Thera-Pilates Reviews
Reviews From Previous In-Studio Clients
"By the time I found Michael, I was in a pretty desperate situation. I had been having unbearable pain and numbness in both my hands and severe neck pain, which turned out to be the results of thoracic outlet syndrome. When I awoke in the morning I could not close my hands, which made everyday tasks like brushing my teeth, drying my hair, or even cutting my food, nearly impossible. Nothing I tried, including weekly doctor's appointments and medication, seemed to have any effect. When I started private Pilates lessons with Michael, I found it hard to believe that changing the way I breathe would make a big difference, but I began to gain more control over my hands almost immediately. Michael taught me some stretches to open up my chest, did a little deep muscle work to release the muscles that rounded my shoulders, and worked on keeping my shoulders "away from your ears," as he would always say. In the beginning it was a little difficult because my wrists were so painful, but Michael was very accommodating to that problem, and we were able to work around it together. I've been going every week for almost 2 years now, and given how it's improved the quality of my life, I can't see myself ever wanting to stop."
–Vickie B., Glendale
"I am a 43-year-old dentist with a practice in Beverly Hills. 25 years ago I was diagnosed with a herniated disc in my low back. I have been struggling with my back ever since and, despite 2 disc surgeries, I have never felt the relief I had hoped for. The neuralgia (nerve pain) was gone but my lower back was constantly sore and tight. It was very debilitating and painful. Michael and I started to work together in May -- 6 months after my last surgery. I immediately felt comfortable; Michael clearly understands the biomechanics of the body. He very carefully restored function in muscles that I had not used in years and, after only a few weeks, my body started to change. I gained strength, lost weight, and most importantly my lower back muscles started to loosen up. Over a period of 6 months, Michael helped me drastically reduce the amount of pain I was in, reshaped my body, and taught me how to maintain balance and strength for the years to come.
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12 months ago I was having my second back surgery. Today, I play tennis, soccer, and ski with a renewed enthusiasm for sports. I also no longer fear working on patients for 8-9 hours a day. I plan on continuing to see Michael from time to time to improve my balance and maintain my physical well-being. I have highly recommended him to my friends, family, and my own patients."
–Dr. Marc C., Beverly Hills
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​"I have cerebral palsy. I am a 44-year-old mother of a nine- and a four-year-old. When I came to Michael a year and a half ago, I was facing a debilitating lower back pain that required several days of bed rest every other month. The situation was degenerating rapidly and my quality of life was substantially reduced.
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When I started working with Michael, to say that I was weak would be an understatement. I had rebelled for twenty or so years against re-entering any structured exercise routine. We started cautiously and patiently as Michael had to reconfigure a new "normal" for me. Through all the years of neglect my gait (the way I walked) was determined by layers upon layers of muscles with modified function. We had to re-teach them their rightful role through gait and strength training combined with stretching and balance exercises.
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Michael's extensive knowledge of Pilates and physical therapy has brought me to the best physical condition I have ever had. I am pain free even after 15-hour flights overseas (I travel extensively for business), or when I danced at my recent high school reunion! My gait has improved substantially both in function and aesthetics. I now enjoy walking and playing with my children, where previously it could become quite painful. Pilates for me is not a luxury but a necessity. I am looking forward to another year of Thera-Pilates at home with Michael and to reaching new goals for my body."
–Raduca K., Studio City
​"I've had three Pilates instructors and Michael is the best. His knowledge of body mechanics because of his physical therapy and massage backgrounds gives him an extra ability to safely apply Pilates exercises and correct any physical pains or aches that may arise during the exercises. I could hardly walk because of my spinal stenosis when I started with him and now I can walk pain free!! It's like a miracle! And he's funny too which makes it fun."
–Reevah S., Los Angeles