Pain sucks.
It sure does. So let’s get you out of it.
Hi! I’m Helen Hickman, and one of my favorite things to do is get people out of pain.
I like to say that I can bring the noise down of an injury. So let's dial it down. Way down.
Let’s get your movement back.
It’s time for you to have fun again!
I am a licensed massage therapist (LMT) and specialize in Neuromuscular Massage Therapy and Structural Bodywork.
I bought my first massage table in 1992 while in massage school, and haven’t stopped working on people since. There is nothing better than seeing your clients feeling good. Functioning better.
Come visit me in my office, right in the heart of the Mission district in San Francisco.
Services
I’m so sorry if you’re experiencing pain. We do in many ways: debilitating or annoying, chronic or temporary. For some people, even everyday movements many take for granted can be difficult. And our desk lives (or mobile phone habits) certainly aren’t making things any better for our poor bodies.
I will design an orthopedic massage/bodywork session specifically for your individual needs. I’m going to get you out of pain and functioning more efficiently. Let’s do this!
I specialize in helping to correct forward head posture (AKA “tech neck”), TMJ and intra-oral issues, carpal tunnel syndrome (let’s avoid surgery, shall we?), repetitive strain injuries (RSI), and low back/sciatic pain. I have been living in San Francisco since 2004, and I definitely see a lot of back pain from hip flexion from people sitting too long. Ahem.
I can also help you with runner’s knee and plantar fasciitis. And I always love to work with the beautiful moms-to-be!
I am not about giving a “killer” massage, but I do take people to the edge. If you are looking for a meditative, “Calgon take me away!” kind of session, I am not your girl.
If you are massage therapy–savvy, the modalities I use are: Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Musculoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT), Orthomassage, and Trigger Point and Myofascial Techniques.
Background
I’ve been a massage therapist for over 25 years, and I have never been more invigorated, inspired, and excited about my work. I have a great deal of intuition about massage therapy, and my style keeps evolving. There is also so much new research that I enjoy keeping up with.
I have had my private office in San Francisco since 2004. I am licensed in the state of California and city of San Francisco, and a member of the Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals.
I am originally from Baltimore, and back in 1998, I was voted Best Massage Therapist in Baltimore by City Paper of Baltimore.
I studied Neuromuscular Therapy/Structural Integration with Paul St. John and the Neurosomatic Educators. Under his guidance, I learned his technique of Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Posturology and Structural Integration for Low Back, TMJ, Cranial Decompression, Carpal Tunnel, and Cervical Issues. In 2012, I reviewed all the major NMT classes through the new St. John-Clark Neurosomatic Educators, Inc.
In 2016, I had the honor of studying with Erik Dalton and his Freedom from Pain Institute. I completed a 30-hour certification in his Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT), and have found it to be the perfect complement to Neuromuscular Therapy. This year I had the opportunity to study Orthopedic Massage with the world reknowned, James Waslaski. This work really spoke to me and has been a part of my treatments ever since learning the modality.
From 1998–2004, I worked in the Ruscombe Mansion Health Community Center with world-renowned homeopathic physicians Dr. Lorraine Fertsch and Dr. Peter Hinderbeger, as well as Rolf Institute instructor and practitioner Tessy Brungardt. It was a great experience to work within the Ruscombe community in such a historic mansion.
I also had the awesome opportunity to work directly with Dr. Ariane Cometa at her Wellness Center; she is a front runner in Integrative Medicine and Women's Health (and a dear friend). I also worked with the Johns Hopkins Occupational University Occupational Health Services Department.
I am trained in Prenatal, Postpartum, Labor, and Infant Massage. While in Baltimore, I worked with OB-GYN Deborah Hebb, MD, who referred expectant mothers with low back pain and other muscular issues due to pregnancy. I had the joy of being a labor massage therapist for ten labor/births.
I am a graduate of the Baltimore School of Massage’s 500-hour program, and worked with patients at Maryland Chiropractic in Glen Burnie, MD.
I first learned the art form of massage therapy in 1992 from my best friend's mother, Diane Church, who was a certified massage therapist and esthetician.
I was originally studying Business at Towson State University and Essex Community College in Baltimore before I discovered I had an interest in massage therapy. The rest is history.
Fun Helen facts!
While in Baltimore, I worked as a massage therapist on several movies (including Enemy of the State, Pecker) and on the HBO TV shows Homicide and The Wire. A great joy was having the opportunity to work with Olympic gymnast Elise Ray before she headed off to the Sydney Olympics in 2000! And for several years, I worked with competitive body builders, strong men competitors, and with a Mr. Olympia competitor and placer. Rawr!
Additional training:
-Prenatal & Postpartum Massage Certification/Bodywork for the Childbearing Year with Somatic Learning Institute
-Infant Massage Teaching
-Craniosacral Therapy with The Upledger Institute
-Myofascial Release Therapy with John Barnes
-Deep Tissue Passive Movements with Carolyn Osbourne-Sheets
-The Seated Massage Experience/Touch 4 Productions
-Member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals since 1998
Helen at play
When I’m not helping people stand up straight, I am busy as a tour guide and president of the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild, making costumes and volunteering for Burning Man; gardening in my backyard; pickling something; hanging with my husband, Ben; or singing rock songs from the top of my lungs!
Make an appointment today so I can help get you out of pain and back to fun!!!
Helen
