“I run for fun and sit for work, so I was in not-great shape before I began working with Lara. Going into my first session, I had no real idea what structural integration entailed. But I knew that all of the stretching, yoga, foam rolling and physical therapy I'd been doing wasn't quite alleviating some chronic mobility and flexibility issues I'd accrued. Lara was very patient and professional, explaining exactly what we were going to do and what I could expect, both during the session and after. Immediately following Session 1, I felt an increased ease in my body — particularly my hips and quadriceps — that I had not felt in quite some time. Future sessions seemed to free up space in other areas of my body, making so many movements (walking and running in particular) much more enjoyable than they'd been in the recent past. Working with Lara has really helped me understand movement patterns and what I can do outside our sessions to continue the healing. Plus, she's smart, kind and fun to talk to, which is a definite bonus.”
— Kimberly, Managing Editor, TVLine
“Lara is a gifted, grounded, and highly educated instructor and bodyworker. As a fellow movement professional, I'm extremely choosy about the teachers and practitioners that I invest my time with and trust with my body. Lara is one of those rare people that I recommend without hesitation to anyone. No matter where you are in your journey of movement and body awareness - Lara meets you where you're at, and with a steady hand guide you further.”
— Emily, Full Circle Dance Studios Founder
“My experience with Lara has been nothing short of phenomenal. Being a very active person I was hoping to gain some improvement in the way my body feels and moves. Having a background of being a physical therapist I was also curious to see what other benefits I may experience from her work. I was not disappointed, not only has my posture improved, but the way I breathe, sleep, and sense my body has also improved. She has a passionate attitude, is very insightful, and genuinely wants you to learn and grow from the experience. Easily a five star experience for me.”
— Dr. Joe Turcic, PT, DPT, CMPT, CompleteSol PT
“As a professional acrobat who performs and coaches full time, I take my physical health very seriously -- if I am injured or in pain, it makes doing my job very difficult. Working with Lara and her structural integration 10 Series has been a real game changer for me in this sense. Pain can be elusive and sometimes difficult to target. While working with Lara, though, I started to feel relief in even my most stubborn areas; I leave every session feeling longer and lighter than when I walked in. Not only have I felt pain subside, but I have also started moving more effectively and intelligently. Personally, I feel this work is invaluable and has helped keep me functioning optimally. In addition, Lara is so sweet and a joy to work with. She communicates thoroughly every step of the way, not only explaining what is happening in the process but, in turn, discussing with you your feelings and concerns. I highly recommend working with Lara!.”
- Allison, Contortionist
“I have been with Lara for a couple of months now and she has transformed my body. I have had a mild case of scoliosis throughout my life, but recently it has affected areas in my body so much so that it was difficult to function on a day-to-day basis because of how much pain I was in. After one treatment with Lara, I was completely pain free. I have also had multiple surgeries which have caused a buildup of scar tissue in my body and a loss of nerve sensation. I was told by medical professionals that I would never be able to flatten out the scar and that sensation would never return to those areas. Lara being the knowledgeable miracle worker that she is, not only flattened out my scar, but also allowed sensation to return to the area. Lara has allowed me to connect to my body again and for that I am forever grateful. Lara is kind, empathetic, and a well-informed practitioner and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking change in their body.”
- Ashley, Dancer
“My road to convalesce an irascible lower back began with an MRI followed by several otiose sessions of physical therapy. Soon thereafter I found the right path to rehabilitation when I found Lara. Her voracious epistemic appetite aliments my mind, and fuels my motivation to perform a particular movement or change a routine. She has shifted my focus from my back and widened my lens to appreciate how my posture, my walk, and my sedentary habits influence the well-being of my body as a whole. For her acumen alone I highly recommend Lara. To mention the qualities of her character would merely serve as an echo to what all of her clients say - she is a ray of light.”
- Jimmy, Guitar Teacher
“When it comes to body work, I have never felt more comfortable than when working with Lara Michaels. She is incredibly observant, listens and notices how your body is responding to release technique, and the perfect blend of friendly and professional, always explaining everything in great detail. With body work, we all know some things might make you laugh, others might make you cry-Lara can roll with anything, and I always feel safe and like I’m in great hands. As an athlete and movement professional, I could not recommend her more highly.”
- Marcy, Aerialist and Singer
I have been an athlete and rambunctious human for the majority of my waking life. I am a lifelong fighter turned circus artist and over the years of training I’ve accumulated a various number of minor yet chronic injuries that I foolishly did not tend to at the time. Sprained ankles, dislocated shoulder, and more. I had chronic pain that I was treating with acupuncture, chiropractors, and other types of body work. All would help for about a day or two and then the pain would return.
Not until working with Lara have I had any long lasting relief. Yes, the sessions can be intense, but Lara is patient, considerate, attentive, and focused on your well-being and healing. I attribute the majority of my pain relief to this work.
Working with Lara has literally helped to change the shape of my body. I had places in my back where my skin folded into itself. I thought it was back fat. I dieted, did targeted workouts, stretched; nothing changed. And then after session 4 with Lara, I saw myself in the mirror and was shocked to see that my skin had “unfolded!” I have been a small but mighty 4’ 11 woman my entire life but now, after working with Lara I’m 5’ and a 1/2 inch. Structural Integration has literally expanded my body and in doing so rid me of the majority of my chronic pain.
- Rica, Actress and Singer
“I have had body work and massages for many years. Being a professional dancer, then a yoga teacher, I have put my body through a lot and always need someone to get the aches, pains, and injuries out. Lara has magical hands and her knowledge of the body helps me improve every time I see her. After the structural integration series, I feel more grounded, I feel more open, I feel like I am excited to take on the day and that's saying a lot during a pandemic. THANK YOU Lara for making me feel my best self.”
-JoAnna, Comedian