The 8 Pillars of the Hock Method
A systematic journey through the causes of pain – and their solutions. I have been working for your freedom from pain since 1991.
The 8 Pillars at a Glance
Click on a pillar to learn more
Burkhard Hock
Naturopath since 1991
Working for Your Freedom from Pain Since 1991
Burkhard Hock is seminar leader, lecturer and naturopath in his own practice since 1991. He is an APM therapist according to Penzel, trained in osteopathy and manual therapy.
He is the originator of the Hock Method, Hock Pain Therapy, the Flex Taping Method and the Fascial Muscle Work Method. His books are valued as standard works by therapists worldwide.
What Patients Say
13 appointment reviews via Cituro – each 5 out of 5 stars
„Great, well-founded advice and explanation of the causes and solutions. After a previous odyssey, this was the perfect match for me.“
„I am absolutely thrilled by the commitment, knowledge and care with which Burkhard treated me. The book with the instructions for the exercises at home is a hit too. One day later, I can already feel a clear improvement. Thank you so much, dear Burkhard!“
„Mr. Hock is absolutely outstanding at what he does! He is one of the few where the problem and the pain are truly and lastingly resolved. I am very glad I found him!“
Read all 13 reviews
„I don't usually like rating everything and everyone. But I found the appointment so positive that I want to write about it after all. Many thanks again, Burkhard. You explained and described everything so well. I got the necessary items right away and started the exercises yesterday.“
„Very good explanation of why and how each issue is treated. No time pressure, you feel in very good hands, and the patient really is listened to. I was delighted. 😊“
„My wife and I had a joint appointment. Burkhard far exceeded our expectations and took a great deal of time. We have owned the three main books for years. We went through the stretching instructions individually for each of us. I thank Burkhard with all my heart and am convinced I will get my pain under control with his method.“
„An assessment carried by great empathy and professional competence, unlike anything we have experienced in any specialist practice so far. The time and attention alone were impressive. The feeling of being taken seriously and truly seen developed quickly. Many thanks!“
„Thank you for everything!!“
„Everything was GREAT!! And we are feeling much better!!!!!“
„Very impressive – great analysis and a very good training program … Now it's up to my own responsibility!“
„The cause of my complaints was investigated and explained in an understandable way! After a long time, there is hope again of achieving improvement and later healing with exercises tailored to my condition. I am very grateful to Mr. Hock! He taught me thoroughly how to perform all the exercises precisely, which I will now do for 30 days. A treatment was included as well. It felt lighter afterwards, and it was explained to me that these 'homework' exercises are what ensure lasting improvement, which made sense to me! It was a very friendly, patient and personal style of treatment. I thank Mr. Hock for this time and the important insights! The distinction between cause and symptom was also very important!“
„We were welcomed very warmly by Burkhard Hock at his practice in Anger. The consultation was extremely professional. Burkhard Hock's wealth of experience is immediately noticeable. Easy-to-understand explanations round off the consultation. This gives a good feeling and motivates us, as patients living with pain, to do the 'homework' exactly as instructed. We find the ring binder 'Still in Pain or Already Stretching?' with the explanatory picture descriptions for each exercise very helpful.“
„The communication beforehand was excellent. The appointment was on time – no waiting. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on a precise analysis of the condition. That is far from standard everywhere and is the basis for successful treatment. The 'homework' is discussed thoroughly and practiced again; you receive the necessary documents, tips and materials so you can start at home right away. You can feel the therapist's experience and high competence in treating the problem. Burkhard gave me hope again of getting rid of my pain on my own – not through medication, but through well-founded exercises based on records of 37,000 patients! Burkhard is a therapist heart and soul, with incredible knowledge, yet always at eye level with the patient. Thank you very much!“
The 8 Pillars in Detail
Scroll down to learn about each pillar in detail
The Physics of the Body
"Physics doesn't ask: Where does it hurt? It asks: Are your axes aligned?"
The body is a static structure. If the pelvis (the foundation) is not straight, the spine (the mast) must compensate. The result is always scoliosis. The laws of physics also apply to the human body.
The Pelvis as Center
"90.2% of all people have a functional pelvic tilt."
The pelvis is the mother of all problems. A fall, a misstep - and the SI joint twists. Muscles (especially the psoas and the adductors) fixate this misalignment. If corrected in practice, it tilts back after a few steps. Only the 30-day homework while lying down can change that.
The 7 Problem Muscles and Snow White
"Of over 600 muscles, only 8 were responsible for 70% of pain."
We affectionately call them the 7 dwarfs and Snow White because they are small but cause huge damage. Knowing these 7 problem muscles and Snow White and treating them correctly is the key.
Hock Stretching
"Conventional stretching for about 30 seconds doesn't work. Why? Because the brain runs protection programs."
The first 18 seconds of a stretch are just brain-triggered muscular protective tension. Only then does real biochemical increase in range of motion begin. The 40-second rule is absolutely necessary and demands: no bouncing, no pain - only feel the tension and hold statically.
The Database
"Over 37,000 treatments - a therapeutic treasure."
Since 1991, Burkhard Hock has documented every treatment. This database makes it possible to recognize patterns that often remain hidden from classical medicine. With active patient participation, an initial treatment of 1.5 hours is often enough for significant improvement.
Movement as Diagnostics
"The only reliable diagnostic is movement itself."
X-rays and MRIs only show snapshots. They cannot show which muscle is shortened. Only through systematic movement tests can the true cause of pain be found. The body shows us everything - if we look correctly.
Prevention in Children
"A functional pelvic tilt at the end of puberty becomes anatomically fixed - forever."
The critical window is between 12 and 20 years. During this time, the SI joint interlocks in its position. What goes wrong here determines orthopedic health for a lifetime. Parents should take two minutes monthly to check: Are their child's heels directly next to each other when lying on their back?
Self-Responsibility
"No therapist in the world can make you healthy. Only you can do that."
The examination and therapy in practice is just the beginning. True healing happens at home through realigning the pelvis according to the findings, homework exercises, and daily stretching for one to two months or longer. The Stretching Book and the Orthopedic Home Pharmacy give you all the tools you need.
Burkhard Hock - Naturopath
In 90 percent of cases, joint diseases, musculoskeletal pain and back problems have a single cause: a pelvic tilt. What makes the difference between the Hock Method and most other examinations and therapies?
When the pelvis tilts, usually due to a fall, this leads to shifts and muscular imbalances throughout the body. As a result, permanent misalignments, scoliosis, tension, one-sided stress and wear, as well as pain in the vertebrae, hip and knee joints often occur.
There are at least seven possible causes of pelvic misalignment. Patients cannot reliably identify the cause themselves: physicians, naturopaths and therapists complete extensive multi-day training for this. The basic principle is that successful correction of pelvic misalignment requires knowing its cause.
Since 1991, Burkhard Hock has added more than 37,000 treatments to his database, building up a therapeutic treasure that enables him to know exactly what to do. If patients actively participate, the initial treatment of 1.5 hours is enough to achieve at least a significant improvement.
Appointment with Burkhard Hock
Since August 1, 2025, Burkhard Hock has been working as a guest naturopath in 83454 Anger, Dorfplatz 34.
Before making a request, please read the information about appointments, costs and the process. You can then send a prepared email with three preferred dates.
Treatable Conditions
Where the Hock Method can no longer help
Not every pain has a functional, treatable cause. In this short film, Burkhard Hock openly and honestly shows the limits of the Hock Method – and when other medical clarification is necessary.
Would you like to apply the Hock Method or be treated with it?
If so, we invite you to learn more through the 8 pillars of the Hock Method, the free videos and the following resources.
Please read the corresponding sample before purchasing to determine if this knowledge is applicable for you – and to minimize unnecessary postage and paper consumption. Thank you.
Free Videos
Self-treatment exercises and explainer videos with Burkhard Hock.
The 8 Pillars at a Glance
Understand the foundations and connections of the Hock Method.
Books for Self-Help
Printed editions with step-by-step instructions for home use.
Digital Editions
The Orthopedic Home Pharmacy and stretching book as flipbooks.
A Therapist Near You
Over 8,000 trained therapists – find certified ones in the directory.
Request a Treatment Appointment
Read appointment and pricing information, then send a request.