I have had deep-tissue massages that have left serious bruises, but barely made a dent in my tight muscles. I have also had Swedish massages that felt like I was being tickled for 60 minutes no matter how many times I told the massage therapist to increase the pressure. Recently, I went to see a massage therapist who has studied the Hendrickson Method (formerly called orthopedic massage, but so many independent therapists use that descriptive that the man who created this technique decided to name it after himself).

The massage uses strokes that work to lengthen tight muscles by following patterns of observed tightness, as well as muscle energy techniques (MET), which are similar to PNF stretching. You engage the tight muscle and then relax it and the massage therapist stretches the muscle. It works like magic. This technique is great for relieving pain and changing bad muscular habits. It works well on chronic injuries and over-use syndromes, so it is a perfect therapy for endurance athletes.

Although the highest concentration of therapists practicing the Hendrickson method are in Northern California, where Baz Lurhman thinks people go soft, more and more body workers are becoming certified in the technique across the country. If you are looking for a massage therapist in your area, go here.