingment.
I would like to sincerely THANK YOU for all of your knowledge and hands on treatment approaches. My surgery has come and gone and I would have never made it NWB/PWB on crutches for five weeks in the pain I was in regarding my SI and low back. Thanks to you, I am a true success as a result of the Hesch method!
Also, professionally, being able to treat those previously 'difficult' LBP/SI patients with the Hesch method has really changed my practice. Luckily, I was able to take the course with some co-workers and all of us have had great results using what we learned at your course.
Thanks again for helping me so much personally and professionally.
Rachelle Parkinson, PT, Physical Therapy Innovations, Hopkinton, MA
Hi Jerry...I've never met you but learned your approach from Christina Maxwell. I just wanted to let you know how many patients I've been able to help using the info I learned. It has been one of the most useful tools I've had for everything from feet to neck. Seems I always clear the pelvis first on almost everyone and so often find a problem which then translates into narrowing the pain down to one or two places. Thanks so much for taking the time to find a way to help these patients.
James Phillips, PT Indianapolis
I watched your video, and now I better get on your web site to read up some more on what you had to say about dorsally subluxed cuboids. That subject was covered in my NAIOMT classes, saying it occurs often with jumping, when a person comes down in plantar flexion and rolls inward, like when coming down on another players foot, rolling in. The manipulation they teach to restore normal position requires two people to do, and is fairly dramatic. So, it will be interesting to read more about yours. I am seeing a patient currently who found out about me through your web site, so thanks for sending her our way. She has been through a lot, and I definitely am using a lot of what I learned from you on her, along with everything else I can pull out to help her. Hope you are doing well!
Barbara Carusillo, PT Indianapolis
I have a renewed excitement about the Hesch Method and have used it many times in the past two days. It is so much easier with the new patterns and it makes so much sense. I even adjusted Stefani's second most common pattern (she said she met you at pub 99) before I discharged her. Her thoracic pain was gone but I could see her increased lordosis and just needed to do that so she could do her core exercises better. I gave her the home program and I felt so much more complete in her treatment. I even adjusted a cervical patient that I was discharging. She was older and had arthritis in her cspine so she was not 100 percent pain free all the time but she was significantly better. She had a hx of low back pain also so I keep her during my break and gave her a free pelvic allignment to see and gave her the home program. She called me back so excited she has not felt this great in years. Those patterns are fantastic. I am getting better results than ever before with the old material. Thanks again, I hope you are well.
Patty
I took your course this weekend at Hancock Regional Hospital and thought it to be very insightful. It was a very understanding and helpful and can see how helpful this can be.
I’m glad that I (took) this course and got a great tool for my toolbox. I’ve always felt uncomfortable treating SIJ or pelvic dysfunction, but I can see how easy and simple this is that can do it. I got to learn more than what I’d expected from this course and probably got more confidence in understanding and treating SIJ/pelvic dysfunction. Chris was a great instructor and great help with her feedback.
I would definitely recommend this course to coworkers and other physical therapist and friends. I am looking forward to using what I learned on Monday.
Ridhina Narayan, DPT
Two things, first, I was wondering how _____did after you saw her again? Second, I was wondering if you had any thoughts about another patient of mine. She was able to ride and swim most of the time since then but had to give up running and she just dealt with the pain and muscle spasms as no one to this point has helped her for any length of time. During the past 2 months she has been able to work on a walk jog progression and has progressed to jogging 25 minutes. She has a lot of confidence in your techniques and is pretty happy with how much better she has felt- even going a few days without spasms was huge for her. I have done a lot of manual therapy including positional release & augmented STM (Graston tools).
Sharon O, PT Indianapolis
Jerry's comments: Again, I am grateful that this is an unsolicited compliment. This very brief case shows that the Hesch Method is not a closed system, it encourages any and all other approaches after the Hesch Method has been utilized to balance the pelvic structure. Within my clinical practice I do treat whole-body. The term "Hesch Method" applies to my system of treating the sacroiliac, symphysis pubis, pelvis, lumbar spine and hip, which then segues into any of several appropriate techniques such as Grafton for scar release, myofascial release, movement with awareness, lumbar stabilization, etc.
This email came and the compliment was completely unsolicited. I removed her name, per her request "I have been a _____ for over 20 years. I now have a two year old daughter. When she was born, the first check in hospital, thought they heard a click in her hip joint. An ultrasound revealed nothing. Now, she walks with definite "pigeon toes" and her ambulation is therefore challenged. I have taken her to a naturopath who advised "wait and see", which is generally good advice. A friend of mine had her teenage daughter's subluxing kneecap corrected by the Hesch Method after a Dr. had recommended surgery. I am writing to ask, after reviewing your website, does your work/research extend to feet and ankles? If so, is it "Wait and see?" or "Why did you wait so long?" Understanding the pelvis as I do, it seems reasonable to ask you if Hesch Method can help my daughter. If so, at what age? Thank you for any info you can give me."
J P, Black Canyon City, AZ
When I was a PT student my clinical instructor used the Hesch Method to treat a client. The client was very pleased to finally achieve pain relief, having previously sought care from several practitioners. So when I started working in outpatient Orthopedics, I took the basic/intermediate Hesch Workshop.
I was pleased to achieve quick and lasting results, and find the self-treatment very helpful. I appreciate that this work is not restrictive or dogmatic, and it is easily integrated with other PT approaches. Jerry Hesch is very available by phone and e-mail, which helped with learning the advanced material.
I completed an outcome study with 11 discharged clients and 8/11 reported benefit with the Hesch self-treatment. Most clients who present with pelvic girdle movement dysfunction are significantly improved within 3 visits and readily segue into strength and stabilization exercises. I have presented this approach several times to PT students at UNM and it was enthusiastically received. It has been 5 years since I took the workshop and I am grateful that I am very comfortable the lumbopelvic and hip girdle and easily achieving lasting change.
Bernadette Lynch, PT Albuquerque, NM
Just wanted to thank you again for the great course in Indianapolis, IN on 9/8-9/07. You have a contagious excitement and I am now pumped to see some SIJ clients (instead of dreading them as I did before your course).
My previous SI coursework consisted of muscle energy techniques and I did not feel competent in treating SIJD because it relied too heavily on palpation findings. I now understand the importance of incorporating sping mobility testing to help determine where to mobilize.
I will relay my positive feedback to my director for we are still hoping to bring the course to Goshen.
Also, thanks for treating me. We saw the difference at the course, but I also saw a difference while playing disc golf the next day. In disc golf there are huge transverse plane motions. I felt better power transfer from my left hip with less effort to get the distance required. I'm looking forward to applying the techniques and I'm sure I will have a few questions, so plan on a few more emails. Thanks to Jerry Hesch for developing this work.
Craig Enright PT, Centers for Rehab, Goshen General Hospital, Goshen, IN
Again, I will say that I am enjoying this training and am quite impressed so far! Do you know how many courses I have taken trying to understand the sacrum!? Several! Your method is so simple and effective....This (distance learning with phone consults) seems like the bargain of the century! C.B. Distance Learning Student-When we complete the training I will ask for a longer endorsement! Jerry Hesch is not only committed to assisting Physical Therapists enhance their manual skills, but is passionate about his work and studies of the pelvis. He is able to explain and describe the complexities of the pelvis in such a manner that it is easier to comprehend and learn the mechanics of his Hesch methodology. It has been a fabulous learning experience to have Jerry as a mentor giving feedback with some of my patients even though he lives in a different state. He is quick to respond to both phone calls and emails, and gives the experienced Physical Therapist a chance to be challenged and to experiment with new and creative treatment approaches. As a Physical Therapist who specializes in pelvic pain and dysfunctions and has over 17 years of experience, I highly recommend Jerry Hesch as teacher, mentor, and educator.
Deena Goodman, PT, Los Angeles, CA
Hi Jerry, Thanks for the training set received yesterday. Awesome. Spring test great. Of course I need plenty of practice. As Osteopaths treating somatic dysfunction we were taught TART; being subjective tenderness, asymmetry, restricted motion and tissue texture change. The spring test fits the bill for restricted motion criteria. I’ve never seen an Osteo perform a spring test, so I don’t think in practice that we are true to our objective. Have you seen the chiropractic drop table approach at all, as I see that with your spring tests that would flow easily into a mobilisation using the momentum induced drop table. Will be using your approach but I think the spring tests could be widely used as confirming a diagnosis leading to a multitude of different treatments dependent on ones’ training.
I have no one to spring test me. But I just did a self stretch for right sided downslip and I’m feeling immediate relief. My history was bending to pick up a pencil from a seated position bending to my left. I Came up with an acute catch and leg referral to outer side right foot the next day. When i sit I don’t sit symmetrical. I feel my right ischial tuberosity doesn’t contact as well as my left, and I get the feeling my left sacrum is posterior and hugs the seat better. Wouldn’t it be great if I could fix this.
I notice your second pattern refers to a forward bent sacrum with decreased inferior guide. Fits into our spynamic tool that is shaped at the base to exert greater pressure to the lower portion of the sacrum. There is a belief in the Dorn method that the sacrum is prone to getting stuck into nutation or forward bending hence this tool was designed to assist in addressing this. Lots of theories one of my respected peers treats almost everyone for a stuck posterior sacral base bilateral or stuck in backward bending. He suggests as we have all fallen at some point onto our rears the coccyx will flex and tuck under and the sacrum gets stuck in counternutation as a companion lesion.
Plenty of different models but I’m liking your work as I knew I would. Congratulations and best regards
Wayne Sibson, D.O., Perth, Western Australia