Another Path to Healing - Block Therapy Versus Massage Therapy

How does Block Therapy compare with massage therapy?

This difference can be brought to light by describing how Block Therapy was developed in the first place.

Block Therapy was created by Deanna Hansen, a certified Athletic Therapist experienced in working with clients with massage. Much of massage therapy is done on the patient's back by the therapist leaning over the massage table, and the difficulty of pushing through dense tight tissue was taking a toll on her in the form of chronic back and neck pain, as it does for many therapists.

In her own explorations with herself, she discovered a gentler, more intuitive approach to releasing the fascia by utilizing the diaphragmatic breath and slower, winding motions. This technique she coined as "Fluid Isometrics." She also began in the front of the body, releasing the compression that restricted the breath, and eventually expanded her reach to all areas of the body possible.

After changing her approach with her patients and realizing the immediate effects, she wanted to teach people how to do this technique on themselves. Knowing that there was limitation for many in the strength of their hands, she experimented with Fluid Isometrics with a yoga block and her bodyweight. This eventually evolved into the Block Buddy, with its iconic shape and dimensions.

Block Therapy and massage therapy are different but rooted in the same concept of persuading the fascia to release. Personally, I have found Block Therapy to not only be more efficient and flexible, but also much more accessible, allowing me the freedom to take charge of my own health and the skill of knowing my body and its needs.

I understand that many people like to find the solution to their pain in someone else and their skill. But to me, I see much more value in being my personal healthcare advocate. And while sometimes I do need someone with more expertise in a certain field to help me, for the majority of pain-related problems I have all of the tools I need already.

If this therapy sounds like what you need for your life, I would love to open the door to you. Reach out and I would be happy to help you make Block Therapy an integral part of your healing journey!