What clients have said about me
I am a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist and have experienced a wide array of alternative therapies. And so I consider my self a picky consumer when it comes to these things. I have had multiple knee injuries and suffer from arthritis in both knees. Tom has taken me completely through the Rolf ten series and in my mind he is the reason I have avoided knee surgery.
His work is very intelligent and his presence is non-judging and patient. He is inquisitive, creative and obviously excited about the work and though relatively new to the field has an extensive background in manual therapies and movement related subjects. As a fellow therapist I am assured by his experience and feel safe in his hands. I highly recommend seeing Tom for pain or improvement of functional movement!
~Mia Burmester LLC
I recently completed my 10-session rolfing series with Tom and am Yelping about it because it was a profound experience. I sought out rolfing to complement physical therapy I am doing for an injured hip and calf. I have certainly experienced physical changes in my body from rolfing–more flexible, better posture, less stress–but more than that, I feel like as a result of my sessions with Tom, I have new knowledge of how my body works, how I hold myself, and honestly, just a much better outlook/attitude about my physical health.
Each session focused on another area of my body–and each time I walked out of Tom’s office, I felt different, better, taller, and lighter on my joints. After almost every visit one or more people told me I looked “great” or “healthy” or paid me some sort of related compliment. The benefits are motivating, one reason I was reluctant to see the sessions end.
The relationship with Tom was interesting–it was very professional, but trusting and intimate as well. I walked in really apprehensive (heard all kinds of rumors about rolfing that didn’t hold up in my experience) and finished the series trusting him and his skill completely. He worked both deep and superficially, but always in a way I could tolerate. He was like a sculptor who was molding and improving my structure in real time.
Like with many healers and therapeutic relationships, I don’t know as much about him as he does about me, but what’s clear is that he has a mastery of the body and is very present in his work, so it felt like he was completely there to help me. He is expert at delivering care aimed at serving each of his client’s best interests. I felt like it was a privilege to be one of his clients and I’d recommend him to anyone.
Finally, I put my body through a lot of stress and strain as a new triathlete, and while I am making progress toward being injury-free, I am not there yet. Tom has been instrumental in helping me make significant improvements and I expect more changes to occur for the next several months based on my sessions with him. These physical and emotional results of our work together are so moving, it’s got me looking forward to when I will be going back to him for maintenance work/massage in the future.
~Cindi Goodsell
I did a rolfing series with Tom Richards, Certified Rolfer, a couple of months ago. It appears to have been the catalyst for some profound
changes in my body. I have since lost 16 pounds. I feel more ease in
my body. I am more flexible and certainly a lot more healthy. I feel
that I learned about my body as result of these sessions with Tom. I thought the sessions were incredible and recommend Tom highly.
~Simon Gibson Physical Therapist
I didn’t do the 10 series, but did have Tom work on some chronic issues I’ve had. I recently started exercising a lot more (running and cycling) which was great but… it seemed like some muscles (especially calf) were not working as smoothly as they could. I also had some trouble with knee pain. Tom worked with me to free up the bound muscles, and also helped me work on my gait. I can now run pain-free for many miles, faster and with less effort!
I also have had trouble with my neck for YEARS (I think from using a messenger bag instead of a backpack) and he really helped with that, which NO ONE else has been able to do anything about.
Tom’s a great balance of professional and personable- he really knows his stuff but is also patient and a great explainer. I think you could find a massage for less per hour, but this is totally the next level- really investing in your long-term health and making serious changes. Absolutely worth every penny!
~Erica Borgwardt
Oh wow, I just had another session. Whoo! I feel fantastic. If you really need someone who understands pain, try Tom. I just recently lost 80 pounds, and some parts of my body will never be the same, but Tom doesn’t judge. Thanks, Tom!
~Suzanne O’Kelly
Tom Richards has an amazing skill with Body-Work. He has combined the knowledge and experience of being a CMT, a degree in Kinesiology, and years of Wingchun (martial art) study, to approach being a certified Rolfer with an intuitive view of the Human body. In short, HE KNOWS YOUR BODY.
Before ever seeing Tom I had completed my 10-session Rolfing series with a gentleman who has been practicing for 35 years. The work that Tom did was not only comparable in terms of the physical work, but he also surpassed the seasoned professional with knowledge of the body’s construction.
In your search for a good Rolfer, look no further than Tom Richards. He is the answer to your Body-Work needs.
~Jon Draffan
Financial times are tough on everyone.
That is why I would like to make Rolfing more available to you and your finances. Here is the breakdown:
The market average in the Bay Area (and elsewhere actually) is $120 per session and you will be seen for 75 minutes (again, not the rule but the standard). I spend 90 minutes with you and I charge $115. On a per minute basis that works out to $1.27/minute vs:$1.60/minute. About a 21% better value on a time to cost basis.
I offer 10% off if you prepay 3 sessions or more.
And don’t forget the referral program that will give you 50% off your next session for each referred client that you direct to me.
But remember Rolfing isn’t expensive, it’s an investment in yourself.
Certified Rolfer in Oakland
Wed through Fri I will be practicing out of Montclair Physical Therapy and Wellness in the quaint Montclair Village district of Oakland. It’s a really great location and I work with some great great folks. Some are Physical Therapists, some Pilates instructors, some trainers, and some PT aides. The facility has a full gym, showers, sauna, validated parking, and outpatient phys. therapy. Not to mention it’s in a very cool neighborhood with all the cafes, restaurants, a giant park, and shops that you could want. I feel very at home at MPT&W.
Certified Rolfer in Berkeley
My main office location is on the Oakland Berkeley border. Easily accesible for those without a car. Ashby Bart is 7 blocks away. AC transit bus line 1 will also take you there. I am on the 2nd floor where you will find a waiting room and a lovely outdoor area. I’m really happy with the new space and the neighborhood. Located just down the street from Whole Foods , small book stores, and many cafes and restaurants. So come on down, get some Rolfing, then integrate the work with a nice walk down to Whole Foods and get some organic produce.