Testimonials
For more testimonials, please see reviews on Google and on Yelp!
“With my training as a nurse, I’ve always been a bit skeptical of “alternative therapies.” So, when I began experiencing walking/gait issues, impacting my ability to hike, row, swim, bike and get around, I went the traditional route with scans, physical therapy, and offers of muscle relaxants and pain medications (I didn’t pursue the drugs). They didn’t work. By the time I hobbled to my 1st appointment with Matt, I was walking with a cane and sleeping at night in one position, propped by 10 pillows. Quite honestly, the visit to Matt was out of desperation because I was willing to try anything to regain my independence.
After my 1st session, I was cane-free. About 5 weeks later, I was back in my scull and rowing again…hiking and swimming, too. This is the absolute truth and not a “paid promotional.”
I’ve never written a testimonial before and I never thought I’d be endorsing something outside of mainstream medicine. But, I believe in Matt…I’ve experienced the results 1st hand. Plus, the approach at Upright Health is different than what’s offered elsewhere in the community and the right one, if you consider physiology.
If you’re reading this testimonial, it’s probably because you’re not sure what to do and/or you’re willing to try anything at this point. I encourage you to make the call. The results are real. You can trust Matt. I’ve shared his contact information with physicians I know so they can refer their patients. If you continue to have hesitations, all I can say is it’s a “Nike thing”…….”Just do it.” You won’t regret it.”
DB, Healthcare Executive
For years I’ve suffered from lower back pain. As a 38 year old man I would often wake up with a tightness and pain in my lumbar area.
One morning on my way into the office I twisted to pick up my work bag and completely threw out my back. I couldn’t even stand up or walk normally. After seeing a chiropractor to no avail my back was still tight and I couldn’t walk. I decided I would give Matt a try even though I thought it was black magic.
After my free 30 minute consultation I left the office able to stand and walk again! It was amazing. Throughout the next few weeks he showed me 10 different exercises/stretches that further corrected my posture and eliminated the pain I had been experiencing for over 10 years.
Because of this therapy my posture is balanced and corrected. I can work out without pain and am stronger than before I started! I’m much more in touch with my body and know how to prevent future injury. I would highly recommend anyone experiencing back pain to make an appointment ASAP!
~David S., Corporate Sales Manager
For about one month I was noticing numbness in my left arm and hand and pain that started at the top of my neck and traveled down to my shoulder.
Worried that I might be having a stroke I told my husband, just in case! Yikes, that’s scary! Shortly after that I met Matt and he invited me to his office for a free consultation.
Even though I have always gone the natural way first, I was skeptical. But wow, was I ever surprised.
After one visit, the numbness nearly disappeared, the pain in my neck was very much reduced and the other aches and pains of “middle age” were gone. All this with just a few simple exercises that I can do from home. DON’T WAIT….call Matt and learn how to get control of your pain!
~Kathy S., teacher
While walking my knee felt uncomfortable. My leg muscles were in disarray because of stress and strain. Some muscles were too short and were causing erratic movements in my knee.
I was looking for a new technique that would help my knee be more stable, and I found out Rolfing could do that after investigating it on the web.
I went to see Matt in San Diego and, surprisingly, after a few touches, pressing here and there, and exercises, the alignment and functioning of the knee while walking got better.
After doing excercises given to me as homework, my knee wobbling and instability are practically gone. This has allowed me to feel better and walk better — in addition to being able to add a weight training program to my life — and I will soon be getting back on the tennis court.
Alberto Escobosa Cadena, Owner of Hotel Del Sol in Mazatlan, Mexico
I’ve been working as a dentist for nine years. As a dentist, I’ve been suffering from poor posture and twisting of my body as a result of long hours of work. Not only was I discouraged about how my posture was getting worse, but I also noticed pain in my upper back and the heels of my feet. I am an avid runner and had been dealing with plantar fascitis for a few years.
I tried going to chiropractors and kinesiologists with no results except a lighter wallet. I was referred to Matt and skeptically gave him a try. He offered me a few stretching exercises to do every day.
After doing the stretches, I can now run longer and faster. I discovered that the foot pain was due to the twisting in my body and that it was (for years) misdiagnosed as plantar fascitis. I am still doing the exercises and have noticed the forward head posture also decreasing. I’ve finally found someone who can help with the aches and pains that come from my posture problems!
~DV, dentist
I can be a skeptic when it comes to new (to me) therapies, but am also quick to give credit where it is due. The fact is that our work on my back has — after just a few sessions — made a major difference to my mobility, posture and general comfort. The first noticeable improvement (after just one session) was in something that I had not even identified to you as a problem when we first met, namely stiffness and soreness in my middle back, rather than the bigger and longer term problem of my lower back. I now follow closely your exercise regimen, with excellent results.
~George Goulding, corporate lawyer
I am walking several miles a day, swimming and working out and my body is happy. Just recently, my glutes began to fire on their own when I walk. It makes my back feel sooo much more secure. Thank you for giving me the tools to make that happen.
~HW, student
I was very skeptical going into my first meeting with Matt. But their were two surprises I had when I went to Upright Health. The first one comes when I heard what I was going to be charged for his services. That was a small, short-lived, less-pleasant surprise. The second one came a few weeks after doing the prescribed exercises Matt gave me. That was a huge, very pleasant, long lasting surprise that easily over-shadowed the first! The exercises he prescribes work! Period. Exclamation point! The money I invested is soooo insignificant compared to the return I’ve received. Not a financial return, but a return on my personal, physical well-being… which I think is much more valuable because money comes and goes, but you only get one body.
In my personal experience, the chiropractors I went to relieved my symptoms temporarily. It felt good for a day or two. It was a “band-aid” covering the true problems. I had to go back again and again to get my fix. What Matt does is show you how to train your muscles to bring your body back into alignment… PERMANENTLY. It takes a little work on your part (you have to want to change in order to change w/ anything) and it may not give you the instant gratification of feeling your spine pop into place, but again, I cannot stress enough, it is well worth the rewards, because the rewards are many and they last a lifetime.
In regards to Matt as an individual. He is the consummate professional. At the same time he also brings a very human element to his healing approach because the very thing he teaches, he practices. He’s been where you’ve been because he’s has his own fight w/ chronic pain. The tools he gives you are the same tools he used to bring him out of his own pain issues. So he’s empathetic to what you may be going through. He’s very open, trusting (you can share anything), and has a great sense of humor. The appointments I had with him were always fun!
So please, please, please… if you are experiencing pain somewhere in your body, just want to improve your posture, or are just curious about what it is exactly Matt does, call him. Your body will thank you.
Robert S., Meditation Instructor
I had severe back and sciatica pain for about 9 months. I spent thousands of dollars trying to get better. Physical therapy, chiropractic, accupuncture, injections etc…. You name it and I tried it. It got to the point that my doctor said I would probably need surgery.
I was desperate and just wanted the pain to go away. I started researching surgeons online and stumbled onto Upright Health’s website. I was skeptical at first, but I figured it’s worth a shot. I read all the reviews on yelp and google and a lot of the people were in the same boat I was in. Either real close to having surgery or already had it and it didn’t help. So I called and set up my free consultation.
Matt was very knowledgeable and professional. After a set of pictures and some tests he determined that my upper body was out of alignment and that was causing my sciatica and lower back pain. He had me do an exercise to confirm his findings and magically my pain went away. If he could do this during my free consultation, imagine what he could do if you go through his program…and I did.
It’s been three months and I can say that I am pain free. I went back and told my doctor and PT what I did and they laughed at me. They didn’t think it was possible that my upper body posture could affect me that way. Boy were they wrong. All I know is that it worked for me and apparently for a lot of other people too. If you have pain and nothing has worked give Upright Health a call!
Anthony L., hair salon owner and stylist
I have a new frame! Working with Matt allowed me to develop awareness in posture and understanding in my body. After three sessions I was able to correct my own muscular misalignments with the excercises he had given me (do them!). My performance in water activities, walking and even sleeping has improved. It hasn’t been easy work but it pays off. It’s mostly magic and partly hard work! Matt is very thoughtful, open and patient; the whole process is a joy!
~Doug W., business executive and adrenaline junkie
I must say that the hip exercises have made a very big difference, specifically in my walking; I do not feel the bursitis in my hip. My bursitis feels so much better! I took a Bikram Yoga class yesterday and was able to do a lot more than I thought I could do. What a big difference with the exercises you gave me. My hat is off to you!!! I would highly recommend your services to anyone! It’s worth the “$$”.
~”a physically happier” Ellen C., credential specialist
Matt is an excellent therapist. He gives you the same careful, thoughtful attention each and every time you meet with him. He is great at listening to your feedback and adjusting your personalized exercises to address your particular needs. Within a few days of following Matt’s strange stretching routine, the lower back pain that had been my constant companion had almost completely disappeared. I can even see an improvement in my own torso when I look in the mirror. I continue to be amazed when, at the end of each day I realize that I went pain-free again. It shouldn’t be this easy.
~Rulon J., CPA
…my hip pain is almost zero now. I am running, biking, and swimming. I have been able to do a 50 minute run with hill repeats, an hour long bike ride with sprints, and short pool sprints without any problems.
~LO, physical therapist
I’d like you to know that the new “windmills” exercise that you recently shared with me has made a dramatic impact on my health condition. I’ve been practicing the pose for a few minutes per day and it has really helped me to maintain better posture and to keep my chronic shoulder impingement at bay.
I have noticed immediate and dramatic improvements in my ability to work at my computer and also to surf with a higher degree of endurance. I have also been able to cut down significantly on previously time-consuming “self-treatment” of my various back and neck knots. Thank you very much for your advice — it has made a profound impact on my lifestyle and I am extremely satisfied with the results of our two sessions.
~Derek B., Chartered Financial Analyst and avid surfer
I had developed wrist pain and found that if I moved my wrist a certain way it would “pop” and swell for at least a week. I went to my doctor who told me that my tendon was stretched and either to wear a brace everyday or if that did not work to have surgery. I wore the brace and one day Matt asked why I had on the brace. I told him and he had me relax and he looked at my posture and noticed the hurting wrist and arm was not aligned properly. He showed me some exercises to do and at best I was skeptical but I tried them and lo and behold my wrist once aligned properly with my body my wrist stopped hurting. I tell everyone about Matt and how he helped me. He is amazing. Everyone should see him.
~Lisa W., organization and workflow consultant
Matt Hsu made me better than new! Here’s how: I am a marathon runner. No medals, but I complete the course in time to get the hat and the T-shirt. I can still say this because of Matt Hsu.
In February, 2010, I sustained a 60% compression fracture of one of my thoracic vertebrae. As I began to recover, I seriously questioned whether I would ever be able to run a mile again, much less a full marathon. I’m not saying that it happened immediately, but it’s now October of 2010 and I can run 26 miles again. Matt taught me ways of redistributing my weight so that I didn’t injure my spine again.
But here’s the amazing part: I actually have LESS back pain in running than I had BEFORE the February injury! By the way, I’m 57 years old, so recovery would normally be slow for me. Not with Matt helping me! Try him out – the results will astonish you.”
~Michael B., Certified Advanced Rolfer
After a couple of sessions with Matt, I began to notice a profound difference in the fluidity of my movements. As a professionally trained dancer and martial artist (and a recreational yogini), I was able to (literally) bend over backwards with greater ease than ever before. After subsequent sessions on core bodywork, I felt much more centered and balanced. Like a 300-pound lineman charging down the football field, I felt I had the stability and strength to bulldoze anything in my path! After each visit, I’ve come away with a renewed or newfound sense of awareness of my body that enhances both my athletic endeavors and my daily life (i.e. walking and breathing more effectively). I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone!
~Karisma R., writer
I’ve been a fan of Rolfing for many years, I have seen it change the lives of family and friends but most of all it has helped transform my body from something that was collapsed and inflexible to a body that has full range of movement and feels vital! I have been through the 10 sessions as well as the 3 advanced sessions and have found in the past it helpful to have a few sessions a year as maintenance…Then I found Matt Hsu…It has been only a week and I feel my body transforming again in the way it did when I first started Rolfing. I find myself standing more upright without even trying. My breathing is naturally deeper/smoother and when I walk I notice my steps are more balanced and sturdy. And to my surprise my biking has become so much easier!! That part is mind blowing to me. How can simple exercises improve my strength and performance with biking when the exercises are not difficult or taxing on their own? What happened to no pain no gain? HA. I’m not disappointed; merely finding my belief system is being changed along with my body.
~Evan, Professional Pianist
I’ve been seeing Matt now for several sessions. His myofascial release work has helped me tremendously in staying out of pain so that I may be more effective in treating my clients. He has a great ability to always know where and at what level to apply pressure and he has a great grasp of anatomy and physiology. Matt is a great listener and has a caring attitude that shows in the work that he does. He is highly competent and I would highly recommend his work to anyone!
~Gary W., certified Rolfer and LMT
Last year, I mentioned to Matt that when I went down stairs, my right knee hurt. I had to lean on the banister to support myself. He observed me walking and going down the stairs. Then, he did the “Rolfing” thing on me and taught me to do some exercises. I was really amazed that the pain eased and then was gone. Now whenever the pain comes back, I either do the exercises or remember to walk the way Matt suggested. Also, my middle finger had been bothering me for almost a year. Two months ago, I noticed my left middle finger was bent and painful whenever I woke up. Because Matt helped me with my knee, I asked for his help again. He did his Rolfing on my finger and — surprise, surprise — he healed me again. I am so grateful and happy for this natural healing called Rolfing.
~Nelia T., retired United States Postal Service employee
Matt Hsu is an extraordinary bodyworker. I had the ten session series of structural integration from him. The sessions were transformative. Before the sessions, I had been doing yoga fairly intensely for seven or eight months. The sessions with Matt changed my yoga practice, allowed me to go places where I had up to then been unable to go. He works with a strong presence, and although the sessions were powerful and often intense, they were never painful. Each session was a learning experience around the areas where he worked. Now over six months later, I am still exploring insights I received from the sessions. My advice, be good to yourself—experience Matt’s work.
~Phil Doyle, retired university professor
The book ” Yoga and Psychotherapy ” briefly mentioned rolfing as a release technique and as a person who is interested in holistic health, I felt a strong pull to it. I have never experienced rolfing before Matt, but during the course of the sessions, subtle transformations occurred in me. In my body, yes, rolfing eased my physical discomforts. But more importantly, Matt’s rolfing helped me on an energetic and spiritual level. Through rolfing, Matt’s work has assisted in moving me progressively on my own spiritual path and has helped me bring to consciousness, the essence of the divine.
~Emmy D., Waldorf teacher-in-training
I’m in my last year of physical therapy school at UCSF/SFSU and recently learned about myofascial release and deep functional massage techniques like “Rolfing.” I was surprised to find how much better I felt and how much better I was moving after our session. For those of you skeptical of the whole Rolfing movement take it from me, a (soon-to-be) physical therapist, it is definitely worth a try. And if you want your first session to be with a skillful and knowledgeable practitioner then Matt is your man.
~William S., DPT
This morning’s run was amazing! It’s a hilly 6 mile loop that I also ran twice last week. This was the first time I have been able to run this loop since last August when I sprained and dislocated my right foot. I used to run it pretty frequently in around 50-51 minutes, with my best time ever just under 48 minutes – that was before all these injuries and breathing problems started in 2008. Last Monday I ran it in 55:37, which is about 9:15 per mile. It still felt weird and kind of labored, but things have been getting smoother and easier-feeling since then. Wednesday I ran it in 54:31 (which is about 9:05 per mile), and it felt like a little less effort than Monday’s run. This morning I just focused on the right glute and quads (because the left quad has been getting tired at the end of my runs, which tells me the right leg is still lazy) and kept a comfortable effort level. I expected to hit around the 54 minute mark, but waited til this afternoon to even look at my watch so I wouldn’t be upset if it was slower than last week. It was 51:06!!!
…I have to thank you. I can’t even begin to count the number of different doctors and therapists I have been to in the last four years, and not one of them had any kind of massive improvement like this. I’m just about speechless. Wow. I just needed to let you know what is happening. Time to do my exercises!
~LK, Violin Teacher and Avid Runner