ABOUT US
About Empirical Knead
Science-Informed Myofascial Structural & Neuromuscular Therapy
Empirical Knead was founded by Dedric Carroll, published researcher and Clinical Director, and is built on nearly two decades of clinical experience and research collaboration.
Our work integrates myofascial structural principles, neuromuscular therapy, and restorative care into a cohesive, assessment-driven approach.
We don’t just treat where it hurts—
we evaluate how your body is functioning as a whole.
Why Empirical Knead Is Different
We Don’t Chase Pain—We Understand It
Many people come in with what feels like unexplained pain—
back discomfort, shoulder tension, headaches.
In most cases, the body has been adapting to subtle restrictions over time.
As those restrictions build:
- Movement changes
- Compensation patterns develop
- Stress increases across the body
Eventually, those patterns become pain.
The Pattern Most People Don’t See
Pain often isn’t the beginning—it’s the result of a cycle:
- Tension creates restriction
- Restriction alters movement
- Altered movement creates compensation
- Compensation leads to pain
And the cycle repeats.
Our Approach
We interrupt that cycle using the right combination of:
Restorative Therapy
Calms the nervous system and reduces systemic stress
Neuromuscular Therapy
Releases muscle tension and improves tissue function
Structural Integration
Restores alignment and reduces long-term strain
What This Means For You
- Less pain
- Better movement
- Reduced compensation
- Improved structural balance
Built on Research & Clinical Experience
- 13+ years of published clinical collaboration
- Research-informed approach to manual therapy and recovery
- Thousands of clinical sessions refining treatment methods
This is not traditional massage—
it’s a clinical, outcome-driven approach to bodywork
Why It Matters
When structure improves, symptoms often reduce.
Our goal is not temporary relief—
but helping your body function more efficiently over time.
Why Empirical Knead Is Different
We Don’t Chase Pain—We Understand It
Many people come in with what feels like unexplained pain—
back discomfort, shoulder tension, headaches.
In most cases, the body has been adapting to subtle restrictions over time.
As those restrictions build:
- Movement changes
- Compensation patterns develop
- Stress increases across the body
Eventually, those patterns become pain.
The Pattern Most People Don’t See
Pain often isn’t the beginning—it’s the result of a cycle:
- Tension creates restriction
- Restriction alters movement
- Altered movement creates compensation
- Compensation leads to pain
And the cycle repeats.
Our Approach
We interrupt that cycle using the right combination of:
Restorative Therapy
Calms the nervous system and reduces systemic stress
Neuromuscular Therapy
Releases muscle tension and improves tissue function
Structural Integration
Restores alignment and reduces long-term strain
What This Means For You
- Less pain
- Better movement
- Reduced compensation
- Improved structural balance
Built on Research & Clinical Experience
- 13+ years of published clinical collaboration
- Research-informed approach to manual therapy and recovery
- Thousands of clinical sessions refining treatment methods
This is not traditional massage—
it’s a clinical, outcome-driven approach to bodywork
Why It Matters
When structure improves, symptoms often reduce.
Our goal is not temporary relief—
but helping your body function more efficiently over time.
____________________
Research:
Peer-Reviewed Research:
Massage Therapy Decreases Cancer-Related Fatigue: Results From a Randomized Early Phase Trial (Cancer, 2018)
The Empirical Therapists
Trust our Therapists to provide the specialized care you seek.
DEDRIC C
Dedric is the only therapist in Atlanta that does clinical research on the biological effects of massage Together, with his research background and with a mastery understanding of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, Dedric excels in resolving an array of orthopedic needs and treating chronic systemic inflammatory conditions. As a clinical researcher, Dedric has an insight to the anti-inflammatory, healing and biological benefits of massage that is rare in the health field. Creator of Empirical Knead and the Empirical Knead Model. Informed by 13 years of clinical research experience with Emory University, with a rare insight to the biological benefits of informed touch; this scientific refinement is woven into each and every session and each therapist at Empirical Knead.
TONY L.
Meet Tony, a talented massage therapist with a strong reputation in the industry! Has been trained in the Empirical Knead Model and continues to advance with our ongoing education. Since graduating from the Atlanta School of Massage in 2012, Tony has worked alongside top health care providers and recently mastered the innovative Empirical Knead model in 2023, earning praise for outstanding results. Outside of work, Tony channels his creativity into intricate laser crafts and treasures time with his new baby and loving wife. His dedication to clients and family makes him truly exceptional!
