Success Stories

I began work with David having been referred to him and the structural integration approach by a respected physical therapist. At that time I was suffering from chronic neck and shoulder pain that had become nearly incapacitating.

Neurological evaluation resulting in steroid therapy for suspected nerve entrapment syndrome did not lead to improvement. A brief trial of chiropractic treatment was also ineffective.

I was surprized to find that my first few sessions with David did not focus directly on the symptomatic areas. However this approach – involving posture and musculoskeletal structure and function is, by my experience, a truly holistic method.

I have experienced sustained relief of my presenting symptoms for which I am grateful. I have also developed over time with continued treatments a renewed sense of awareness of my body particularly with respect to posture. I have been able to incorporate this knowledge into my everyday life. This has been particularly valuable at work where I am standing and working with my hands for many hours at a time.

Also, given the highly personal nature of this treatment (being akin to therapeutic message in that its hands-on) I believe it is important to note that in addition to his clearly high level of competency, David Lesondak is a respectful, compassionate practitioner of his art.

Robert J Fadden, MD
Sewickley, PA

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When I first began working with David I had been running for recreation and exercise for nearly two years. I was experiencing extreme tightness in my ankles, pain in the arch of my feet and occasional muscle pain in my calves, thighs and lower back. Of greatest concern to me was my inability to maintain my breathing in a manner that allowed for sustained runs. Within the first 5 minutes of my initial visit with David I was relieved of the tightness in my ankles to a degree I had not experienced in months.

This experience set the stage for the next several months during which I became more acquainted with my body then I ever was before. David’s ability to communicate with me during our sessions allowed me to understand how long standing physical habits had contributed to my pain and hindered my movement. I became more aware of how to move and breathe in a manner beneficial to my running as well as daily living. David offered more than just physical relief. He offered me the opportunity to become more educated about the body I live in.

Rosemary Welsch
WYEP - FM, Pittsburgh

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Over a year ago, I had such pain and limited motion in my right shoulder that I was ready to visit an orthopedic surgeon. I was sure that I had torn a rotator cuff and would need surgery. Although I tried massage therapy months earlier, nothing seemed to work. Fortunately, I visited Denise Lanigan before visiting a surgeon. Denise evaluated my condition as a locked shoulder and I began a series of weekly massages to address the problem. Within a month, the pain had decreased significantly and my range of motion had improved by 50%. All the pain was gone within two and a half months, and my range of motion was equal to, if not better than, my good arm. Since that time, I have maintained a massage schedule of once or twice a month and have been helped with smaller aches and pains. Denise is very knowledgeable and professional, and I recommend her highly.

Chester R. Babst, Pittsburgh, PA

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"I've found the sessions with Annetteto be tension-free and informative, helping to re-direct eating habits and providing new information to make better food choices".

Velma Saire

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We really enjoyed meeting with Annette! Most importantly, she taught us about balance - what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, etc.

We are still working toward our goal for weight loss, and Health Alternatives of Sewickley has provided us with the right foundation for our new, healthier lifestyle. For instance, we now always have breakfast (one that includes lots of fiber), we have more fruit and vegetable rich lunches and are very conscious of portion control.

Brittney and Judd Golden, Ellwood City

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I originally sought Structural Integration ( or "Rolfing" as its known to some) as a means of increasing my body awareness and restoring musculoskeletal balance. The idea of living in a physically balanced body appealed to me since the feeling of being off-kilter is so unnerving. Being off balance in one area requires compensation and eventually produces problems in another. My understanding of Structural Integration was that it could address this problem. I also had read that many people have emotional experiences during the process. While this certainly wasn’t my motivation for interest in Structural Integration, I was curious to see if that part of the process was universal.

The first thing people said to me when I told them I was getting "Rolfed" was, “that must really hurt.” My experience of this process with David Lesondak was not painful at all. David worked skillfully and gently, thus allowing me to become acquainted with his touch prior to progressing to deeper work. He consistently asked for feedback regarding my experience and made adjustments accordingly. The work was evidenced by a slight burning sensation as the fascia was being manipulated as well as a change in balance perception when standing or walking immediately after.

Uncommon sensations occasionally arose merely because of the infrequency of being touched in a particular area, such as between the ribs. Consciously relaxing and “getting used to” the sensation really helped the process and allowed me to take full advantage of the work.

Structural Integration required my intent and focus to allow David to shift the fascia as well as my active participation by performing directed movements as the fascia was being shifted. Some touch and movements awakened memories that were stored in my body, but lay dormant for years. The courage to work with these emotions was necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. With each session, increased emotional security also occurred, and with such great results, I continued to want more and put more effort into my part of the process, thus snow balling the effects.

The net result of Structural Integration for me was feeling comfortable within in my own skin; more than I ever have in my entire life. With this outcome, it can’t help but be life-changing because I now approach each situation with a security that I didn’t have before. Whatever happens, I know my body will hold me up. That is very powerful and has released me from years of living with internalized insecurity. Because my body is structurally balanced it is easier to move through my life because my body is holding up itself. I spend less effort trying to hold myself up or dragging myself along, thus leaving more energy for perusing my dreams and achieving my goals.

I strongly recommend Structural Integration, and particularly practitioner David Lesondak, to anyone seeking to improve their quality of life.

Michael J. Patrick
Research Chemist
Ben Avon, PA

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I have been experiencing pain is my right hip for over 13 years. The pain was intensified any time that I ran so consequently, I stop running and participating in Triathlon’s. Two years ago I began to run again and the hip flared up. This time, I persevered and dealt with the pain. I have been talking to Denise about getting a massage for quite some time and I finally made time to do it. Boy, am I glad I did. After just 6 treatments, even though I am pushing my speed with my running, my pain is gone. My hip is still a little stiff and I recognize I need to continue to work with the hip and stretch it, but it really is a blessing to be without pain in that hip. I can’t wait to see what she does for my neck!

Maggie Schneider, Valencia PA

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I am a runner and cyclist. I had reached a point from my training and racing where I was constantly at the physical therapists being treated for injury after injury from all the stress I had been putting on my body. I was referred to Denise by a friend of mine. I have worked with Denise for over a year now, and I have not had any injuries since starting to work with her. In addition, most of my nagging aches and pains are gone. With her help, I have been able to get back into my regular training schedules and my times are starting to drop to where they were 3 years ago. I recommend any athlete who trains hard and wants to avoid injuries before they happen to visit Denise for her therapeutic massages.

Bill Orr Imperial, PA

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I had severe back pain due to having scoliosis and I thought the only option was surgery. But after a few sessions with David, the pain was greatly reduced. Now after a full set of sessions, my energy level increased and I am able to get out and do a lot more than before the Structural Integration.

DeAnn Staggers, Wheeling WV

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