Available today: Open to 8:30pm

EMPIRICAL KNEAD

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY


Beyond Massage—We Fix What Others Can’t.


Science Informed Medical Massage & Structural Integration   - Old Fourth Ward - Atlanta

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Business Hours

Mon - Sun
Appointment Only
Science Informed Medical Massage in Atlanta - Old Fourth Ward

Science Informed Medical Massage


The Empirical Knead Model


Founded by Dedric Carroll, a published researcher with 17 years of clinical bodywork experience, the Empirical Knead Model is a science-informed approach that improves quality of life for people of all backgrounds — from elite athletes and weekend warriors to office professionals, cancer patients, and immune-compromised individuals.


This model was built on two foundations:


  • 13 years of published clinical research with Emory University demonstrating how informed touch can measurably reduce systemic inflammation.
  • Nearly two decades of neuromuscular therapy and structural integration, where careful observation and refined protocols revealed patterns that consistently restore balance, reduce pain, and improve function.


Every therapist at Empirical Knead is personally trained by Dedric in this model, ensuring a clinical level of care across the practice. This training equips our therapists to adapt the Empirical Knead Model to each client’s unique needs — whether it’s relieving chronic pain, calming neurological spasms, enhancing athletic performance, or supporting recovery during illness.


At its core, the Empirical Knead Model is a blend of science, research, and hands-on expertise — designed to help every client move, heal, and live better.

Fixing Forward Head Posture Pt. 1 Aka "Tech Neck"

Popular Services

Neuromuscular Therapy Orthopedic massage therapy session in Atlanta
Trigger point therapy. Orthopedic massage therapy session in Atlanta
Thai Stretches. Orthopedic massage therapy session in Atlanta
Orthopedic massage therapy session in Atlanta
Orthopedic massage therapy session in Atlanta
Orthopedic massage therapy session in Atlanta
Orthopedic massage therapy session in Atlanta

FEATURES

A Peek at our Techniques

We have a unique and proven approach to massage and bodywork. Redefining your idea of what a massage can actually be.

Life changing. 

Deeply Relaxing. Trigger point therapy. Forward head posture treatment

Neuromuscular Therapy

Assisted Yoga via Thai and neuromuscular stretches

Thai - Assisted NMT Yoga

Science Informed - Deeply Relaxing - Emory Protocol - Structural Alignment

Deeply Relaxing

Structural Alignment - Core Balancing - Pain Relief - Increased Mobility

Structural Integration

Our Best Deals

Pricing and Specials

Series: SUMMER SALE Our package series offers savings of up to 20%. The series are devised of 5 and 10 sessions, that may be used at any time.

Become a Member and always save 15% Our sessions, as our research informs, tend to be cumulative and build upon each other in efficacy, like most disciplines with regular routine applications such as diet, exercise, and meditation. Clinical Massage research also shows cumulative results when informed touch is applied in closer frequent sequences.


As a committed partner in your wellness, the series helps offer savings and lends accountability to regular self-care

Specials

Learn More
Science Informed - Deeply Relaxing - Emory Protocol - Structural Alignment - Orthopedic massage in Atlanta

Changing Lives One Body at a Time

Experienced

Proven results

Science Informed

TESTIMONIALS

Hear what people are saying about our service

Group 4

"Best recuperative bodywork specialist I've ever had. As a classical dancer and circustry arts performer, my body goes through the wringer; Dedric always gets me back in top performance condition!!!"

Humlao E.

Group 4

I came to Dedric with severe back pain (after 2 past major back surgeries). Dedric is extraordinary! I wish he could "could be cloned" because there simply can't be any massage therapist on this planet as great as he is..Too many people in this world need him for pain.

Cathy Printz B.

Group 4

Dedric is awesome.. What else can one say about his professionalism, and his innate ability to seek out those troublesome spots that you didn't realize were there. Dedric is the consummate massage therapist.  I miss him greatly. If I could clone Dedric and send his clone to me here in El Paso.... I'd be one happy camper!

Bob K.

Our Work

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions
    What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

        Neuromuscular therapy is a form of specialized massage therapy and bodywork that focuses on relieving pain, reduces muscle spasms,  improves muscle tone, improving mobility and performance by targeting muscles and connected tissue in specific ways to reeducate and re-posture the musculoskeletal alignment. At time, involving client Interaction to facilitate some of these neuromuscular techniques. See the research in our Blog 

    What is Structural Alignment?

        Involves

         • Continual Assessment: Evaluating posture, gait, and movement patterns to identify structural imbalances or compensatory patterns.

         • Myofascial Techniques: Hands-on manipulation of fascia to release adhesions, improve mobility, and restore elasticity.

         • Neuromuscular Re-education: Using guided exercises or movement cues to retrain muscles and correct movement dysfunctions.

         • Structural Integration: Addressing the body’s alignment over time, often using a systematic approach inspired by modalities like Rolfing or Anatomy Trains.

         • Kinesiology-Informed Approaches: Incorporating movement analysis and corrective exercises to reinforce manual therapy results.


        Related Modalities:

         • Rolfing Structural Integration: A method that realigns the body by focusing on fascial layers and posture.

         • Anatomy Trains: A system that examines myofascial “meridians” or lines throughout the body, linking distant areas of tension and imbalance.

        See the research in our Blog

    What should I expect during a body treatment session?

        The structural integration work sometimes includes working on the bench or on the floor, where the client may be requested to wear a sports bra as work is done on a bench in an interactive, dynamic fashion. Integrating other techniques that may be required to meet the client where they are on that particular day - sometimes you just need to chill and relax and on those days we help you chill and relax. 


        Table Thai please wear comfortable loose fitting clothing as you will be assisted in many different stretch positions and is the most dynamic session that we offer. 


        All other sessions, come prepared for a massage. If we need to prompt you otherwise, we will. 

    How to make the most of your bodywork session.

        First and foremost, make sure to drink plenty of water. Consume more than you normally would post sessions. Be kind to yourself with food, hydration, and in thought. 

        The foundation of our approach is to provide quality of life and enhance your experience in everything that you do from reaching for the seatbelt to benching an extra 25 pounds this week. Our bodywork sessions often accompany some functional exercise prompts, tailored functional strengthening, or simply how to move within your body within your daily life.