Brian has helped my heel pain tremendously. Not only did it greatly improve after one session, but he's also given me tools and movements to do between visits. Brian is friendly, personable and I enjoy his company and skill. Highly recommend read more

It's taken me almost a month to write this review because my experience with Brian was so upsetting. I almost didn't write anything except I ran into another woman who also had a difficult experience with him, so it seems important to offer up my experience so that other women might have a fuller picture and another perspective before going to see him. Brian asked me to explain why I'd come to see him. As I began describing some of my concerns, right off the bat, he told me that all of the words I was using to describe my discomfort were wrong. I tried to reframe it but again hit a wall of criticism regarding my vocabulary. I have worked with massage therapists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, trainers etc and have never been so criticized about my attempts to describe my pain. Indeed, I was using the language I have learned from them and in anatomy training as a yoga teacher. I was so confused by his aggressive demeanor that I excused myself to the restroom. When I returned, I remarked that we must have gotten off on the wrong foot. Instead of having a restart, he told me that he had found my inquiry several days earlier about rescheduling our appointment very rude and he'd been very put off by it. (I had called to ask if he had other times available, and when he didn't, kept the original time.) I apologized, even though I thought it odd since schedules often change as things come up and we had in fact kept the original appointment. After several more exchanges, he asked me to take my shirt off so he could look at me. I had a yoga bra on and did so. He asked me to stand facing him and then finally said, "I'm sorry to insult you again, but I bet you do all that yoga belly breathing." When I described how I've been taught to breathe he apologized. He had me rotate around slowly. He told me I could put my shirt on. I asked what he had learned, "Well there are some things we could do." Already feeling vulnerable and having had my shirt off for a while, I'd have appreciated more specific information. I felt very uncomfortable. Again I described some of the reasons I'd been encouraged to look at rolfing and told him about the trainer who had recommended it. He dismissed the trainer and my experience with him, saying that he didn't know me enough to assess me, and seemed to dismiss the trainer altogether. He continued to contradict all of the vocabulary I was using. I am not a professional bodyworker so was simply doing my best -- I couldn't believe he could be so critical. After several similar exchanges, I said that it just didn't seem like a good fit. He said, "Well you're not particularly warm and fuzzy but I guess you hear that all the time." I have never been told that before and said so. I really was shocked. I prepared to leave and said, "Thank you for your time. It was nice to meet you," probably more of a nicety and a way of exiting. He said, "You don't have to say 'It was nice to meet you' - just say 'I met you.'" That's when I started crying, he was so aggressive. I really was shocked to find this behavior in a bodyworker, or frankly in anyone who works with people. It felt very misogynistic and I would not recommend him. read more

Brian is an extremely gifted bodywork practitioner and operates at the highest levels of technical proficiency. He has helped me immeasurably over the years playing an instrumental role in my health and wellness. Whether it's improving sports performance, assisting an individual's rehabilitation, diminishing aches and pains, or simply enhancing a client's physiological awareness, Brian is capable of meeting a wide variety of needs. I should point out that my experience is mirrored by every person that I have ever referred to his business. I can recount many times a personal friend, or client of my own, who was suffering with a muscular problem only to receive significant relief from working with him. Healing and improving people's quality of life are paramount to Brian. Equally impressive is Brian's bedside manner. His Rolfing talents are greatly complimented by an admirable degree of emotional intelligence. Compassion, understanding, patience, and excellent communication skills are just some of the traits Brian possesses that support a comfortable and non intimidating atmosphere. I firmly believe that Rolfing should be an integral component in everyone's health and wellness plan. Rest assured, the time and money that you spend on Brian's professional bodywork table will be well worth it. As someone who rarely writes reviews it is my pleasure to share this one; I give him my strongest possible endorsement. read more

Brian gave me hope. I've been bound up and in pain for years. I have had two sessions and have already felt an improvement in both my pain symptoms and my attitude! Brian provides a comfortable environment for healing. He is great at getting to the root of the problem. read more

Brian is the consummate professional. He has a great understanding of the body,and this shows in his bodywork. I highly recommend Brian for anyone who is looking for someone who is looking for quality bodywork. read more

Brian is nothing short of a miracle worker. When I was training for my first full marathon several years ago, I kept having problems with either straining or tearing my calf muscles. After just a session or two with Brian, the problem went away. Since then, I have gone on to run many other marathons, and I do triathlons regularly (including my first Full Ironman this past summer). A key reason why I have been able to do these things without serious injury is that Brian's Rolfing sessions are able to (i) prevent problems before they occur, and also (ii) nip problems in the bud before they become serious problems. For example, I was having a nagging problem in my left knee and right lower calf muscle this past Fall whenever I ran; after one session with Brian, the problem was completely fixed. As another example, my wife was having serious problems with tennis elbow pain (for multiple months); after one session with Brian, the pain went away completely, and stayed away. I was a Rolfing skeptic before I met Brian; now I regularly refer other people to him who are having various muscle or ligament issues, and they are always amazed at the results. I give Brian my highest possible recommendation. read more

Brian Joly Rolfer - Massage Therapy Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I'm sorry to read a previous Yelp review where the woman had a disappointing experience with Brian. I am female and have been getting Rolfed for over 20 years (first few years by one of Ida Rolf's original students and a total of 6 others counting Brian). After moving to Pittsburgh, I tried two other Rolfers for periods of time (one moved and the other I was not getting the results I needed). I then came across Brian's website. I've now been seeing Brian for about 4 years - every 8-10 weeks for maintenance and more if there is an issue that needs focused work. From day 1 I found Brian to be a professional - knowledgeable, flexible to accommodate my schedule, and experienced (he also attends workshops throughout the year to keep up on the latest techniques and education). He has always been positive, cheerful, polite and respectful. I've had issues ranging from piriformis, hip flexor, psoas, neck, back, and ankle pain. Brian was able to alleviate all of the issues and although the piriformis issue comes back from time to time due to my recreational lifestyle, a session or two will resolve it. Understand, Rolfing is not miracle work and it does take several sessions sometimes before relief is found - sometimes less, sometimes more and the client must make changes on their end as well. Relief does come; however, every time. Rolfing does require that the client be minimally covered - female in bra and underwear and male in underwear. This is standard protocol required to assess the body's alignment (or lack thereof). The practitioner does, however, allow more coverage (tank and shorts) if you are timid, but you're there for a reason and the body must be accessible. If a Rolfer is working on a lower part of the body, you can cover up until the upper portion is needing to be addressed. (I have an 80+ year old mother who has been seeing a Rolfer for a few years in another state and although initially shy, she got over it quick. She is doing very well and looks forward to her sessions every couple months for maintenance.) I'm a true believer in the power of and results of Brian's Rolfing work. If more persons could be Rolfed instead of taking drugs for pain, we'd be a happier and anatomically healthier society. Although not typically covered by insurance, Rolfing is totally worth the out-of-pocket cost. read more

I first went to Brian many years ago following a whiplash injury that would not resolve. One treatment and I was good to go. A few years later when it flared up again, I went back and was fine after one session. For whatever reason, I forgot about Brian when I developed bursitis/tendonitis in my right shoulder. I had physical therapy, regular massage, trigger point massage, a cortisone injection and 10 sessions of acupuncture. I followed a home program given to me by the physical therapist throughout. Six months later, I was still having limits on my range of motion and some discomfort. Then I remembered Brian. I had two sessions with him and am back to all activities again. I've referred a relative who had some serious scarring following knee surgery and despite 50 PT sessions (literally!) and a rigorous committed home program his limp still remained and using a ladder was difficult. (A job requirement for him.) He said he could feel the difference after just one session. He experienced more mobility in his knee and was happy with the results. read more