Peter
The benefits I’ve received from Peter’s orthopedic massage are almost too numerous to count. I can drive a car again. I sit, stand and walk with more comfort. My circulation has increased. Even my singing voice has improved as a result of deeper relaxation. I can’t thank you enough for the change in the quality of my life.
Joyce C.
When I first met Peter Rothe about four years ago, I was suffering from asthma and chronic body pain. My lung capacity, thanks to my treatments, is greatly increased. The upper and lower back and hip pain I have had for many years as a result of childhood scoliosis is greatly reduced. A painful elbow, resulting from a two-day canoe trip thirty years ago, is pain free. My arthritic thumbs rarely affect my ability to use them.
Over the last 30 years I have sought many forms of treatment for my physical problems, but with limited success. I have found Peter Rothe unique in his ability to assess and treat my chronic conditions. Over the course of treatment, he has made significant changes in me so that today I am able to lead a full, active life because of his Orthopedic Massage treatments.
Alanna F. Occupational Therapist
Of course, Peter, I would love to, I tell many people of the benefits of your expertise and technique.
After a serious bicycle accident I had pain in my neck and shoulders for a year. I would rate my discomfort at 9.5 out of 10, 24 hours a day. I thought that I would have to give up my career. I tried traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture by various practitioners with marginal results. I saw numerous chiropractors as well as numerous body-workers. All to no avail! Peter's assessment sounded logical and his therapy relieved me of my pain. For years now, I've been pain free, and I can continue my career as a dentist.Edward C., DDS
I was introduced to Peter, in 2001, by a personal trainer who said: “Peter’s therapy far exceeds any expectations”. I have found this to be totally accurate and have since this time visited regularly and sent my four daughters to him. I have had various injuries causing me discomfort and at times severe pain, neck surgery in particular, for which the Hendrickson Method of massage has proved very effective. Peter is gifted. He has a calm and caring personality and is most perceptive in his recommendations. Each time I visit I leave I am ready to tackle the world!
Calla F.
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I have gone to Peter Rothe for over 10 years and continue to receive his deep muscle massage once/week. His work has helped me tremendously as I suffer from chronic lower back and neck aches with pain radiating into my arms and legs. He also alleviates the muscle pain resulting from vigorous training at the gym and from long hours hunched over on the computer. I do not know how I could remain as active as I am without his help. He also gives excellent advice how to avoid injuries and diminish strains caused by poor posture.
R.T. MD.
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I was in a car accident and suffered acute nerve pain in my left shoulder/neck. The pain was constant and became debilitating, as I trouble doing every day tasks like carrying a bag of groceries, cooking, or washing dishes.
I feel extremely fortunate to have found Peter Rothe. After three weeks of receiving orthopedic massage/manual therapy I felt much better. Peter's treatments led to a gradual decline in my shoulder/neck pain to the point where I rarely think about it today.
Peter's impressive knowledge of the body's muscles, bones, and structure and clear explanations have helped me to understand the connection between my left shoulder and my shorter right leg, which resulted from a car accident and hip replacement surgery 30 years ago. Peter is helping me to correct my posture by releasing tight muscles. He also helped me to determine the appropriate heel lift height for my right shoe. Peter showed me exercises and methods that allow me to take responsibility for my own healing - for alleviating pain in my left shoulder when it appears, for keeping my spinal column from locking up, and for taking steps to prevent my shorter right leg from causing future pain and discomfort.
Peter has also helped me with repetitive strain injury issues and a knee injury, and assisted my daughter with a neck injury and scoliosis.
Beyond that, Peter is a healer of both the body and the mind. Peter has generously shared with me his kind, compassionate way of thinking about life, and I have found it to be extremely helpful.
J.C.K., Attorney At Law
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I first came to Peter with an array of chronic problems that were limiting my ability to play music. I had several conditions; carpal tunnel, bursitis in the shoulders and arms, and thoracic outlet syndrome. I tried everything short of surgery. At the initial session, he said he could take care of my problems within three months. I tried it, and, it worked. With this massage method, you can actually see the results immediately in increased range of motion. However, as Peter proved, that was the easy part. More challenging was what happened on the sub-dermal level. There was an ensuing increased range of *emotional* awareness, which was bewildering, but also exciting. My posture was keeping me prisoner to the pain and sadness of the past, limiting my creative potential. Without being presumptuous or intrusive, Peter helped me unleash my emotional locksmith. I then unlocked a process that helped me change this “angle of repose,” to the benefit of my serenity and creative efforts. Peter Rothe truly brings new meaning to the word “open.” He unleashed in me the single most important process of personal healing events in my adult life.
Brian G. Musician
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I schedule sessions with Peter months in advance because I know that by the time the date arrives, I'll be needing his recuperative touch. All too often I will have injured myself in one of my physical activities, or I will just need to hit the "reset button." I very much appreciate Peter's contribution to the healing of injuries that I've had over the years from my shoulder, mid-thoracic, low back and great toe. I always leave our sessions revivified and rejuvenated and deeply appreciative.
Ike L. Mediator
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My muscles became rigid and dysfunctional following a vertebral fracture, a decade ago. I was miserable, and my mood fell along with the limits on my active lifestyle. Peter Rothe has worked closely with me, with keen insight into how the problem could be reversed and, in so doing, he has helped me gain insight into addressing the situation on my own. The only thing which counsels me not to recommend Peter to others is the reality that my access to him diminishes as his practice grows.
J.W. Attorney At Law
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Peter has been treating me for over a decade now, and I couldn't be happier with his work. He has managed to bring instantaneous relief from pain when I have had back problems and his knowledge of body mechanics is very comforting. I have had a lot of shoulder issues and he has managed to help me understand what the problem is, and his work has allowed me to keep on playing the sports that I really enjoy.
The bodywork experience is very relaxing and not painful nor invasive. I have had a chiropractic sports treatments which are really painful and I definitely prefer the non-painful method! The tense and release technique is really simple but very effective.
Getting older is hard... but I am glad Peter is there to help me get through these aches and pains.
J.L., Architect
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Peter Rothe is a miracle worker! Before I started seeing him for treatment I was plagued with frequent muscle spasms in my back and neck and often walked around looking like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Thanks to Peter, I am almost completely muscle spasm free, and if I do have an occasional muscle spasm, Peter's magic hands release it in one session. I would highly recommend him to anyone with back or neck pain or muscular issues.
Jill H.
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Working with Peter has meant the difference between being able to function quite normally and being in constant pain with a deteriorating knee problem. I came to him because other parts of my body were out of alignment and stressed due to the condition of the knee, and I was determined to hold out for the kind of artificial cartilage I needed. His ability to sense what and where the problem is that needs attention, and his subsequent ability to release the tension which a given muscle holds unnecessarily are extraordinary. Replacing the knee has unfortunately become a reality but repairing it in any form was beyond the scope of Peter's work, I realized. Shall be forever grateful to him for patiently, humorously chiding me to get this done and for keeping my body from unhinging in the meantime! I will certainly continue to see him after surgery for further whole-body-function repair.
Connie E.
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Peter Rothe is a gifted bodyworker. He has a vast knowledge of both human anatomy and bodyworking techniques. Peter has the uncommon ability to find problems and treat their root causes. This coupled with his relaxing manner make for a most pleasurable bodyworking experience. He deserves my highest endorsement and recommendation.
Bruce L. Architect
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"Working with Peter at the Bodywork Institute has significantly improved my chronic back problems. My periodic visits not only give me short term pain relief but working with Peter over the years has significantly improved my overall body health."
Chris H. Investment Manager
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Client Testimonials
Geffen
The bodywork that Geffen and Peter of the Bodywork Institute do on clients is no average massage. It's therapeutic and requires active participation by the client. They really have an in-depth understanding of how the body functions and how its various parts relate to one another. I first met with Geffen on the recommendation of a co-worker when I was suffering from an exercise-related back injury. Although I immediately felt better, it took a few sessions to really feel like my body was healing. I continued seeing Geffen because I feel like she restores my body's alignment and keeps me healthy. Thanks to her work I am exercising injury free for the first time in a while.
Tanya S.
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The Bodywork Institute is an amazing place with skilled and experienced therapists. It is a sanctuary filled with love, happiness, and compassion. A "must do" experience.
Karen B.
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I came to you with a lot of concerns about whether significant neck and arm pains I was experiencing were going to end my enjoyment of running at age 54. Thanks to you and Peter for your “bodywork”, I am getting ready to run again.
I had never before received any orthopedic massage treatments, and I frankly did not know what to expect. What I have gained so far has been a significant relaxation of muscle aches and pains, increased body awareness and practical tips that have helped me to address muscle conditions that have taken their toll over the years.
In our sessions, you have asked good questions and been a great listener. I especially appreciate how you have taken the time to speak with my personal trainer and make suggestions on core strengthening and other muscle focuses for me. Also, your suggestion to sleep on one pillow, rather than two, has me sleeping more comfortably than I have for years.
One doctor I saw suggested that I may need to consider surgery or just live with discomfort. Your bodywork with me is helping me to say no to either of those poor choices. After our first couple of sessions, you helped me end immediate pain and muscle cramping. My goal is to be more flexible, free of pain and back running again. With your continuing help, I know these goals are achievable. Thank you.
Richard K.
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I got immediate relief for my hip, knee and shoulder problems from the very first session with you. The main benefit was the feeling that the problems could be addressed without pharmaceuticals.
I now have a great ranger of motion and less pain. The issues are still not cleared up but I feel are being addressed and slowly being solved in a holistic, intelligent way.
I am new to bodywork, other than a few massages. This is much better. The relief is more immediate, longer lasting and more site specific. What I would tell someone else is that not only the problem, but the solution lies within your own body. The body has its own intelligence and it wants to heal. There has to be someone who knows how to listen to what your body is saying, who knows how to speak the language. And Geffen is a can do gal.
Tom C.
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I began seeing Geffen over a year ago for residual pain and dysfunction from a car accident, as well as some structural issues I have. I felt relief after the first session! My leg felt worlds more functional and solid. Through my work with Geffen I feel like my body is more integrated. I feel my treatment is now more for maintenance. The method Geffen uses is somewhat different from most bodywork I have experienced. It is based on sort of a resistance and release concept where the muscles are better trained to fire and then relax thus dissolving tension patterns. A client should expect a very relaxing and focused session. This method has worked better for me than any massage modality I have experienced.
Nan K.
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I feel more open and soothed.
It has caused my ability to feel my physical body and my ‘other’ bodies (of ideas, emotions, feelings, etc.) to be noticed.
I thought I didn’t have an actual physical issue, I thought I would just improve overall. But the very first session showed me the opposite – some things needed to be cleared, there were congestions or blockages in both of my lower legs and feet. I did experience relief in less than 12 hours after the very first session.
It’s not just in the body, my mind gets invited and engaged, flowing. Each session is a new adventure and it doesn’t end after the session ends. The sessions have propelled me on to interesting effects. I started a dream work after I started this bodywork.
Geffen’s work is non-invasive, soothing, a wholesome experience of one’s body. Geffen is sensitive. One might be able to observe and learn more about one self. One can expect to get non-verbal information about needs, potentialities, etc that one may not be aware of from this work. One can expect birds singing outside as the music background!
It is gentle and yet powerful. Plus the office has a homey atmosphere. And the massage table is heated warm!
You have a sunny energy and inspire trust ... I like when your work changes a little bit depending on what is going on and is communicated in the beginning ... I like when soon after we start I feel I am in a comfortable hypnotic space and make insightful connections as the body work and the feedbacks progress.
Cesar B.
Geffen's bodywork is a cocoon of warm, intelligent nurturance. Her work has helped me to reconnect in a most personal way with self-care and inner wisdom, befriending my body again as an ally. I am an athlete with some old injuries and an ancient history of practicing yoga. Since Geffen has worked with me, the old injuries seem more surmountable and I have even started doing yoga again. Her work goes deep into the core system, without pain or disruption, creating a strong sense of integration, centered strength, and flexibility.
Catherine S., MFT
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The intelligence in Geffen's hands is used to access muscles and release them in a therapeutic manner. This is unlike any massage experience I have had elsewhere. She is the most educated practitioner of muscle functionality I have encountered in any form of medicine. Her ability to identify the problem area and then determine how to relax the muscle so that it can be worked to release the tension is far superior to any other therapy I have found over the last 8 years. Standard massage pales by comparison. The sense of care and attention to the individual, both physically and emotionally, makes this a healing process. I feel well cared for and physically treated following a session with Geffen.
Nancy H.
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Student Testimonials
Peter
Peter and Geffen are extremely dedicated teachers. Quite simply, this is the most advanced course I have attended. They challenged me to greatly increase my knowledge and technical skills, but at the same time managed to do so in a very supportive learning environment. I would recommend this course without hesitation to all massage therapists who want to gain more confidence and increase their effectiveness in working with pain and other orthopedic conditions.
Marie-Helene Y.
My first introduction to the Hendrickson Method was through the 1-day Going Deeper class with Geffen and Peter. I was so inspired by the class that I signed up for the professional training course. Geffen and Peter are incredible teachers as individuals and as a team. I gained insight into how I gave Swedish Massage (a lot of pushing and efforting), and consequently a breakthrough in how I talked to myself (a lot of pushing and efforting). Through their gentle guidance and the Hendrickson Method I am learning that I can be incredibly effective and experience deep healing with clear intention and less effort.
Jennifer A.
Student Testimonials
Geffen
I was trained in Swedish Massage but was never quite satisfied with the clinical results. Also, I tired easily. Then I took an intro to the Hendrickson Method and was impressed by the elegance and effectiveness of HM. I understood on a physical level that my body would not tire so quickly either. It took a while to learn a different approach to body mechanics but it was worth it!
My knowledge of anatomy has increased to a level where I can comfortably communicate with chiropractors and medical doctors.
My clients report noticing less pain and better ROM after one session. I felt bodies changing from "feels like a brick" to suppleness within few sessions. I am confident to work on clients with specific issues like frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrom, and lumbar disc degeneration ... to name a few I have encountered lately. I learnt to really improve their condition and clients are sending me their friends and family now as well!
Monika H.
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Geffen has been a strong thread of continuity since she was a teacher in the first professional massage class as I prepared for my career change. She is extremely knowledgeable and intuitive, has both an awesome understanding of anatomy and a deep sensitivity to interacting with clients and students. The first and second year Hendrickson Orthopedic classes and numerous private tutorials with Geffen have propelled my career to a full and thriving practice filled with relieving orthopedic complaints of my clients regularly. I have many weekly clients who continue to book appointments even after their pain complaints are resolved. I thank Geffen for this because in every session she is standing beside me in spirit reminding me of where my hands need to go next. Thank you, Geffen!
Mary K.
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The Hendrickson Method is truly an amazing body of work. It is some of the most subtle, profoundly relaxing, and effective styles of bodywork I have ever encountered. Since being introduced to the method, I have begun to use these techniques on my clients and with my students, to great success. This method is a perfect harmony between specific clinical work and energetic, holistic bodywork. I have found that my work has moved to the next level, even after only a couple of workshops. My clients are achieving better results, immediately, and with a lot less physical effort on my part. I can't wait to take the whole course!
Peter and Geffen Rothe bring such a depth of knowledge and experience to the table. They truly believe in what they do and are gifted, natural teachers. As a massage instructor myself, I can very much appreciate the value of the instructional experience they offer. I anticipate taking many classes with them in the future.
Michael W.
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I would like to write about my experience receiving a massage using Hendrickson.
Two clients of mine had told me about Angelo and I desperately needed some work on my hips. I am a 50 year old woman and had a total and a partial hip replacement (1995 and 2001) on the left hip and have since developed arthritis in the right hip. The arthritis can be quite painful at times and I have limited range of motion. After just one session using the Hendrickson Method, my hips felt like new! I had increased range of motion! Wahoo! Angelo has worked on me several times since with great results.
I was so excited about the Hendrickson Method I enrolled in the course June 2006. I also convinced a co-worker to enroll. Each class we learn about a different area of the body, i.e. low back, neck, shoulder. When we were learning about the hip, I volunteered to be a "model" so Peter could demonstrate to the class a new technique/stroke. After the demonstration, once again my hips felt wonderful! My joints felt open, relaxed and light as if a weight was lifted from me. It was an unbelievable feeling!
The class is well structured and the instructors, Peter, Geffen and Angelo, are extremely knowledgable, supportive, patient and have years of experience. I am thrilled to be a part of the program!
Jeanette H.
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I took my first workshop with Peter and Geffen while I was still a student in a massage therapy school. Two and a half days of advanced neck and shoulder Hendrickson Method. What an experience!!! It starts with Peter’s and Geffen’s personalities, charisma, passion and professionalism, and it continues with the “magic” of the Hendrickson Method! The results are truly magical, the relief clients experience after a session are almost always immediate, and it turns out we don’t have to abuse our bodies as therapists in order to achieve results for our clients! (Although I still occasionally abuse mine…) how great is that??? I have since taken two more workshops, and I try to “sneak in” some of the techniques even when I work at the spa. I treat myself to a session every two or three weeks, and I find that it helps me maintain my well-being and of course occasional pains and aches. I’m a groupie and I’m proud of it!
Raya H. CMT
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I chose to take the Hendrickson training from Peter and Geffen, as opposed to learning from Tom Hendrickson, because I feel a deep connection with Peter and Geffen: similar outlook on life, a strong spiritual background and a positive outlook on life. These are factors that effect how well I can learn - ie, beyond someone teaching the material well, I need to be people with a similar background, to enhance the learning. Also, Peter and Geffen are very supportive, they listen well, are non-judgemental and understanding. And, they're just fun people to be around!!!
My desire to learn bodywork was based on a desire to help people get better, not just to do relaxation massage. When I found the Hendrickson method and got to know Peter and Geffen, I knew it was for me. Also, I had been treated by another advanced Hendrickson practitioner with amazing results - and I said to myself, "I gotta have this!"
Here are my comments about the teachers:
Peter: "The Knowledgable One" - his many years of clinical experience allows me to learn A LOT - things that would take me years to learn on my own.
Geffen: "The Passionate One" - she loves the work, doing it and teaching it. Her excitement is an inspiration. She's very creative and motivating.
Angelo: 'The Supportive One" - his pleasant, soft attitude is very supportive, nuturing and uplifting. The smile on his face radiates happiness.
Tom P.
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