If you’re experiencing joint pain, headaches, and back pain that just won’t quit, even after you’ve tried lots of other therapies, taking a MELT Method class might be just what you need to start to feel some relief.
An acronym for Myofascial Energetic Length Technique, MELT is a recovery technique developed by Sue Hitzmann, a fitness expert and author of the New York Times bestselling book The Melt Method: A Breakthrough Self-Treatment System to Eliminate Chronic Pain, Erase the Signs of Aging, and Feel Fantastic in Just 10 Minutes a Day!
This gentle practice is based on four R’s (Reconnect, Rebalance, Rehydrate and Release) and is rooted in the concept that by restoring your fascia (the supportive connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, organ, bone, blood vessel and nerve fiber in your body), you’ll help reduce chronic pain—and feel better.
Recent breakthroughs in our understanding of fascia is only adding to MELT’s popularity. As it turns out, our fascia become stressed by our repetitive motions. This, in turn, ‘dehydrates’ them prompting something the MELT team calls ‘Stuck Stress.’
The idea is that by using MELT’s specific techniques, you’ll help undo this ‘Stuck Stress’ and restore your fascia’s supportive, supple nature. In the process, you’ll also release the compression and tension that leads to imbalance and misalignment. That same misalignment can only cause more ‘Stuck Stress’ later on—a vicious cycle.
Another benefit of MELT is that anyone can profit from it, especially people in chronic pain, those with joint issues, arthritis, injuries, and stiffness from repetitive postures (like sitting at a desk all day), and there’s a very easy learning curve to the practice.
“When I first heard about MELT, I was experiencing debilitating chronic pain and I didn’t go to class because I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it,” says Marisa Merliss, an advanced MELT Method instructor in New York City. “I was very mistaken to find out that it can be done with very little effort.”
During a session, you’ll be shown how to use specially designed balls and a soft roller to help rehydrate the fascia/connective tissue. The balls and roller help the tissue glide and move more easily, eliminates ‘Stuck Stress’ and takes pressure off the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.
Instructors also incorporate mindful meditation, breathwork and teach you how to do self-myofascial release (SMR), a hands-on therapy that combines stretching and massage.
Ideally, adding regular MELT sessions to your fitness regimen can help restore your fascia over the long-term.
“The ideal person to consider doing MELT is anyone interested in feeling better in their body and improving their well-being,” Merliss says. “It's also a great way to improve balance and speed up recovery time after a workout.”
To find a certified MELT trainer near you, visit www.meltmethod.com.