A Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner
ABOUT THOM
Thom Shenk is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner having studied Structural Integration and graduated from the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado in 1999. He is also a graduate of the Baltimore School of Massage (1988) and is nationally certified through the NCBTMB and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. His combined knowledge and understanding of bodywork is eclectic in nature as he assists clients in freeing their bodies from pain, discomfort, tension and the effects of gravity on the body's structure.
Rolfing is an encompassing holistic process that works through the fascia. Fascia wraps through and around all other structures of the body organizing the movements and shape of the person in gravity. As such Rolfing encompasses all other types of direct and indirect intervention. If a person is becoming more organized, open and free then they are being Rolfed. An understanding of interdisciplinary modalities enhances structural integration immensely.
Thom is well grounded in the scientific aspects of Rolfing with extensive understanding of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. His awareness of the systems of the body is intentional. The programs he has taken have taught Thom about the muscles through Massage Therapy, the internal organs through Visceral Manipulation, the nerves through Neurofascial Release, the energy meridians with Jin Shin Jyutsu (1984) and the auric/energy body as a Reiki Master and Sekhem healing (1997). He has also studied Pilates, Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Matrix Energetics. He was an Emergency Medical Technician in the early 1980's.
In his work Thom is compassionate, he combines deep insight with his intuitive abilities, and is supportive of each client's goals for good health. He guides his clients to increase and expand their flexibility of movement, their vitality for life, and wholeness of the body, mind, emotions and spirit. He has given 80,000+ bodywork sessions during his twenty-five plus years in the spiritual/ bio-energetic bodywork field.
THOMAS D. SHENK CAR, MST
(301) 452-6630
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Rolfing Insight LLC. October 1999-Present
Professional business- The primary concept of Rolfing is to relate the human body and its field to the Earth and its gravity field. So, the Earth and its gravity field can reinforce the body's energy field. This is primarily accomplished through alignment of the body's fascial/energetic tissue matrix through the understanding of Dr. Rolf's ten series of holistic structural integration. - Restore Motion, Rockville MD. September 2004-Present
I have an affiliate space with Restore Motion and have professional and personal interaction with the physical therapists on a regular basis. - National Rehabilitation Hospital at Regional Rehab, Chevy Chase MD September 1999-September 2009
A part time position providing various types of bodywork on personal and rehabilitation patients. - Body College Pilates Studio, Potomac MD August 1998-June 2005
Leased Space in a Pilates Studio. As a Rolfer I worked with the Pilates clients assisting them in understanding the deeper levels of core support and strength while integrating a somatic experience of alignment and extension. - Life Path Health Center, Bethesda MD October 1999-September 2004
A Rolfing and Massage Therapy position at an integrative health care center with Acupuncture, Allopathy, Chi Gung, Internal Medicine, Meditation, Naturopathy, Osteopathy, Tai Chi and Yoga. - Eden Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Mclean VA September 1995-August 1998
Massage at European style spa for exclusive international businessmen, political clientele, local and hotel fitness patronage, and pampered spa goers. Additional learned skills included use of hydrotherapy tub, and applying body masks, scrubs and wraps. - Eartheart Massage Therapy. Professional Business April 1994 - October 1999
Performed direct and indirect myofascial release through smooth manipulation of soft tissues. Support for the client through the initial intervention of an issue to the reorganization of tissues and the re-education of habits for greater health. Stress reduction, sports injuries, pregnant women, cancer patients, considerations for the elderly and surgery recovery were among the issues dealt with. - Wichin Chiropractic, Reston VA October 1994-October 1999
Support attending physician during relief, correction and maintenance phases of subluxation reduction. Release of the facilitated and often chronic sensory-motor actions to the pathological conditions of the reactive spinal and muscular complex. Assistance in the restoration of vitality and co-ordination necessary to the client's body to instigate healing. - Metateam Associates, Inc. at The Sporting Club. Mclean VA August 1989-October 1999
Five to eleven hour massages given per shift. Required dedication, consistency, and an ability to cooperate with collegues. Worldgate Athletic Club, Reston Va. September 1991-April 1994. Director of mens' massage team at an athletic club with a membership of +9,000. Membership education of massage benefits regarding workout performance, minimization of injuries, stress reduction management, and development of a strong clientele. Other duties included; scheduling appointments, laundry and financial management. - Watergate Hotel and Health Club, Washington DC October 1989-December1994
Provided on-call massage therapist services at the health club. In-room massage services as arranged through the hotel Concierge. - Positively Massage, at DOE, FERC, DOC and FBI, Washington DC January 1990-July1990
Provided on-site corporate massage to office workers and field agents. Four hours per week at each site. Focused on minor neck back and shoulder interests. Appointment scheduling, massage supply stocking, and financial management were among the job responsibilities.
EDUCATION AND ORGANIZATIONS
Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, Boulder CO. Certified Rolfer (Structural Integration), October 1999. Certified Advanced Rolfer August 2006. Certified Rolf Movement Practitioner (Functional Movement), October 2010
Member: Rolf Membership
The Spirit of Learning, Siler City NC. Teacher certification program for massage, somatic and healthcare education. 100 hours. May 2013.
Baltimore School of Massage, Baltimore MD. Professional Massage Training, June 1989.
Certification: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. July 1998
Member: American Massage Therapy Association. 1989
Lynn-Benton Community College: Albany OR. Certified Emergency Medical Technician. Studies included medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, pharmacology and psychology. 1982
Additional Studies: Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Somato Emotional Release, Healing from the Core, Zero Balancing, Mat Pilates, NeuroKinetic Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Neurofascial Release. Source Point Therapy, Chakra Balancing, Matrix Energetics, Sekhem/Seichim Master, Reiki Master, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Jin Shin Do, Mayan Soboda,
RELATED INFORMATION
Washington State Department of Natural Resources: Wildland initial attack fire fighter 6 years.
Professional Ski Patrol: Mt Bachelor, OR: Hunter Mountain, NY: Vail Resort CO: 49 Degrees North WA. 6 years total.
Nursing Home Aide: Buena Vista Nursing Home, Colville, WA. Between seasonal jobs.
Interests: I began shamonic studies in 1984 and have had the honor of participating in over 200 sweat lodge ceremonies. Many with Yurock, Karouk, Cree, Lakota, Ogala, Apache, Cherokee, and Tiowa medicine men and women. I now lead regularly held sweat lodges. I have also been on five Vision Quests and participated in several Yuwipis. I have meditated since the early 1980's and I practice Zen, Tibetan and Native American meditation. I did Kundalini yoga every day for 5 years from 1990-1995 and have familiarity with Yang Style Tai Chi, and Chi Gung.
REFERENCES
References available upon request.