Yoga is More Effective for Low Back Pain

Testimonials

Dr. Lance Stone

“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  Read More →

Kim Bell DPT, CSCI, CWMI

“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  Read More →

Douglas W. Grinnell

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  Read More →