Michael Rehl, DC, PAK, CMT

Advanced Holistic Health Care

Chiropractic Testimonials:

"I have scoliosis which results in an imbalance between my right and left side.  My neck was often "locked up" and it was painful for me to turn my head. The condition made walking difficult and stressful. My upper back, neck and shoulders would often hurt. I would try to find ways of compensating, but this resulted in more muscular contraction and stress. Dr. Rehl's knowledge of the structural mechanics of the human body is impressive.  He learns his field, and related fields thoroughly.  His background in deep tissue massage, Pilates, and chiropractic provides an impressive complimentary combination of vantage points in dealing with structurally related problems. I now have greater freedom in movement around my neck. Walking is no longer so stressful. I feel much more at ease with my posture both in standing and walking. My neck, shoulders, and back no longer hurt as much. I feel I'm regaining a part of my younger adulthood. Other professionals tended to focus on their specialties and missed some necessary items outside their specialty. Sometimes a well-rounded approach helps."

ES

"I have suffered from sciatic nerve pain for 30 years. I had to take pain medications daily because of the extreme pain. In addition to the adjustments Michael made on my spine, he stretches the muscles and teaches me how to do stretches that support what he does. I don't have to live on pain medications any more because I'm no longer in such pain. I have gone to Chiropractors for 30 years and have never had the relief that Michael has provided."

Anne, age 61

Pre-chiropractic testimonials (1996-2007):

"I wish I could have you in a bottle."

Callie

"I can't express my thanks and gratitude enough to Michael! The therapy that I have received there over the last 4 months I have seen an incredible amount of improvement in my chronic RSI injury that I have had for 4 years. He has taken me to another level of strength and mobility that I have not had in years. I find this combination of neuromuscular reeducation, exercise and supplements to be one of the most invaluable therapies I have ever experienced. The results were quick and have helped me increase my ability to do everyday duties we take for granted before injury occurs. I plan on continuing this therapy for check up purposes as long as Michael practices."

Sue

"Michael is amazing. He not only knows muscles, ligaments and bone structure, but he can tell you what is going on with your internal organs and what is needed to improve their function. He does this through muscle testing, and is able to recommend dietary changes and supplements to improve their function and guide you to maximum health.

The reason I went to Michael in the first place was to see if he could help me with a shoulder problem that had been bothering me for 20 years. In one session he worked magic and made it possible for me to have full range of motion in that arm and shoulder.

I continued to see him for several months, which allowed him to get my entire body in better alignment and also to improve the function of my internal organs, through muscle testing and supplements. After following his recommended diet and taking the supplements for a few months, his muscle testing showed me that my body was functioning normally.

I believe he is gifted as a healer and I would highly recommend him to anyone whose body is not working for him/her."

Narra, age 72

"Michael has been a tremendous help in helping me overcome chronic neck and upper back pain. Through simple muscle tests, he quickly discerned that I was having intestinal problems—problems, as it turns out, that were related to consumption of milk and dairy products. My muscle pains began to diminish, and my ease of breathing improved considerably, once I removed these products from my diet. Now, with regular massage therapy and nutritional supplements, I am well on the road to total recovery."

Michael

"I have been a client of Michael's for several years now. My first acquaintance with Michael and his work was purely accidental. My regular bodyworker was away, and he filled in. The type of work that Michael did with me that day (neuromuscular reprogramming, myofascial release work, and muscle testing) was radical to me, and I knew that it was something I needed to pursue. It was deep work, and it aimed towards the root of the problem—it was not simply a band-aid and I really liked that. Michael's intuitiveness, his thoroughness, and his understanding of the body impressed me. I trusted him, which is not always easy for me to do. It was also the first time I had gone to a male bodyworker, but I felt at ease largely due to Michael's manner, which is calm, friendly, and straightforward.

Another aspect of Michael's work which has interested me is HIS interest in the work. He is always learning, growing and expanding his knowledge base. It is very exciting to be a part of that process. After I had a pretty serious bicycle accident, I felt very lucky that Michael knew Pilates. The Pilates exercises he showed me eliminated some very disruptive pain I was having in my knees and legs – and it was almost instantaneous! I was glad that Michael had more than one tool in his belt.

Since Michael has been offering Nutritional Counseling, I have started a regimen of Standard Process nutritional supplements. Michael integrates his diagnostic work into the bodywork. He is very curious, thoughtful, and thorough, and really wants to help people feel their best. Michael is also persistent. He will keep trying until he finds what works. He has worked very hard with me, and I have really appreciated it. I feel really grateful to have Michael helping me, and I also feel lucky just to know him. He's really a swell guy."

Cyndi

"Michael's capacity to break the muscles of their tension is unsurpassed! I have tried dozens of therapist but have not needed to look further since meeting Michael. Over the five years I've gone to him, he has only improved his healing repertoire and I have been lucky to reap the benefits of his studies and practice. Michael utilizes a combination of deep tissue massage, Pilates instruction, muscular strength testing, and nutritional supplementation to not only rid your body of its immediate tensions but also to increase the staying power of your relief. Michael's soothing massage and healthful guidance has changed my life! Thanks Michael!"

Valerie

"Your work was most welcomed and effective. Since my session with you I have had three pain free nights of rest, the first in more than three years."

Kat

"I found Michael's approach to be very comprehensive. The muscletesting that he did was fascinating, and it provided important information quickly, which Michael then used to help focus the treatment. The deep tissue massage felt extremely therapeutic and relaxing. Michael was able to identify areas of tension and address these with deep tissue work that was just right. My body told me—clearly—that after just one session, this tension was beginning to be resolved. I look forward to ongoing work with Michael as an important part of my regimen of self-care. In addition to being able to explain complicated things about how our bodies work in a clear and direct manner, Michael seems, to me, to be a highly intuitive and flexible practitioner. I highly recommend him. I suspect that he may be a gifted healer."

Maia

"I have received a range of massages from Michael at the Berkeley Massage and Self-Healing Center for the last three or four years. Since I had a serious head injury many years ago, I have experienced neck stiffness and head pain on a regular basis for 18 years. I have seen a wide variety of health practitioners for this chronic condition but have received the greatest amount of relief and healing from Michael's massages. What I particularly appreciate about Michael is his knowledge of anatomy and muscles, which he aptly applies in any massage he is giving. He is always willing and knowledgeable enough to focus his massage technique in any area that needs specific deep tissue work. Recently, he helped to heal a hand sprain by working the arm from the hand to the elbow. Also, he improved an ankle sprain by finding that the knot in the calf area was the real reason the ankle was still not healing properly. Michael has many very special talents. No matter what part of the body ails you he will look at the problem, analyze it, and using both massage and muscle testing (to provide you with appropriate supplements to advance healing) he will do his utmost to insure that you are on your way to self-healing in just a single session."

Nancy

"Michael's training as a nutrition-oriented bodyworker has been invaluable in helping my muscles function better. I had been working with other Pilates trainers and making very slow progress. Since working with Michael for the past year, I am very pleased with my muscl definition and improved strength."

Connie, Nutritionist

"I highly recommend Michael's work and feel everyone should go to an appointment if they think they might need this kind of work. It's kind of like therapy–we all need it to some degree. Michael's work is very comprehensive. It goes far beyond a typical relaxing muscle massage. He is more focused on having the whole body work together in harmony.

This was incredibly beneficial after my car accident three years ago. I had severe soft tissue damage and went the typical route with physical therapy because that's what the traditional doctor told me to do. I ended up working with three different physical therapists in the Bay Area before going to Michael. None of them knew what they were doing or helped me much. My neck and back were in pain 24/7. I ended up going to Michael to see if he could help me because I knew that he would focus on my muscles. It was the best move I made by far. Not only was his approach successful, but he also suggested that I see a chiropractor because he was able to tell that I needed realignment. I was very hesitant because the traditional doctors had not sent me to a chiropractor. However, I went, and the chiropractor he suggested was great. The team formed between Michael and the chiropractor was excellent. In three months I had improved many times over what the physical therapists had done in one year. Michael helped with everything from breaking down scar tissue that formed internally to reeducating my muscles, which had developed bad habits to compensate for my weak neck and back.

I am still impressed with his muscle testing technique. It pinpoints exactly where the issues are. Despite the complexity of the muscles and nerves, etc., the muscle testing can actually show where compensation patterns are. For example, a weak testing on a particular muscle on the arm can pinpoint the exact muscle on the lower neck that is causing issues. After relaxing the neck, the arm muscle worked better.

Michael's like a very good auto mechanic but for the body. If you explain a particular discomfort or tight spot he will know where to go to figure it out. He's GREAT. You won't regret it!"

Victoria