Sciatic Type pain,
Hip and Gluteal pain
Testimonials

The vast majority of people who see me are not experiencing pain from the actual hip joint. Instead, the muscles around the hip—front, side, and back—are hurting.

These sore, exhausted muscles are the victims of larger full-body tension patterns that your nervous system is maintaining. The best solution is to address the hidden holding pattern that creates the circumstances leading to strained and fatigued muscles around the hip.

This method allows you to change the equilibrium, the stasis, of your full-body tension patterns.

Your nervous system controls the muscles around the hip joint. I have many focused movements designed to de-esclate the localized tensions around the hip.

However, I suggest that the muscles around the hip are most likely being used to “save the day” for an underlying issue elsewhere. The primary movement dysfunction is probably happening in another area. The hip pain is just the boiling over of these deeper imbalances.

Zoom out. Look at the big picture.

Address the root of the problem to
make a deeper change.

Contact

Client with piriformis pain writes after one private session:
“I wanted to let you know that due to the practice of these exercises, my excruciating pain of my piriformis muscle has nearly subsided!! Woo-hoo!! 🥳 I cannot thank you enough!” -L., Speech Pathologist
Note from Eric Cooper: I did not do anything with, or to the piriformis muscle itself. We only addressed the hidden holding patterns that overload that muscle.

“This is helping me in so many ways!!! … My right leg is fully alive again and I can not believe doing walks with the dog again without pain in the lower back. 3 exercises in the morning is enough. I can tell the body is in reset. 🙏” -M. Yoga Therapist

With 2 years of persistent foot, hip, and back pain.
Writes after first Zoom Session:
“Thank you for your time and your assistance.

When I left you – I had no heal pain and no back pain, no shin pain and hands were not burning. As I went about getting ready for bed I still had no heal pain. In fact what I had was the pleasure of feeling my feet and my calves, not screaming at me – but relaxing as I moved.
I slept all night with no pain. This is a first since the accident!!!
This morning, I had pain first thing, but went to my mat and repeated the heal raises, Oh the places my pocket can go, and the red light flatten one (cant remember the name)
All pain sites diminished – I could even bend forwards and return to standing without the world’s most excoriating pain striking my hip and groin (R).
Today on the way to work, the only pain I felt was right on the injured site – L3/L4. No other pain – usually I have pain everywhere and cant feel the L3/L4 as everything else is screaming at me!

Thank you- Thank you!” -S. Historian

Client who had posterior gluteal/piriformis type pain saw me me for multiple sessions years ago. She maintains her skills with a few office and video sessions. She had tried every other approach before seeing me.
Note: English is her second language.
“You know most people in this world doesn’t have the patience to deep dive into an unknown area unless that is the only way to go.
However, somatic impact my life in a amazing way.
If I didn’t go to see you several years ago, I will still suffer in pain even if only sitting for 10 minutes. You and somatic save my life actually~
I believe there are a lot of people beside me think the same way. So the world may not have interest, but there still are people whose life will be changed from Somatic. That’s no doubt.”-A., Statistical Analyst in the Financial Sector, in NYC

“Eric is a fantastic teacher of somatics and he has provided me with the tools to better understand my body, to deal with tension and stress and to relieve pain. Nothing and nobody else (traditional medicine, physiotherapy, osteopath etc.) was able to provide this kind of life changing experience and it feels like I have finally found a way to really change my posture and habits in order to live more or less pain-free.

I live in Germany, hence we did Zoom sessions only. It worked out extremely well. Eric is not in a rush and very patient. I look forward to every session and Eric was (and is) able to pass on his passion for somatics and for the opportunities somatics provide in such a gentle, inviting and inspiring way.

Pain and tension (in particular in the left hip) are not completely gone yet but have improved tremendously. In addition, it feels like I can comfortably move my body in ways that I did not know I was able to for years. I relearned how to rotate the spine, how to use the ribs and hips. It is amazing to (re-)discover the body with the methods that Eric teaches. It is such a joy to be able to move with confidence, not having to worry about pain, and at the same time knowing that I have the tools to deal with tension once it reappears.

Thank you Eric! I already look forward to our next session!
Best wishes from Berlin”-F., Attorney

“My hip doesn’t hurt.
I can’t remember the last time my hip didn’t hurt.
My hip does not hurt!” -K. High School Teacher

Ballet dancer with hip pain

“Eric, I am feeling so well I just have to let you know! I have almost no aches or pains! When I first came to see you I was a mess, especially with the pain in my right hip that I have had for over 10 years. I am thrilled to say that it has receded into the background. I am really glad I have come to see you for more than one or two sessions, because the other areas you have worked on seem to have been connected with the hip pain. As you have opened other areas of constraint, like my sternum, a “freeness” has come over me that I haven’t felt for 2 decades! Instead of feeling my age (63) I have been able to go back to a level of ballet dancing that I enjoyed in my 30’s and 40’s. Much, much thanks to you!” -C. Retired Piano Teacher and Ballet Dancer

Hip pain and back spasms on a cross country road trip

“I came to Eric in total desperation. My back and right hip were in spasm and excruciating pain. I was scheduled to drive across country to California the next day and I was scared about all that could go wrong!

I am a yoga teacher and reiki practitioner and great with chronic pain and healing myself but this was something else and I didn’t know what I needed to feel better. Eric took me through really simple movements. They were intuitive and gentle and super easy for me to duplicate on my own.

We made big strides in that first session but I still was nervous about the cross-country trip. Eric made special accommodations for me to come back the next day for a morning appointment. It was like I got a brand new body in two days! But really it was a brand new relationship with the structure and partnership between my back and abdominal muscles.

It is a relationship that I continue to enjoy today. I practice these exercises almost daily because not only do they work to keep my body healthy and moving, they actually feel good to do! I don’t have to motivate to do them when I get out of bed, they are actually the first thing I WANT to do. That, to me, speaks the most highly about the efficacy of what Eric does. The incentive to get better is within the joy of the exercises.

Beyond his skill, Eric is a warm, inviting and interesting person. He holds a great space. His healing office is magical. And you can tell that he really wants you to feel the best that you possibly can. Thank you Eric!” -P.Yoga Teacher and Reiki Practitioner

“What I notice most is how much more aware I am. I notice the tension, each tight muscle, and my posture. I even woke up at night and tried to relax my muscles. I wasn’t sore yesterday. The back band connecting my hips isn’t sore which is unbelievable relief.“ -S. -Elder Care Administrator

“For many years I had chronic back and hip pain that no amount of massage therapy seemed to help. I’ve been feeling SO good since our last session. The vast majority of my stiffness and pain has vanished. There’s been a tiny bit of regression, but hardly anything at all. Thanks so much for helping me out with everything. It meant a lot to me! I didn’t think it was possible for this pain to go away. I feel like a giddy 70 year old woman who just got a new hip. It helps that you give out homework to make sure that the positive changes last. It’s been a few weeks since our past session, and the changes have lasted!” Continuing: “The type of therapy that Eric does is different than anything I’ve experienced before. It’s not massage (usually), and not chiropractic. All of his techniques are very gentle. I always felt comfortable during our sessions. All in all, highly recommended!” -Amy, Administrative Assistant

After two visits:“Eric is awesome sauce wonderful! I’ve know him for years and his level of dedication to his practice is obvious. After years of hip and neck issues that have been treated with chiropractic and massage, only to continue to resurface, two sessions with Eric have proven to have lasting results. Eric takes the time to talk to you in depth about your specific issues. At the end of your session he will send you home with self care guidelines. My only regret is that I live 120+ miles away but will gladly make the trip when needed. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area he’s your man!” -Lisa, Artist

“The trouble in my front left hip seems relieved. My shoulders feel nice and loose, with better range of motion!” -C.

College student with severe chronic hip pain.

Many visits to physical therapists and orthopedic specialists. She had concerns about whether the pain was ever going to stop. Four sessions.
“Here is the update. I am so so so much better! You are amazing! I have already made [the next] appointment. See you then!”-A., Graduate Student, Univeristy of Michigan

Replies to the post session follow-up email:

What parts of the session did you think were particularly effective? “I find value in all of them.”
Was any of it enjoyable? “I enjoy all of the exploration.”
Does it seem we are on a good direction towards some improvement for you? “Yep!! It really makes a difference for my sleep. I am not awakened by hip pain after the sessions and if I keep doing my excerises. I love being aware of my side ribs as I breathe and sing.”

One month after a first session “My session with you was great. I have been doing my exercises most of the time. I had no pain for the first time in several weeks. Thanks!!! Can I get another session with you to refresh and get more of your expertise and wise movement around this hip.” –L. -Software Developer

Two Frozen Hips.

Right after session, saying: “I feel more even now, than I ever have.” Two days later writing: “Interesting on Saturday yoga, I was able to to 2 moves that I have never been able to do before. I have been doing yoga for a few years now, so that shows something has changed. Thank you for all your help and attention to detail. I really appreciate it.” -G. Dental Hygienist after the third session This is done without stretching, in an easy, effortless way.

After the first visit: “I honestly felt the best I’ve felt in years after leaving your office. My Hip Pain has been greatly reduced and the pain that I’ve had in my sternum since the car crash is finally gone. My neck has felt much better but after a day or so the pain is back, but certainly not as bad. The homework is helping a lot too. I just wanted to say thank you again. You’ve got some amazing healing powers.” -J.B., Waitress

One day after the session: “It was epic for sure!!! Thank you again Eric and I look forward to our next session! My lower back, neck, hips and shoulders still feel amazing, and the lower back pain is gone!!!” Two weeks later, writing: “The homework results are definitely paying off.” -J. Massage therapist

Presenting with a decade of back and neck pain.

Five days after the session. “Sorry for the wait, but I’m feeling significantly better. My hips are practically pain free for the time being and I think the lengthening exercises you gave me are making a big difference. My neck took more time to come around but last night was the first I slept comfortably and this morning I woke up with only a little stiffness.” -K. Interviewer and Philosopher

Sciatic Type pain, Hip and Gluteal pain Testimonials