Michael Zollinger LMT

GA lic. MT001844

Integrative Bodywork for pain relief, postural discomforts, and injury rehabilitation

Michael joined the Heal Center’s Wellness Collective in 2007 upon completion of the 840-hour Clinical Massage Therapy program at ASHA (Academic of Somatic Healing Arts) School of Massage. Since then he has continued his training studying Deep Structural Release-Structural Integration and myofascial release techniques, and other manual soft-tissue approaches for reducing pain and discomfort.

Michael’s clientele primarily seek relief from acute or chronic pain/discomfort and for injury/surgical rehabilitation. Michael refers to his practice as Integrative Bodywork, a blending of several modalities, involving the whole person, body and mind, has proven successful in providing great relief to his clients. Below you will find brief descriptions of a bodywork modalities such as neuromuscular therapy, myofascial techniques, clinical and sports massage.

In 2014, Michael stepped into the role of co-owner and director of the Heal Center, a family owned business since 1992, coordinating all classes and training courses, and the wellness collective of practitioners. Previously, as a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Michael taught music and ensemble training for children and adults studying classical guitar. 

GA MT lic. MT001844

Techniques Explained

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is based on the physiological laws and principles of our bodies with the goal of eliminating the causes of most neuromuscular pain patterns. NMT is a muscle-specific and more scientific approach to muscular pain relief, to assist in balancing the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It utilizes techniques of massage therapy as deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial work, with movements and stretching. NMT affects and improves the function of joints, muscles and bio-mechanics (movement) while also releasing endorphins, the body’s own ‘natural pain killers’. It is as fantastic stand alone treatment or part of a comprehensive wellness program, complementing all other health care modalities.

Why Neuromuscular Therapy?

The body often refers pain away from the root cause of the pain. This many times results in the symptom being treated rather than the underlying cause. NMT focuses on an assessment your body and posture, locating potential root causes of pain and working to solving those issues. It can often be surprising where and how the pain originates from an unsuspected area and a great relief to finally find a treatment that brings comfort. Massage and bodywork is often a last resort after seeking medical care that typically treats symptoms first.

Anyone who is physically active can benefit from the techniques of clinical and sports massage.  Whether physically demanding jobs or hobbies, athletes, musicians, etc, the body needs maintenance and rest to recover and stay well. In addition, these massage techniques can also address common injuries and complaints associated with daily living/work and aging populations.  Common issues include repetitive stress injuries, strains and sprains, and joint pain.

More advanced techniques are often used as part of thorough treatment including myofascial release, designed to reorganize the body’s connective tissue to create a more ideal posture and Muscle Energy Techniques normalizing muscle tone, reorganize joint mechanics and the fascial system, both gently and easily.

Unlike massage, Structural Integration focuses not on the muscles but on their supporting layer of connective tissue, called fascia. Muscles are contracting tissues that give the body and organs physical movement. The fascia surrounds the muscles, bones and organs, giving the muscles their shape and the body its structure.

Structural Integration aligns and balances the body by lengthening and repositioning the fascia. As fascia is softened and lengthened it allows muscles to move as they were designed to, with greater efficiency. The practitioner applies steady pressure and slow movement to the body area, working the fascial system in a systematic way. When restricted fascia is released and lengthened the body can return to its structurally optimal position

The pull of gravity, the stress of daily activities and physical demands and injuries can result in the body moving out of alignment. The fascia gradually shortens, tightens and adjusts to accommodate misalignment. When the body is out of alignment it is inefficient, imbalance results in stiffness, discomfort, loss of energy, and often pain.

When a body is better aligned and balanced it moves with greater ease. It requires less energy to function and pain will often resolve or reduce. Better posture becomes more effortless and breathing is easier. The body becomes more flexible and more coordinated.

info coming soon…

Pricing | Scheduling | Options

Appointment Options


One-hour session: $80

90-minute session: $115

2-hour session: $150

Schedule


Monday, Wednesday – Friday, by appointment.

Call: 404-303-0007 (returning clients may text)
Email: michael@HealCenterAtlanta.com

Payment Options


  1. By appointment
  2. Paid in advance – Treatment packages
  3. Maintenance membership (see below)

Bodywork Maintenance Options – Membership Subscription

One +

1-hour Bodywork session each month
$ 70
Monthly
  • Additional sessions at same reduced rate: $70/hr
  • Includes anyone within your immediate household
  • Cancel any time after initial 3 months

Two +

Two 1-hour Bodywork session each month
$ 135
Monthly
  • Additional sessions at reduced rate of $70/hr
  • Includes anyone within your immediate household
  • Cancel any time after initial 3 months

Prepaid Programs

Gift Certificates Available

Client Testimonials

I have been coming to the Heal Center for a few years. Michael Zollinger is a skilled therapist who really listens and attends to your key pain/discomfort areas. Being a female, I'm not always comfortable seeing male therapists, but I am extremely comfortable with Michael's professionalism and calm demeanor. I highly recommend this facility for all of your wellness needs.
B. W.