For 20 years before meeting Derek Gardner, I suffered with chronic back issues. Every year or two I would experience debilitating pain, prohibiting me from being able to function. Mostly it was my lower back though sometimes it involved my upper back. My primary care physicians referred me to sessions with a physical therapist. After six to ten sessions of traditional physical therapy, there was very little improvement. Year after year and over time, my physical therapist and I were on a first name basis. One day while wearing a motocross support belt and three wide western leather belts, barely able to stand upright, I met Derek. In a compassionate and professional manner, he invited me to try a different approach which he called structural therapy. I agreed, and after the first session, I felt somewhat better. By the third session, I didn't need my supports and belts. Derek pinpointed the issue and gave me simple exercises to do at home, which have prevented major episodes of back pain for the last three years. Derek changed my quality of life. Thank you, Derek for your skillful, healing hands.
—RJS from MA
"I first came to Derek looking for a stress reduction massage. I was struck that he was not using lotions or oils. He was nonetheless incredibly effective at loosening my muscles and easing my tension and stress. It wasn't until a couple of years later when I had a major back strain that I really began to appreciate what he was capable of. His knowledge of what would help my pain was more useful to me than twice as many visits with a physical therapist. I can see he has trained well. I am thankful for his knowledge and skill and look forward to working with him in the years to come."
—Luke M
In 2012 I suffered a serious injury that required surgery. By surgery I mean almost five hours of orthopedic intervention, a reconstruction of the tibial plateau, replacement of cartilage, a bone graft and some hardware. I went to Derek Gardner to supplement and complement Physical Therapy. I felt that PT was good for strength and that it was helping some with range of motion but I also felt that it was creating problems that needed to be addressed if my healing was going to be complete enough for me to really resume the life I had before I was injured. Derek did a full body check at our first meeting and as I suspected, there was a lot to do. The area I injured needed work but so did many other areas that were affected by being on crutches, using a walker and my long period of relative immobility. So that was the first thing I found very credible - Structural Therapy was going to deal with me as a whole person and it was going to include work with the skeleton as well as soft tissue. Each week I would go to PT and do yoga and then, at the end of the week, I would hobble into Structural Therapy and then walk out much improved. I got better faster than anyone expected. At 57, people were ready to write me off. My doctor told me I would likely never be able to ski again. I don't blame him for this - he did outstanding work. I think without Structural Therapy and yoga he might have been right. He noticed my rate of improvement and he asked for Derek's name so he could refer other patients. A year later and I can ski (cross country and downhill), ride a horse, bike, kayak and canoe. I am still improving and I will continue to use Derek Gardner and Structural Therapy as a resource for my well-being. I have already recommended him to my family members and dear friends. I now recommend him to you.
—Lisa B
I first went to Derek for shoulder pain I had had for about a year prior that I think was caused by a repetitive stress injury. My approach was to try to rest it by not using it and, when that didn't work, I went to physical therapy. Neither of these worked. Structural therapy, which I hadn't heard of before, has been extremely useful in both helping my shoulder heal and in preventing any further injury to a vulnerable spot. In addition to making my shoulder feel better and put me in a position to continue with an active lifestyle, Derek's approach has been very educational for me regarding how to take better care of my structural system. I'm grateful to have found Derek and structural therapy.
—Pam
I came to Derek very stiff and sore; my entire body was getting very rigid from long hours at the computer and bad work position. His massages loosened me up so that I am much more comfortable. He also taught me small everyday movements and stretches that help me keep me from tensing up in my work day. He even came to my office and looked at my desk set up and helped me to design a better way to work. Derek is a wonderfully thoughtful and quiet presence whose bodywork really really helped. His touch really is healing.
—Anonymous
I came to Derek as an injured athlete and laborer, on the verge of giving up my job and unable to enjoy my sport. Through regular work with Derek, I noticed chronic pains gradually disappear. Not only did I leave sessions with less pain than I came in with, but over time I also discovered myself in improving health. Now, a year out from my last appointment with Derek, I continue to work and move without pain and with pleasure. As someone that depends on their body for livelihood and happiness, I'm grateful for the lasting benefits of structural therapy and that I know who to turn to if I become injured again.
—Mikey, Worker/ owner, Pedal People Cooperative, Rock climber
I've been visiting Derek regularly for the past two years, over the course of which he has helped me to eliminate and significantly reduce acute pain and injury as well as daily physical discomforts, which I struggled with due to work and the demands of daily life. Derek is not only an experienced and professional structural therapist--he is a genuine, relaxing, and trustful personality. His methods are very personalized to the patient, and he is eager to work with an individual according to his or her specific needs and concerns. Along with bodywork, Derek always takes the time to demonstrate stretches that a patient can perform in order to continue the healing process outside of scheduled sessions. He has helped me become much more conscious of the way I move my body in everyday life, and to develop healthier movements that prevent injury, but still allow me to perform my work. His practice is founded on principles of holistic, preventative, and personalized healing. I appreciate the care, attentiveness, and depth with which he has addressed my physical concerns, and would highly recommend him to anyone experiencing physical pain or discomfort due to injury or daily routines.
—Cathy K
Derek truly has magic hands. I was able to lucky enough to experience them first when he was a massage therapy student. As a massage therapist myself, Im able to discern the good from the bad. Hands down the best! From that time on I knew he had a natural talent for bodywork only after one treatment. He continues to impress me with his passion and knowledge for the body. Structural therapy is another extension where he shines. He is completely in tune with your body and your trouble areas. Start feeling better now by having him in your life! I would highly recommend him to anyone!
—Julie O.
