Embody Yoga and Physical Therapy - Where Yoga meets Physical Therapy - North Park of San Diego California » Testimonials

Dr. Lance Stone

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:34:14 +0000

“Doctors make the worst patients.” This cliché characterizes my behavior is not coming to terms with low back pain. I persisted in over-exercising, sought out curbside consults from my peers, ordered unnecessary tests and continued to suffer. All this changed when I met Rachel Krentzman. I care for countless patients with spinal stenosis and am familiar with all the traditional treatments that our healthcare system offers. Rachel is able to blend her physical therapy education and yoga training to offer a unique approach. She prescribed asanas (poses) that combined strengthening and flexibility which never aggravated my pain. She understood my emotional reaction to having chronic spine degeneration and tailored the program which reduced my stress. Spine degeneration is a lifelong condition that requires active participation by the patient. I am motivated to practice at home daily because Rachel’s approach is gratifying, challenging and never boring. I may still not be the best patient, however I no longer have pain but rather a new approach to maintaining a healthy spine and mind.”

Dr. Lance Stone – Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services UCSD Hillcrest and Scripps Mercy Medical Centers

Kim Bell DPT, CSCI, CWMI

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:49:32 +0000

“As a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength & Conditioning instructor myself, I had tried everything I knew and consulted numerous other physical therapists for my shoulder pain with no relief. I had restricted my fitness routine and had almost given up hope of getting better until I heard about Rachel Krentzman and her unique approach to rehabilitation. Through working with Rachel, I have been amazed at how she combines physical therapy and mind body restoration through yoga. As her patient, I have enjoyed results that I was unable to achieve with traditional physical therapy alone. Rachel has also expanded my awareness as a physical therapist by teaching me that there is more than one way to reach my goals of living a pain free, active lifestyle.”

Kim Bell DPT, CSCI, CWMI – Doctor of Physical Therapy

Douglas W. Grinnell

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:17:21 +0000

I am a physical fitness nut; a marathon runner; a triathlete; an endorphin junkie; and a very busy attorney in a stressful practice.

I had always thought of yoga as something like meditation. No time for that. But when an injury sidelined me for several months my physical therapist recommended a yoga session with Rachel. What could I lose?

From the very first yoga session with Rachel, I was hooked. The benefits of yoga became self-evident immediately. I couldn’t believe the physical challenges to which this quiet, calm, easy-going yoga instructor gently pushed me. I couldn’t believe the utter relaxation that followed every session. Soon I was showing my yoga poses and positions to friends and co-workers, and getting them into sessions with Rachel, all of whom were likewise amazed by the benefits of Rachel’s instructions.

Rachel is not only a great yoga instructor, but a certified Thai massage therapist as well. Depending on a student’s physical condition Rachel may mix different yoga styles with certain Thai message techniques. Rachel tailors each session to the particular needs of her clients.

I leave every session with Rachel both invigorated and relaxed, ready to take on the world!

Douglas W. Grinnell – Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC

Lyn S. Granger

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:54:24 +0000

“I have had a wonderful time experiencing the world of yoga in Rachel’s classes. She makes sure everyone is challenged, encouraged yet unintimidated. I have invited several friends to join these classes and without exception they have enjoyed them as well. We even started a class at our workplace which is a highlight of the week. Rachel offers the added bonus of being a licensed physical therapist. For those in the class who are dealing with injuries or physical challenges, this allows them to safely improve fitness. I also enjoy the physical nature of Rachel’s instruction. I have more muscle tone and upper body strength now, after only a few months, than I have through any other workout regime. I say, “Go for it, you’ll have a blast!”

Lyn S. Granger Principal | Vista Grande Elementary School

Stephen Lynch

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:24:04 +0000

I highly recommend Rachel Krentzman for anyone suffering from chronic back and neck pain. Over the span of 51 years, I have accumulated neck and back pain from stress, poor posture, and a few auto accidents. Chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage would relieve this pain in the past. However, these modalities just would not relieve the symptoms in the last several months.

I attended Rachel’s yoga class to see if this would help with my pain. I went away from this class knowing I found the right teacher. I decided to take private sessions with Rachel to target the areas I was having trouble in. I can say with no doubt now this was the best way for me to address my problems.

Rachel created a program specifically for me. It includes stretches and exercises which are easy for me to do, do not take much time, and have very powerful results. It is interesting that several other healing modalities promised relief through their services. Rachel indicated from the beginning it would take my OWN efforts to heal (which is the real truth).

Now I have relief from my pain. My next step will be to integrate the program Rachel taught me into my every day life. I am also thankful my physical practice is in tune with a spiritual practice (one of reverence and appreciation).

Stephen Lynch – M.Ed. Resource Specialist, Special Education San Diego City Schools

Barabara Brandon

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:20:07 +0000

I started taking yoga classes with Rachel to see if there would be any significant improvement in my martial arts techniques. Increased flexibility has not only bettered my techniques but practicing yoga has raised my overall energy level.

Rachel carefully tailors every session to meet each student’s individual needs. I look forward to my yoga sessions; they leave me feeling great!

Barabara Brandon – Yoga enthusiast for life

T. Johnson

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:22:29 +0000

“Finding Embody Yoga and Physical Therapy was a life changing experience. Meeting Diana and Rachel was such a pleasure. I had the opportunity to heal naturally with their special approach and knowledge of Eastern and Western methods. My treatments were personalized to treat my neck and back injuries, and my pain was relieved. Integrating Iyengar Yoga techniques into my Physical Therapy sessions made my body heal effectively. After each session, my well-being continued to improve physically and mentally; and I gained insightful knowledge that I can apply to my daily life. I found it to be relaxing and nurturing environment that was also exciting to be apart of.”

T. Johnson

Deborah Yturralde

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:21:52 +0000

My doctor prescribed physical therapy for me due to chronic lower back pain that I had for about two months. I am an ex-gymnast and ballet dancer and therefore am very familiar with physical therapy treatment. However, I was not aware of Yoga as a method for treatment. During the weeks of Yoga therapy, my pain was addressed using simple easy movements that provided relief. The pain was addressed by working through the pain site and then into the entire body. The Yoga therapy relieved the pain and uncovered the area causing my symptoms. Before I knew it we had gotten to the source of my discomfort and pain. I was shown various methods to relieve the pain and taught how to practice on my own at home. I injured myself twice since my last therapy session and used the specific methods I was tought to relieve pain and it worked! I am so pleased with the Yoga therapy and am astonished at its effectiveness.

Regards, Deborah Yturralde