MELT Therapy Claims To Ease Pain, Improve Performance
It claims to melt away pain, stress, headaches, even wrinkles and cellulite. The M.E.L.T. Method uses simple self massage techniques that people can learn to do themselves.
Ashley Kipp is one of Colorado’s first, if not only, MELT instructors. She teaches the method at her fitness studio in Colorado Springs.
“It’s kind of like a massage, chiropractic adjustment, core workout and nap all at the same time,” said Kipp. “But you leave feeling outstanding.”
MELT stands for Myofascial Energetic Lengthening Technique. It uses small balls to stimulate different points on the hands and feet, and a soft roller for work on the rest of the body. Kipp said the techniques hydrate and rejuvenate the body’s connective tissue, or fascia, which makes the entire body work more efficiently.
“As connective tissue becomes dehydrated, all sort of imbalances occur in the body,” said Kipp.
She said the tissue has to be massaged and manipulated to open it to fluids already in the body.
Besides relieving pain, Kipp said MELT can help athletes who want to improve their performance and even get rid of cellulite and wrinkles.
“So many women have commented to me saying, ‘It’s gone, it’s gone!,” she said.
The question is: Does MELT really work? KRDO Newschannel 13 asked for two viewers with chronic pain problems to put MELT to the test.
“Naturally, I think I’m a little bit skeptical,” said 29-year-old Chris Drake of trying MELT.
Drake said playing sports all his life and a job that requires heavy lifting has taken a toll on his arms and knees. The second volunteer, 51-year-old Betty Barnett, said she’s become stiff and sore as she’s gotten older and has trouble walking when she gets up in the morning.
Drake and Barnett each had one-on-one session with Kipp, and both said they felt a difference.
“My knees have been a lot better, ” said Drake. “My throwing arm, I haven’t felt that pain in a while. I think that’s due to the method.”
Barnett said after the sessions, she still had some pain in the morning, but it wasn’t as bad.
“I can tell a difference now,” said Barnett. “When I first get up, I have a hard time walking, and I can walk better.”
Both said they plan to keep doing the techniques.
“Because I do like to hike and bicycle and be very active, and I just like, the fact is, this is giving me a little more freedom to do all I enjoy doing,” said Barnett.
KRDO Newschannel 13 talked to Beth Thomas, a therapist at Memorial Hospital’s Integrated Therapies, about the MELT Method. She said when she first started reading about MELT, she wasn’t so sure. But she said as she learned more, she realized the techniques in the therapy made a lot of sense.
“I think she’s on to something,” said Thomas of MELT creator Sue Hitzmann.
Thomas said connective tissue work can absolutely improve how someone feels.
“Many people are unaware how much pain it can cause the body,” said Thomas. “I think it’s important to try all sorts of things because you never know what will be the right fit.”
However, she said she’s not so sure about MELT getting rid of cellulite.
“I don’t know about cellulite,” Thomas said. “But she could make a lot of money if she could!”
A group MELT session costs $15 and happens twice a week. A one-on-one session with Kipp is $60 an hour. For more information email Ashley Kipp at ashleykipp@gmail.com
