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Testimonials

Chiropractic and Nutrition Response Testing Testimonials

In addition to these testimonials, which have been given directly to Dr. Rehl, we also have over fifty five-star reviews on Yelp if you’d like to read more.

I have been a chiropractic patient for approximately 25 years, not for any injuries but because I know how good it feels to be free of subluxations

I found Dr. Michael Rehl in February of 2009 through his website. My long-time chiropractor had retired and I was looking for someone with a similar practice and philosophy, including Applied Kinesiology and nutrition. I was ready to make some big changes in my health. I walked every day but knew I need to do more. I was on a very expensive prescription for chronic constipation and wanted to find a different, healthier solution.

Dr. Rehl immediately noted that I had an intolerance to wheat through nutritional testing. He recommended that I remove all wheat products from my diet for a month. I took that challenge the next step further. After reading a few books and researching online, I decided to eliminate wheat and all gluten from my diet for a month. I began to take the nutritional supplements Dr. Rehl recommended. I also eliminated certain dairy products, as lactose intolerance can cause some of the same symptoms as gluten. Within about two weeks I noticed a big difference. The constant bloating and gassy feeling I lived with and which I attributed to my chronic constipation issues was remarkably improved. My left hip area bothered me at times and I assumed it could only be corrected by chiropractic adjustments. However, Dr. Rehl showed me that it was actually related to my digestive issues. Dr. Rehl also recommended that I do more than my daily walks in terms of exercise. He said that muscle strength and resistance training could improve my overall muscle tone, which would then help maintain my chiropractic adjustments. I joined a gym and now in addition to my daily walks, I take a fitness class or use the various machines and weights at the gym three times a week.

L. Goodwin

52, Homemaker

I was having trouble digesting most meals

I tried to identify and avoid foods that I thought were troublesome, which helped somewhat, but was inconsistent. Sometimes I would get very bloated and uncomfortable, with bad gas. At times it was draining. I found myself eating smaller amounts and avoiding meat (which I need), and I was losing weight.

Dr. Rehl’s treatment efficiently identified the organs having difficulty, foods that were problematic, and supplements that were helpful. The condition IMMEDIATELY improved and continued to improve over time. My digestion was back to normal after a couple months, and after 4 months I could substantially reduce the supplements I needed initially. It was also totally noninvasive and didn’t require taking any drugs with side effects. When I had the condition checked out at Kaiser, they ruled out other diseases, but could not help with the digestive problem. They prescribed antacids, which I declined. (Dr. Rehl found I actually needed additional stomach acid in a supplement form!)

Anonymous

31

Prior to being treated by Michael I had pain (7 on a scale of 10) running down my right leg from my hip to my foot

I also had numbness across the bottom of my foot. Only when I was fully occupied at work could I be distorted from the pain. It was extremely uncomfortable just to stand in place and sitting offered only minimal relief. I was unable to sleep at night without pain medication. I completely stopped my regular routines of yoga, exercise and twice daily hikes. I felt as if I’d grown 15-20 years older overnight. I feel much confidence and comfort in the face of Michael’s tenacious efforts to relieve my painful condition. More than once Have I sincerely felt that Michael cares more about eliminating my pain and discomfort than I do. On my worst day, my pain has diminished by at least 50% and I’ve also had pain-free days with just a slight numbness in my foot. Even when I sometimes exacerbate the pain lifting heavy objects, the pain and numbness leave me within 1 or 2 days or with one treatment from Michael. I no longer take pain medications for sleep. My M.D. and a podiatrist both could only offer pain meds and physical therapy.

C. Hinds

57

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

Ernest

Dr. Michael Rehl is a “wizard” of a body detective

He LISTENS (that’s a rare and wonderful thing among healers of ALL sorts), but to THAT (listening well) he adds his training in physiology, body mechanics and kinesiology. In particular, his use of kinesiological “muscle testing” to direct and fine-tune his chiropractic adjustments is quite amazing to experience. Dr. Rehl also seems to have a much broader repertoire of “adjustments” than that of any other chiropractors (or other bodywork people) I’ve seen before (all of whom, by the way, were quite good in their areas of expertise).

I’m generally in very good health, with a strong constitution, but had had long-term chronic skeletal distortion, caused by one very flat foot plus an old knee injury and my body’s gradual accommodation to THAT. This “skeletal distortion” was not only visible as a torqued and slightly leaning upper body, but also generated intermittent often quite intense “rib out” pain, neck-and-shoulder pain, and occasional lower back pain. This condition did not slow me down a lot, but then, I discovered after being in Dr. Rehl’s care how much I had “gotten used to” and was accommodating (working around) constant, low-level pain.

The alignment of my body has greatly improved – in part from Dr. Rehl’s direct corrective work on it, and in part because he diagnosed part of my chronic body “twist” from my having asymmetrical problems with my genetically flat feet. Dr. Rehl experimented with various types and amounts of shoe-lifts. This was VERY inexpensive and almost ridiculously effective. Now my body looks STRAIGHT in the mirror, I don’t have the ribs on my upper left side “out” and painful all the time, and finally I am REALLY comfortable hitting the gym regularly (which always hurt too much to do before).

After my knee injury (10 years ago), I went to three different physical therapists, all of whom did NOT help the knee, but DID seem to accelerate my body misalignment moving into my lower and upper back. I’ve had a great chiropractor (in another state) who could TEMPORARILY relieve some of my skeletal issues, but never seemed to really “fix” them. After a few months of seeing Dr. Rehl (every 2 to 4 weeks, for just 20-30 minutes), I am a different guy, with a body that is REALLY comfortable to live in. A real gift at age 62!

Berkeley Fuller

62, Author

Michael Rehl is a gifted chiropractor who helped me tremendously when my neck went out

He was able to squeeze me into his busy schedule and offer me instantaneous relief. His previous work as a neuromuscular therapist gives him an edge over other chiropractors because he has the ability to really listen with his hands and find the exact areas that need manipulation. He is very passionate about his work and listens to patients complaints and works very hard to achieve optimum results. I recommend him highly and send my clients and friends to him as well!

Diana Syverud

L.M.T., Cranio-Sacral Therapist

Michael is incredible – he has solved so many problems for me!

His adjustments are really helpful for alleviating pain and also help my range of motion. He is a gifted chiropractor.

Michael’s work with nutritional counseling really just seems magical. He uses muscle testing to figure out where your underlying problems are and how to correct them, and then you follow his protocol (dietary changes and/or supplements) and you see such a difference! He has helped me with so many problems over the years I wouldn’t know where to start. Just recently he assisted me in being able to reduce my thyroid medication by helping my own thyroid to function more fully. Test results have come back great!

I see Michael for chiropractic and nutritional counseling and would highly recommend him for either or both!!

Mani S., Web Developer

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

61

I had two spots on my upper back that would get tingly and feel numb

I was really scared since it was on both sides of my upper back – one was behind my heart. My last chiropractor had told me I needed to see a neurologist (because his adjustments weren’t working—didn’t take away the tingling/numbness). Dr. Rehl’s adjustments gave IMMEDIATE relief to those symptoms. I am now free of any discomfort, including the tingly numbness. I’m not scared anymore, and feel on the road to health. And I feel and look great! I’m 41 but people often think I’m only 28. Thanks, Dr. Rehl!

In addition, I had been on blood pressure medication for 6 months when I met Dr. Rehl. After discovering heavy metals—specifically mercury—in my system, Dr. Rehl put me on supplements to remove the mercury safely from my body. My blood pressure immediately started going down. Within 2 months I was able to get off of the blood pressure medication! I am very proud of the fact that I/we deprived the pharmaceutical industry of a “customer for life” by getting me off of blood pressure medicine.

Mary M.

41

I was having chronic neck pain and numbness and tingling in my right arm and hand

This condition caused me to feel irritable as the pain and tingling would cause constant discomfort. What I really liked about Dr. Rehl’s approach was his use of different modalities to determine the problem—muscle kinesiology, meridians, etc. His adjustments always provided immediate relief. My neck and arm pain is much better. There are weeks where I am pain free and I always know I’ll feel better after an adjustment. I did visit various medical doctors and had multiple scans performed along with physical therapy which did not help, but I find Dr. Rehl’s approach to provide more lasting benefit.

Deborah B.

55

[I was] crooked and in relatively constant pain

[The] pain slowed me down and the people around me considered me ‘just gettin’ old’. Dr. Rehl thoroughly examined my spine (prior doc’s never took x-rays) so I could see exactly where my body appeared. Then, a series of adjustments moved things in a more comfortable position. I can stand up straight again. I can attempt to exercise more and build strength.

Dave Ortiz

48

Dr. Rehl really turned things around for me

My neck used to hurt all the time, but now I am pain free most of the time!

Mari, 31

Librarian

Pre-Chiropractic Testimonials (as a Massage Therapist, 1996-2007)

I wish I could have you in a bottle

Callie

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

72

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

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

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

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

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 muscle definition and improved strength.

Connie

Nutritionist

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

Michael is amazing

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

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

I found Michael’s approach to be very comprehensive

The muscle testing 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

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