Adrienne Engel, LMT, SEP
About Adrienne Engel, LMT, SEP
Adrienne Engel began her journey as a Medical Massage Therapist in 1995, specializing in rehabilitation and body-system healing and support. In addition to her medical focus, she studied biomechanics—the science of functional movement—and has worked with many professional golfers, supporting their healing and performance.
Adrienne works with individuals online and in person, and also offers Restorative Retreats.
After her first eight years in practice, Adrienne discovered four major zones in the body that either support or hinder optimal performance and health:
- Jaw and occipital
- Collarbones and shoulder blades
- Diaphragm
- Pelvis
Our body systems rely on these physical intersections to restore optimal circulation and functioning. She developed the InBodyMeant© Method, which teaches participants to integrate tension in those zones to support and restore optimal flow.
It's the next step that makes Adrienne's treatment unique. After optimizing the four zones, patients awaken deep emotional and spiritual pathways in the body and mind, allowing them to access their purpose and take brave steps to achieve it.
Adrienne then spent the next 13 years studying the gentle integration of the emotional, spiritual, physical, and behavioral systems. She discovered the sacred and transformative voice of the body in these areas where each of us holds tension that impacts our health. The next part of her journey led her deeper into learning how to teach people to listen to and establish a relationship with their whole self.
From 2014 to 2019, she trained as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner through Dr. Peter Levine's training. She explored the interplay between brain function, behavior, and the body, learning how the body communicates through sensation.
In 2015, Adrienne had a transformative awakening when the Living Jesus Christ revealed Himself during a near-death experience in a drowning event. She was invited to teach a daily practice that has now evolved into the (In)Bodied Participation Classes©, where individuals learn to connect with the Divine presence and bring forth the stress, pain, and trauma they are carrying while experiencing love and renewal. Here, she began teaching how to recognize and receive God's living presence and bring internally held areas of tension to rest in it.
She is a mother, dog and chicken owner, gardener, wood worker, and a Reverend and advocate for the Living Jesus Christ. She supports people in understanding the role their bodies play in establishing a deep relationship with the mystery of our Triune Christ, to which we are all connected.
My Path to You Today
1993–1995
Brevard Acupuncture — Apprentice Massage Therapist
Merritt Island, FL
…
I began working for acupuncturist Dr. Bo-Shi-Ni while still in high school. It was Dr. Bo who opened my eyes to the human system's remarkable ability to heal and re-establish its balance. Dr. Bo blindfolded me so I would learn to feel the body's tissues and become familiar with what diseased and dysfunctional tissues feel like as opposed to healthy ones. I also learned to feel the body's energy and circulatory systems.
This sensitivity attuned me to what predisposes a healthy system. I learned that our systems stay healthy when balanced circulation and energy flow are unimpeded. When blocked, disease and dysfunction set in. I discovered that specific muscular tension patterns accompanied each condition or dysfunction. At this stage of my learning, I asked myself, "What are all the ways that we can address muscular tension?"
1995
Florida School of Massage Therapy — Florida Licensing
Gainesville, FL
…
One week after graduating high school, I enrolled at the Florida School of Massage. I completed my Florida licensing course and earned my first certification.
1995–1996
Gainesville Health and Fitness Center — Personal Trainer
Gainesville, FL
…
While in massage school, I worked part-time as a personal trainer, teaching circuit training programs to gym members. I observed that mainstream exercise and fitness techniques developed large muscle groups but did not address the stabilizing muscle groups. I recognized that, over time, many members left feeling more tired and less flexible. I developed techniques to access and engage the stabilizing muscles to better support stability and recovery.
I developed a stretching wall to help clients access their full-body systems both pre- and post-workout. The Stretching Wall increased the effectiveness of their workouts and decreased injury.
1996
Florida School of Massage Therapy — Certified Advanced Sports Massage Therapist
Gainesville, FL
…
Under Mike Loomis, a nationally sports-certified trainer, I learned how to assess injured and overstrained muscles and to design and deliver treatment protocols to support their rehabilitation. This class also inspired me to begin further study in Trigger Point Therapy through the Travell and Simons series.
1995–Present
Opened Personal Practice
Gainesville, FL
…
At only 18, I opened my first office in the fall of 1995. Thank God for energy and enthusiasm! While learning the nuances of marketing, finance, and customer service, I developed new techniques and approaches to Medical Massage. My private practice has been continuously operating since then; however, I practiced part-time for the first three years while gaining more experience in the medical field.
1995–1997
Faas Chiropractic Center — Medical Massage Therapist, Exercise Physiology Assistant
Gainesville, FL
…
I worked at Faas Chiropractic part-time for two years, working closely with the resident exercise physiologist, David Salhanick, who instructed me in advanced exercise physiology, evaluating patient biomechanics, and developing treatment plans to address their specific conditions. In addition, I learned ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and x-ray assistance.
1997–1998
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine — Informal Student
Gainesville, FL
…
At the Large Animal and Dog Rehabilitation Program, I worked with Dr. Victor Shale and shadowed a large animal cadaver class. In this class, I observed students dissecting cows and horses. When comparing the anatomy of their structures and ours, and the therapies for the human body and large animals, I recognized how remarkably similar we are.
1998
Chi Institute — Teaching Assistant
Gainesville, FL
…
I worked with Dr. Bruce Ferguson and shadowed him during many of his alternative medicine lectures and clinics. I learned about holistic treatments for large animals and pets and alternative nutrition options.
1998
Rehab and Movement Therapy for Horses — Therapy Assistant
Gainesville, FL
…
I shadowed Betty Lindquist, LMT and rehabilitation therapist for racehorses in Ocala, FL. From her, I learned therapy and biomechanical assessment of both horses and their jockeys. I worked with horses and jockeys to release athletic injuries and to balance their bodies. Based on her work, I developed TheraPetic Massage©, post-surgical and rehabilitative massage techniques for large dogs, allowing owners to alleviate the stress of the procedure and bond with their dogs as they heal.
1996–Present
Golf and Tennis-Specific Massage Therapist and Trainer
Gainesville, FL
…
I work with local country clubs (Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club, University of Florida, Gainesville Golf & Country Club, Meadowbrook Golf Club, and Ironwood) to provide therapy to players before, during, and after tournaments. My elite patients report pain relief, increased flexibility, and improved core strength.
1995–2001
University of Florida College of Medicine — Supplemental Educator, Research Student
Gainesville, FL
…
I taught Introduction to Alternative Medicine seminars for medical students. In turn, they taught me how to conduct research on the role tension plays in various diseases, building my comfort with going to the medical library and pulling journal articles.
I was particularly interested in the effects of muscle restriction on circulation to internal tissues, muscles, organs, bones, and hormonal production sites. I attended Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, and cadaver classes at the medical school—sometimes just attending classes, and other times bartering massage therapy sessions with professors in return for guidance in my research. I also studied the effects of circulation on physical performance and healing.
1996–2000
Shands Hospital — Planning Committee, Volunteer Massage Therapist
Gainesville, FL
…
I served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Arts in Medicine Department at Shands Hospital, where I developed a protocol to introduce Medical Massage Therapy to patients at Shands Hospital to speed recovery, decrease pain, and improve the image of massage therapy in the medical field.
Sickle Cell Anemia Unit
I provided visualization exercises and massage therapy to sickle cell anemia patients to facilitate healing and decrease pain. I derived techniques from the books and tapes of Martin Rossman, MD, and modified his approach to address specific patient needs. Here I learned how breathing, awareness, and intention assist the body in healing and decreasing pain.
1999
Developed the Inner-Active Therapy© Process
…
After two years with Dr. Bo and four years of medical-specific training, research, and client experience, I developed the Inner-Active Therapy© modality. It combines guided awareness and techniques to reconnect and re-sensitize areas of tension with gentle movements, engaging the deeper stabilizing muscles and enhancing range of motion in the large muscle groups. Inner-Active Therapy© focuses on re-establishing optimal circulatory flow through four significant Power Zones that harbor tension and restrict movement, overcoming the precursors to disease and dysfunction.
1998
American Cancer Society / Ronald McDonald House — Volunteer Massage Therapist and Self-Care Speaker
Gainesville, FL
…
I provided Inner-Active Therapy© to increase circulation and decrease stress for cancer treatment patients at Ronald McDonald House. I provided self-health seminars for Ronald McDonald House staff.
2000
Ag-el (pronounced "agile") Foundations Self-Care Video Series
Gainesville, FL
…
I wrote and produced a video demonstrating the foundational self-care movements and breathing exercises that release and reintegrate tension commonly held within the four Power Zones of the body. This video offers the basics for clients to practice at home to support optimal circulation.
Practicing the Ag-el Foundational Movements© awakens the emotional and sensory systems of the body. This awakening spurred the next 20 years of personal growth and further clinical research and development to establish supportive processes of emotional and spiritual integration, which would become the InBodyMeant© and Divine InBodyMeant© modalities.
2000–2001 season
University of Florida Men's Golf Team — Volunteer Assistant Coach
Gainesville, FL
…
As a volunteer assistant coach to head coach Buddy Alexander, I developed a training regimen for players to strengthen golf-specific movements. I offered massage and training to support players' rehabilitation from overuse injuries, including rotator cuff, low back, golfer's elbow, and neck injuries. I accompanied the team to tournaments and practices and worked one-to-one with players.
2000
Fibromyalgia Ten-Week Study — Massage Therapist and Researcher
Gainesville, FL
…
I designed a study of twelve fibromyalgia patients focused on daily, in-home, self-care techniques. Eleven of the twelve participants completed the study. All of them reported learning new tools to enhance the quality of their lives. They experienced decreased chronic fatigue, fewer migrating pains, subtle shifts in depression, and, in some cases, no pain for extended days at a time. They also became very aware of mental and emotional stressors that had been contributing factors to their fibromyalgia.
2000–2004
Researching the Link Between Emotions and Muscles
…
The fibromyalgia study piqued my interest in the link between emotions and muscles. I studied this connection over the next four years using the research of Dr. Marty Rossman, Dr. Candace B. Pert, Tara Bennett-Goleman, and Karla McLaren as my baseline. I combined aspects of Inner-Active Therapy© and offered sessions with a more integrative focus.
May 2009
Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy Training
…
I learned full-body Lomi Lomi treatments for deep tissue releases, and have enjoyed incorporating the rhythmic movements into work with deep tissue restrictions.
2006–2009
Pregnancy Support Programs — Massage Therapist
Orlando, FL
…
I developed a Premium Pregnancy Care Program that addressed the three stages of becoming a mother: pregnancy, labor and delivery, and recovery.
Pregnancy: During the pregnancy, I used specialized techniques that release the connective tissue around the pelvic girdle and rib cage while increasing the mother's strength and assisting in the baby's healthy growth.
Labor and delivery: As a support member of the birth team, I developed movements and release techniques to assist the body in a gentle birth experience with decreased pain and tearing. I provided labor and delivery support at the following hospitals:
- Shands Hospital, Gainesville, FL
- Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL
- Health Central, Orlando, FL
- Arnold Palmer Women's and Children's Hospital, Orlando, FL
Post-pregnancy rehabilitation: After a woman's body has gone through the changes of pregnancy, these techniques return the mother's body to its "pre-baby" state and rehabilitate any scar tissue from C-sections or other pelvic imbalances.
2005–2007
Orlando Insight Meditation Group — Student of Awareness, Stillness, Communication, and Processing Stress
Orlando, FL
…
I spent two years studying with a Buddhist sangha group led by mental health counselor Peter Carlson in Winter Park, FL. Peter hosted mindfulness-based Vipassana meditation and therapy classes. I attended silent retreats and learned the basics of Buddhist physiology and how the quality of your self-relationship impacts your ability to process stress in the mind and body. From my time with Peter, I learned and applied the power of establishing pace and presence in my personal life and massage practice skills.
2005
Developing a Greater Capacity to Connect Through Awareness and Communication Skills — Student
Orlando and Gainesville, FL
…
I studied and applied the work of Dr. Martin Rossman, founder of non-violent communication, and learned about the power of language choices in needs-based communication. By using frame of reference, I've been able to position clients in relationship with their bodies, connecting to the root of their anxiety to truly release tension. These perspectives were the basis for teaching my clients how to have a validating relationship with themselves and their bodies.
I began researching the parallels to Christian-based Contemplative Prayer developed by Father Richard Rohr and Father Thomas Keating at the Center for Action and Contemplation. These studies have taught me that the human condition of stress is universal. Beyond religion, we need awareness, stillness, and space to create health and balance as a human system. These key points have become a foundational element of InBodyMeant©. Our ability to feel or sense decreases as our stress increases. A decreased capacity to feel stunts our ability to heal, prosper, and thrive.
2006–Present
Breast Cancer Care — Massage Therapist
Orlando, FL
…
I developed rehabilitation techniques for scar tissue related to breast cancer and the reconstruction process. These techniques significantly decrease pain, assist the body's immune system, and return the patient to an increased range of motion and quality of life. Many body-image challenges are healed in this process as well.
2006
Updated and Renamed the Inner-Active Therapy© Modality to InBodyMeant© Therapy
…
I combine awareness, relationship, and sensory work with the biomechanics of movement and massage to align your system's mental and physical aspects for healing and integration.
2011
Bodywork for the Childbearing Year — Kate Jordan
Orlando, FL
…
Bodywork for the Childbearing Year is an advanced certification training in medical massage for the childbearing year. It approaches the concerns of the pregnant, laboring, and postpartum woman with a comprehensive program of advanced massage techniques and specific pregnancy, labor, and postpartum support measures. From this class, I learned more in-depth pelvic anatomy and care.
2013
Hands-On Clinical Kinesiology for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — FSMTA Advanced Courses
Gainesville, FL
…
A deeper look into the anatomy of the shoulder and arms in reference to carpal tunnel syndrome.
2014
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), Lower Body Deep and Superficial — Aaron Mattes
Gainesville, FL
…
Performing an Active Isolated Stretch of no longer than two seconds allows the target muscles to optimally lengthen without triggering the protective stretch reflex and the subsequent reciprocal antagonistic muscle contraction, as the isolated muscle achieves a state of relaxation. These stretches provide maximum benefit and can be accomplished without opposing tension or resulting trauma.
2014
Advanced Psoas Release Course — FSMTA Advanced Courses
Gainesville, FL
…
Fundamental techniques of massage and movement to address lower back issues and stability through the psoas muscle.
2014
Trager® Level One — FSMTA Advanced Courses
Gainesville, FL
…
This gentle and effective approach allows me to help you gain flexibility, stability, freedom, and greater body awareness by softly releasing habitual holding patterns in the mind and body, relaxing you and enhancing performance in your daily activities.
2014
Cranial Unwinding® Level One — Paul Pock
Melbourne, FL
…
A synergistic combination of Craniosacral Therapy, Structural Integration, and Visceral Manipulation that allows the body and nervous system to integrate stress patterns and return to a stable and settled state.
2007; 2015–2016
InBodyMeant© Therapy Trainings
Windermere, FL (2007); Gainesville, FL (2015–2016)
…
InBodyMeant© Therapy students developed their feel to evaluate head and cervical dysfunction, assess medical history, locate current restrictions and biomechanical imbalances, treat the imbalances, and provide individualized take-home exercises and self-care prescriptions for their clients.
Power Zone 1: Head and Neck
I developed and taught a 64-hour head and cervical spine massage and rehabilitation course. This series helps therapists support patients experiencing headaches, migraines, TMJ, head injury, stroke, coma, insomnia, vertigo, eye imbalances, MS, Parkinson's, Bell's palsy, and paralysis due to upper spinal cord injury.
Power Zone 2: Clavicle and Shoulders
I developed and taught a 64-hour clavicle, shoulder, and upper rib treatment and rehabilitation course. This series helps therapists support patients experiencing lymphatic drainage issues; post-surgical care for the throat and upper chest, including breast, thyroid, and throat cancer; and reconstruction therapy. It also dynamically supports anxiety and depression and restores range of motion for post-car-accident cases and whiplash.
Power Zone 3: Diaphragm and Core Body Surgeries
I developed and taught a 64-hour diaphragm and core body post-surgical treatment and rehabilitation course. This series helps therapists support patients experiencing limitations after abdominal surgeries such as colon, stomach, and liver cancers and treatments; colon removal; C-section; cosmetic surgery and reconstruction; and complications from weight-loss surgeries.
Power Zone 4: Pelvis and Lower Back
I developed and taught a 64-hour course for pelvis and lower back treatment and rehabilitation. This series helps therapists support patients experiencing constraints after lower back injuries and surgeries. It also supports clients with chronic pain conditions, Parkinson's, MS, paralysis, and leg amputation.
2017
Sciatica Treatment — FSMTA
Gainesville, FL
…
I learned how to address chronic sciatic pain.
2011–2021
Medical Percussion Tools and Training Protocols
…
- Thumper Massager — developed training, 2011
- Rapid Release Tool, 2014
- Theragun, 2021
I developed protocols and training manuals for using percussion tools in the InBodyMeant© approach. I taught both the practitioner and the home user to work specifically with each of the four Power Zones to place them in an optimal position for rest and recovery. When used with the radically gentle process of the InBodyMeant© approach, percussion tools provide a first offering of release to overwhelmed and sometimes traumatized tissues. These tools can speed up the body's ability to receive fresh oxygen and vital nutrients and position the body to rest and recover.
2010–Present
Rebounder Protocols
…
I developed a training manual for using rebounders as part of the InBodyMeant© therapy approach, to aid in learning how to increase your sensory awareness of held tension and restrictions in your four Power Zones, releasing them through rebounding movements and optimizing lymphatic and circulatory flow. This creates a new muscle memory of letting go.
2012–Present
InBodyMeant© Stress Integration Workbook and Audios
Orlando, FL
…
I developed mindfulness-based audios and videos to support clients in establishing knowledge of their stress states and how to relate to them, so that their system can restore itself to a peaceful state.
2017–2020
Somatic Experiencing (SE) Trauma Institute with Dr. Peter Levine — Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
…
SE is a body-oriented therapeutic model applied in multiple medical professions. In SE, we focus on unaddressed trauma that impacts physical health, mental health, learning, education, and numerous aspects of life. This three-year certification empowers a therapist to create a supportive space for healing trauma. Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.
2015–Present
Participation with Our Living Triune Christ
…
I had a Christ awakening during a near-death drowning experience while surfing. Jesus came to me and showed me how we are meant to be in a relationship with Christ. Over the next two years of daily practice, specific steps emerged. Jesus taught me how to recognize and receive God's living support, to recognize my daily limitation and suffering, to bring my suffering to the heart of God for re-organization, and to hear and take action on the redirection God provides in response to my current challenge. These steps became the (In)Bodied Participation practice. I still teach it daily online and offer in-depth training as well.
2021–2022
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa — Medical Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy Manager
Gainesville, FL
…
This company and team of professionals added so much to my life and heart. I was a fellow therapist, working alongside a fantastic team of massage therapists, estheticians, front desk, and management. My goal was to participate in the dynamics of the current fast-paced spa and massage industry to develop protocols offering more complex medical and trauma-based sessions to the general public. How do we assemble whole-being health knowledge into trainable, bite-sized pieces provided on a national and possibly international scale? That is the current quest in my heart and soul.
2022
Lymphatic Drainage (refresher course) — Dr. Jeff Cullers, DC, B.S., LMT, for Hand and Stone Gainesville
Gainesville, FL
…
I reviewed and practiced the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), while gaining a better understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of lymphedema.
2022
Pure Myofascial Release — Hand and Stone Tortal
Gainesville, FL
…
I learned the basics of Myofascial Release and the most common and effective strokes for therapeutic results.
2022
Hot and Cold Stone Therapy — Hand and Stone Tortal
Gainesville, FL
…
This is one of the modalities that I continue to use daily to establish a deep sense of safety and relaxation in the nervous system—especially for PTSD, autoimmune-compromised, overstressed, and overwhelmed clients.
2021–Present
Nationally Certified CBD Consultant
…
Through my affiliation and training with Hand and Stone, I initially learned about CBD. At first, I thought it was a gimmick. I was pleasantly wrong! In my 30 years of working in the medical industry, I've never seen anything profoundly release tension and inflammation, ease the experience of pain, and support the body in recovery like CBD does—quickly, on the spot, every time. I have also discovered a unique and simple way to apply it to immediately enhance its effectiveness. I became an advocate and got certified to become an educator.
I am currently working with local growers, suppliers, pharmacists, and other educators to develop protocols to share correct information about CBD with the general public and other therapists.
2021–2023
Milam Funeral Home and Cremation — Pre-Need Counselor and Reverend for Funeral Services
Gainesville, FL
…
At Milam, I learned the full spectrum of the funeral industry and how critically grief and trauma support serve the process of loss. By supporting families during the two worst weeks of their lives, I could offer integrative therapies, allowing them to be more present in their journey of "goodbye for now." I learned to be a light of peace in a space of immense trauma and grief. This is when I became a licensed pre-arrangement insurance agent. I love supporting others in this chapter of their lives.
Present
Current Learning and Development
…
I am in the process of completing various books and trainings to support therapists and self-care enthusiasts in their quest for optimal health and connection to their divine purpose.