Hesch Institute

06/23/2026

On vagal stim and whole-body manual therapy via hesch Method

I think that a missing piece of dialogue on vagal stim is the role of resolving/reducing body- wide nociception, secondary to habit, trauma, posture, ergonomics, etc. We should become experts on treating the whole body. Ongoing nociception correlates with loss of micromotion. Manual therapy evaluation is stuck in the 1980's in which biomechanics/arthrokinematics has not evolved, instead relying on norms of anatomy and repetition of tradition without question. The recoil function of joints and dense (and softer) connective tissue is a fundamental property yet is not a part of the tradition of orthopedic manual therapy. Further to that, there seems a belief that we should only evaluate the structures that are painful, whereas latent soft tissue pain is a valid construct. And, an a la carte model of "this is how you jiggle or pop the navicular and this is how you do the cuboid, as opposed to an understanding that a supiatory restriction involves up to 11 sequential restrictions in the foot and ankle, hip and pelvis with compensation in the atlantoaxial joint via the righting reflex. My writings address an oblique restriction of the occipitoatlantal joint supported by anatomical study and anthropologic study - yes, there is common anomalous morphology at the OA joint. This concept is relevant throughout the body. Nociception that is not consciously perceived still leaves a neural signature and we cannot override that with vagal stimulation. Vagal stimulation does have a role so this is not an anti-vagal stim post. Lastly, low-load, long-duration micromotion restoration reasonably is much more effective than jiggle and pop.

06/21/2026

Boosting Athletic Performance: An Exclusive
Interview with Robin Kerr on the Hesch Method and How it Helped the World's Fastest Man Win the Race

The world of sports performance is one of endless complexity, full of countless factors and variables that can mean the difference between a gold medal and an early exit. Physiotherapy has always played a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance, and the innovative Hesch method is leading the way in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this field.

Australian-trained physiotherapist Robin Kerr has over three decades of clinical experience under her belt, with a career spanning from the Olympics to Hollywood. Kerr’s work in managing persistent low back and pelvic pain through the bio-psycho-social model offers an illuminating glimpse into the intricate world of physiotherapy.

A key aspect of Kerr's approach to physiotherapy is the Hesch Method, a technique that emphasizes the importance of the pelvis in running mechanics, an area often overlooked in favor of legs and feet. This method, characterized by gentle, sustained holds on the pelvis, allows for a deeper tissue treatment and enhanced mechanics that can significantly impact athletes.

The Hesch method is more than just a physiotherapy technique - it's a holistic approach to athletic performance. This technique understands the balance between pain management and performance optimization and the necessity of self-management for athletes. Kerr’s work also tackles the complex relationship between manual therapy and exercise-based physiotherapy, exploring the potential influence of social media on budding physiotherapists and the urgent need for hands-on skills.

Kerr offers an intriguing perspective on applying the Hesch method in various aspects of athletic performance, from core activation and range of motion to treatment of pelvic pain. Her experience and insights make her a leading sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation authority.

The interview with Kerr covers a broad range of topics, from the foundations of the Hesch method to its potential impact on future generations of physiotherapists. Kerr shares her journey, from her early career in the military to her current work with elite athletes, offering a unique and valuable perspective on the ever-evolving field of physiotherapy.

Kerr's insights are invaluable for those interested in sports physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. She brings a wealth of experience, a depth of understanding, and a genuine passion for her work, making this interview a must-read for anyone interested in these fields.

This interview offers an in-depth look at the transformative potential of the Hesch method in optimizing athlete performance. It is a goldmine of knowledge, offering a new perspective on physiotherapy and its impact on the world of sports.

06/19/2026

04/17/2026

PRI model
A comment left on one of my YT videos:

-Studios
1 day ago
Bill Hartman & Zac Cupples refer to this as a right oblique turn versus the other pattern they see which is a right flat turn. Others would lump this into a L AIC, but it doesn't fit that traditionally because the left iliac crest appears higher and the traditional PRI pattern has the right side being hiked.
Jerry's Reply: The Hesch Model does not rely on observation as ~30% have developmental symmetry in the pelvic bones, but rather is based on treatable mobility impairment, hence the Hesch-developed load-spring-recoil tests. Further to that, standing assessment is limited because it captures the compensation, whereas in gravity-reduced positions, the cause is clearly discerned.