What Clients of Get Better Mobility are Saying
Preparing for the Boston Marathon
With Christine's sports massage, I am now 1 minute per mile faster
I discovered Christine after my physical therapist recommended I pursue sports massage on a regular basis for my running-related pain. I had hit a plateau with both my speed and distance, unable to push my pace or progress longer than 8-10 miles without activity-stopping pain. Given that I had already committed to running the Boston Marathon in approximately three months, pulling back on my training was not an option for me.
Christine spent our first visit really getting to understand my issues and goals. It was such a relief to find someone who did not just tell me to stop running (which seems to be the answer for 90% of the professionals I had seen in the past), but felt that getting me pain-free was completely attainable. Within the first two visits, I was able to easily push through my mileage limitations and completely enjoy running once again.
After a month, I tested my new found mobility on a long run. Without looking at my watch once, I ran at what I found to be a comfortable pace. Imagine my shock when I discovered that my pace was now 1 minute per mile faster than when I had started my sessions, without any additional perceived exertion or training! My form had improved tremendously, allowing for not only painless runs but faster ones as well.
I am now less than two weeks out from Boston and am feeling stronger and healthier than I ever have. I don’t believe that any of this would have been possible without Christine’s help and support. I plan on continuing maintenance with her as I recover from the race and prepare for another. I highly recommend her services to anyone feeling like they are physically “stuck”; she has helped me more than I could have ever imagined possible!
– Alexandra A.
The Results I have Achieved are Amazing!
For much of my adult life I had been active playing golf, hiking and walking. This was especially true after my retirement at age 62 in 2010. However, I also had back and hip stiffness, sore knees and sore leg muscles. I constantly used ibuprofen, heat patches and compression support during and after these activities.
The real wake up call to improve my fitness occurred in August 2017 when I had to stop a golf round because I was so stiff and sore I could not complete a golf swing. Bad news for someone who loves the game!
I realized at that moment that I was active but not fit. It was time (actually past time) to make physical fitness my top priority if I wanted to have an active lifestyle in my 70’s and beyond. In September, 2017 I developed an action plan to improve my physical fitness that included the following:
- Sports massage therapy
- Fitness program to improve cardio, strength, balance and flexibility
- Diet and nutrition changes
I was successful in finding a fitness center and starting diet changes. However, I felt the key to success was developing an ongoing relationship with a sports massage therapist so I could maximize my efforts with my fitness program.
I Googled sports massage therapist near me and found Christine’s website. I called Christine and a week later I had my initial appointment. Within minutes of talking with her she noticed I was out of alignment when I stood and upon further examination she noted how tight all of my muscles were.
She also discussed how various muscles related to one another. I knew right away that I had the experienced sports massage therapist that could help me improve my physical condition.
For the first 6 months I met with Christine weekly. After that time we had a session every other week. Since December 2018 I have had a session monthly. My advice to people starting to work on their physical conditioning is to stay with it. I experienced various levels of pain during my initial sessions. This is going to happen because Christine is working muscle groups that are weak or have been used incorrectly. Eventually the pain lessens and goes away as your muscles gain strength and flexibility.
Results
The results I have achieved are amazing! I have lost 23 pounds, decreased my waist size by 2 inches, improved my cardio, strength, balance and flexibility. At age 71 I’m in the best physical condition of my life and only 15 pounds more then when I was 18. The constant use of ibuprofen, heat patches and compression support are no longer needed.
Thanks Christine!
– John S.
Lower Back Tightness & Calf Pain from Mountain Climbing
My initial visit was to address lower lumbar tightness and a soleus strain agitation from a previous injury that returned after a recent mountain climbing trip. Christine asked several questions about my athletic history, daily routines and overall general health. I also noticed that she was very observant to my stride when I first walked in and posture when standing around during general conversation.
Our plan was to release tension, improve flexibility and mobility and implement simple exercises as corrective actions that would allow my muscles to re-adapt and release themselves during healing period.
Christine explained the purpose of several simple exercises and daily routines that when I followed my body responded quickly and experienced a rather quick recovery; i.e.; especially when preparing for Philadelphia marathon. Additionally,(in my case) she explained how various leg muscles are all interconnected, an area that I was not familiar with. This education lesson now allows me to better understand my body, including certain pain-points and tension. I now have a good idea of root cause and what technique to follow to reduce that pain or tension.
Although we followed a weekly plan, she targeted certain areas that needed more care than others need and recommended other treatments such as kinesiology taping and compression floss bands (highly recommended).
I never felt rushed during my therapy sessions and every visit (over 10), was different then the last. In my experience, Christine is very knowledgeable, focused and interested in helping my body and mind come together to meet their goals. For me, there is no better feeling when receiving massage/mobility treatment after a day’s work or post marathon recovery.
– Tom W.
Great Results - Frozen Shoulder Massage Success!
My wife received successful massage therapy from Christine Eckery for her shoulder and she suggested I see Christine. For nearly four months I had pain in my right shoulder, particularly playing tennis. So, within the last month, I scheduled a massage therapy session with Christine.
In my first session Christine evaluated my condition and conducted a thorough examination of me. She clearly explained why I was experiencing pain and how that pain could be relieved or 'unblocked'.
My tightness throughout much of my body reflected the regular weight lifting and cardio exercise I do. Christine loosened my tight muscles and worked on giving me greater flexibility.
In my second session, within a week thereafter, Christine specifically worked on my shoulder, and so unblocked it that I felt wonderful.
Since then I have returned to tennis, playing several times a week, and I have not experienced any shoulder pain.
In addition to obtaining great results for me, Christine's method of therapy was very educational. She explains what she is finding as to my condition, what she intends to do about it, and inquires how I feel as she engages in her therapy.
At the conclusion, she gave me specific exercises to maintain the pain-free condition that she had created in my shoulder. She even came out to the parking lot at the end of the session, with additional ideas for stretches and exercises.
Following my successful therapy, I gave her name to a friend of mine who has had foot problems so severe that he has not played tennis for 6 months. After 2 sessions, he is now playing with us weekly.
– Allen T.
Relief!
After a life-changing cycling accident, Christine was able to provide me with relief that I was unable to obtain through conventional medicine, specifically orthopedists, chiropractors and a physical therapy program. In addition to Christine's hands-on expertise, she gave me the confidence and counsel to move forward in my healing process physically, mentally and emotionally. Thanks to Christine I have returned to work and to my athletic endeavors. I can highly recommend Christine with the utmost confidence.
Diane R.
Immediate Results – Running, Golfing, Cycling
Christine has a very deep understanding of biomechanics and the how the muscles of the body are structured and impact movement. I went to her with three issues, calf cramping and pain while running, lack of hip rotation negatively impacting my golf swing and neck pain when cycling. Very quickly she identified a variety of tight joints and muscles as well as some poor posture habits. Once we began treatment the results were immediate and I have realized incremental improvement with every session I have with her. I highly recommend Christine’s services.
~ Norman L.