by Beth Nolte, L.Ac.
One of my very favorite self-treatment modalities is the MELT
method. In a nutshell, it involves gentle self-massage with a soft foam roller.
It is something of a cousin to the more intense foam rolling you see in gyms
and physical therapist offices, but it goes way beyond what is done with
standard foam rolling, and with its gentle method is really quite effective. I
can’t express enough how much I love MELT and how it has helped me to manage
the effects of less-than-optimal posture at work (bending over a massage table)
and at play (golf). It doesn’t replace the targeted effects of therapeutic massage
I get from my massage therapist, but it is really helpful as a daily maintenance and is one of my favorite additions to my self-care routine.
So since I’m always raving about MELT, for my latest blog
post I decided to go straight to the source and do a Q & A with Eugene’s
resident MELT instructor, Shannon Hoell. Shannon is a licensed massage
therapist and an excellent instructor of MELT. Her classes are enjoyable and
therapeutic, and openings in her classes can be hard to come by. If you’re
interested in learning more and perhaps joining a class, Shannon’s contact
information is at the end of this blog post.
Another way to learn more is from the book MELT Method,
a Breakthrough Self-Treatment System by MELT founder, Sue Hitzmann. Official MELT rollers can be purchased directly
from Shannon, or through the MELT website, www.meltmethod.com.
Also, we sell soft foam rollers at Radiant Health Center that are very similar
to the ones used in MELT.
Without further ado, let’s get on to the Q&A. (My
questions are in italics, Shannon’s responses follow.)
Your website
describes MELT as a "neurofascial technique" and that it "brings
your body back to a more ideal state by directly enhancing body awareness,
rehydrating connective tissue, and quieting the nervous system." Can you
describe a little more about that, and how MELT differs from the foam rolling
you see people doing in the gym?
The first way MELT is different from the foam rolling you
see at the gym is that our rollers are very soft. In MELT we believe you should
not cause your body more pain in your quest to get out of pain. So, we do not
mash the fascia or try to beat it into submission. MELT is very gentle; we work
at the edge of facial restrictions in a very slow, gentle way to try to restore
a more fluid state to the tissue, rather than beating it up. MELT is a series
of very specific moves that are designed to calm the autonomic nervous system
down and hydrate the connective tissue (or fascia). We focus on breathing,
learning better body awareness and proper movement techniques. It is not like
any other foam rolling class. In fact, even though we use a roller I do not
think of it as a foam rolling class or even as exercise. It is self-care;
essentially you are learning how to give yourself a massage with a soft roller
and small balls.
I love that MELT is
a modality to treat the fascia (connective tissue). Recent research
points to connective tissue injury and dysfunction as a common cause of chronic
pain. What is your take on the connection between the connective tissue and our
overall health and wellbeing?
Connective tissue's job is to support, protect and
stabilize the muscles, bones, organs and systems in your body. When it is
dehydrated, it is unable to provide these structures with optimal support. When
the connective tissue is juicy and hydrated, all the organs and systems in your
body operate in a more efficient, optimal way. This can lead to less pain, a
better functioning immune system, better digestion, more sleep and just overall
better health.
You do group MELT classes
and also private MELT instruction. What is a MELT class like and how long is
each class? How does a one-on-one MELT appointment differ from a regular MELT
class?
MELT classes are one hour in duration and generally have
12-16 people. Most people attend class once a week and, when they feel
confident with the moves, MELT a little a home as well. In order to participate
in group class, people need to be able to easily get down to the floor and up
on a roller. If that sounds challenging due to injury, chronic pain or illness,
an individual session is best. Individual sessions are slower, I can use
modifications as needed, and together we will develop a custom MELT map that
will address your specific needs. I expect individual clients to practice moves
at home in between sessions so we can add new techniques each time we meet.
How did you
discover MELT and what prompted you to become a certified instructor?
A few years ago, my sister Heather was hit by a car. Her
long rehabilitative process led to a move to Oregon to be closer to family.
When she was well enough to work again, she moved to Portland for her job and
joined a gym. At that time, there was only one MELT instructor in Oregon and
she happened to work at my sister’s gym. Heather found amazing results with
MELTing and encouraged me to come up and try the class since she was aware of
my interest in fascia. 20 minutes into my first class I was hooked and knew I
had to become an instructor. I have been a massage therapist for the past 12
years and primarily work with people with chronic pain. I knew MELT would be
gentle enough for my clients to do and would be an easy way for them to reduce
their pain and gain more freedom of movement. Since teaching classes, I have
found MELT to offer great benefit to everyone; it is amazing for athletes to
aid recovery and avoid injury and helps combat repetitive stress injuries from excessive
computer work. Everyone can MELT and all bodies can benefit from more hydrated
tissue. I have completed 3 levels of MELT certification to become an Advanced
MELT Instructor and I also have assisted the creator of MELT, Sue Hitzmann, in
advanced trainings for other instructors. I am passionate about this method and
continually amazed by the results it produces.
What is your
current MELT class schedule and how can people get in touch with you if they
are interested in trying out MELT?
If you are interested in trying out a MELT class, check
out the class schedule at www.eugenemeltandmassage.com. Find a class time that
works for you and send me an email (slhoell@gmail.com) to let me know you would
like to come. If your desired class has space you can get started right away;
if not I will put your name on the waiting list and get you in as soon as
possible. I do have a new class starting on Thursdays at 12:15pm (beginning
Thurs. Sept. 11) and there currently are a few openings in that class.
There are two types of MELT classes: regular MELT and
MELT Strength. People who are new to MELT would definitely want to start with
regular MELT as the Strength curriculum builds upon regular MELT moves.
More information can be found at Shannon’s website: www.eugenemeltandmassage.com.
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