Testimonials

We have helped these people, and we're sure we can do the same for you.

I have worked with Andrew Schwartz, exercise physiologist, for over 12 years usually via a supervising physiotherapist or on occasions via direct referral under my medical supervision. He has conducted individually tailored gym based Rehabilitation exercise and functional conditioning programs for patients with mechanical low back pain, other musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain syndromes. These patients require expertise in both the physical as well as cognitive-behavioural aspects of an exercise program. Andrew has excelled in all areas of his service and receives accolades from both his patients/clients and their treating physiotherapists.

I have no hesitation in recommending his services.

Dr David Lewington
Consultant Physician Rehabilitation Medicine
Back, Neck and Musculoskeletal Specialist

I am a 42 year old man with chronic lower back pain and sciatica secondary to disc prolapse.
As I am sure that everyone who has a similar condition knows, you are really never "out of the woods" stumbling from one exacerbation to the next. These episodes are often unprovoked, often unpredictable and always inconvenient.

Following a recent exacerbation, I was introduced to Andrew Schwartz and core strengthening exercises. I found his intricate knowledge of biomechanics and physiology truly remarkable and not surprisingly derived significant benefits in the acute phase which I am confident will be enduring.

It makes sense that managing the root cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms would be beneficial and I have certainly found this to be the case.

Dr Mark Herman
Consultant Cardiologist

From the age of 28, I suffered continuous lower back pain for over two years. This pain slowly worsened over this time developing into sciatic pain from my upper back down my leg. Not only was this crippling, but on occasions I would be floored for over a week. I undertook various physio and medical treatments which did help, but did not solve the ongoing pain. It escalated to a point where on one occasion, I could not move and was bed ridden for over 2 weeks.

At that point in time I consulted various medical professionals whom ranged from GPs to specialists and even neurosurgeons. With a view not to undergo surgery, I was referred to Andrew in early 2010 and began a program on the way to recovery.

Andrew’s approach was simple, concise, and made a lot of sense. His extensive knowledge and experience allowed me to get back the strength, stability and power I once had but found out I was lacking. It became obvious that this was exactly what I needed. His weekly programs progressed to the point where I was lifting weights I never dreamed of being able to do. I now have more confidence in my back and I am able to exercise 3-4 times a week without pain.

I must thank Andrew for the results I have achieved and thoroughly recommend his services to anyone and everyone. I know I’ll keep consulting him on a regular basis!

Raja Farah

From my experience, it is rare to find someone who really understands the body and how it works.  After having three children and resuming my running program, I suffered from inexplicable chronic back pain for over six months.  I consulted numerous physiotherapists and chiropractors who were unable to help me and in some circumstances, exacerbated the pain.

It was a great relief for me to meet Andrew, who was referred to me by a physiotherapist and muscular skeletal specialist.  Andrew has helped me develop an awareness of how my pain is generated and how to move and function in a manner that eliminates it.

Andrew has taught me how to do all the things I need to do day to day, including lifting heavy children, as well as the things I enjoy  doing, like running, without triggering pain.  I find Andrew thorough, detailed and convincing.  His approach integrates both body and mind and most importantly, leaves me with a good understanding of my problems and solutions.  I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone who has back pain.

Janine Zylstra

I have suffered from upper and lower back pain from two ski injuries for about 4 years. During this time I had seen several Osteo’s and Physio’s, none who have been able to help me achieve long-term pain relief.

When I initially consulted Andrew I was in constant pain, unable to sleep properly at night and very sore when I exercised. I have been using Andrew’s services for about three months and the transformation has been amazing. I am sleeping much better, am in very little pain and have been exercising 5-6 times a week.

I have found Andrew’s approach to have worked very well for my injuries and would have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone who has suffered from similar back problems.

Hannah Brooks  


I was referred to Andrew by my physiotherapist to go through a functional rehabilitation program after having a chondral graft of my knee. In the months following the surgery I found most activities difficult. I couldn’t even take weight on my knee without some level of discomfort. The results were amazing. In 12 months I went from walking with a limp, to jogging, and finally, I did the Kokoda track without any trouble nor discomfort.

The exercises Andrew went through with me were different to those I had done in the gym in the past. We didn’t use machines, but rather did exercise where I had to maintain my own balance, which was something I had difficulty with after surgery. He also stressed the importance of posture and the use of my “core”. As the program progressed it was quite evident to me that these exercises were what was needed for my rehabilitation and the results proved it to me.

I would highly recommend Andrew’s services to anyone that has any form injury, and I am confident that the results will be similar to mine.

Emile Tabet

I am a young woman in my 20s and had the misfortune of being injured in a car accident in 2006. I sufferred whiplash which has given me neck, back and hip pain.

After two years of trying to find the best way to recover I had an appointment with Andrew after looking for a local exercise physiologist. I needed a practitioner who would be holistic, dealing with balance and strength in my whole body,  not just the ‘problem’ areas. On this first appointment I was impressed by his thorough understanding and knowledge of what a body needs in rehabilitation in order to regain strength and in turn reduce pain.

I have been working with Andrew on my rehabilitation now for 6 months, initially seeing him weekly and now once every 3-4 weeks. It takes dedication on my part to do my exercises, but I must say that it is a relief to have a set of exercises which help me so much. I now go about daily activities in safe and sustainable ways which reduces my pain and increases my confidence. I no longer feel like my situation is out of my control.

Recently I was working long and full days, 8am-11pm, 5 days running on a theatre production and did not need to take pain killers. I am increadibly happy and relieved to be functioning so well thanks to Andrew’s thorough comprehension of what my body has needed and will continue to need to function well. He is wonderful and I highly recommend him for people with chronic pain as well as people who wish to prevent injury and or optimise their physical well being.

Tobhi Feller

4 years ago I was in a car accident and as a result suffered severe lower back pain. For years, I continued with physiotherapy with little or no improvement. The pain in my back was still present and required me to take a variety of pain medication. I was unable to stand any longer than 15-20 minutes or sit longer than an hour without experiencing excruciating lower back pain.

I was then referred by a different doctor to see Andrew. In short, Andrew was the only health professional in the last four years that was able to help me with my rehabilitation.

I was immediately impressed with Andrew as he was reliable, enthusiastic and well-prepared for our sessions. After an initial examination, Andrew set realistic and attainable goals. He designed a rehabilitation program that I could implement at home or in a gym whilst at the same time providing enough interest to motivate me to continue with the exercises. Andrew’s warm and friendly nature was a great encouragement to me. He supplemented verbal education with anatomical charts and illustrated why certain exercises had to be done in a specific way in order for me to improve. After only 6 weeks I noticed improvement in my range of motion and reduced pain.

The results of my exercise program far surpassed my expectations. Friends and family are impressed with the changes in me and I feel better in myself. I have resumed my normal exercise routine of kayaking and boxing and am back riding my motorbike, none of which I could do a few years ago. I would not have achieved the results I am enjoying today, if it were not for the guidance and advice of Andrew.

Wayne Gibson

 

Two and a half years ago, at 22 years old, I underwent a major hip operation to fix a congenital defect. Because of poor recovery from the surgery, I injured my left knee and my lower back was sore most of the time as well. Physiotherapy did not help with long term pain relief.

I was referred to Andrew by my GP and after seeing him for 6 months he has made me realize that I can now do anything. I came to Andrew thinking I could not do major exercise that required me to use my hips. I am now able to do almost every exercise Andrew throws at me, whether it requires hips or not. I no longer have a back pain and my knee is recovering well.

I am extremely thankful to Andrew for helping me get back on top after such serious surgery. He understands why your movements are limited and will work with you accordingly. I do like a challenge and Andrew had me doing all sorts of exercises that I had never seen at gyms. I have always felt that I am in good hands when training with Andrew because he understands and listens to you as a client and because he explains why his exercises work.

Sarah Van Der Klundert

After seeing 5 physios, Andrew Schwartz is the only one that made a positive impact on my back injury.

There are a few major differences between Andrew and the physios that I have seen; He appears more knowledgeable and he wants to share his knowledge so you know why you have to do the stretches or exercises that he prescribes. He genuinely cares, and wants you to improve to a point where you no longer require him. Finally, he aims to provide a permanent fix so that his clients don’t need to keep coming back.

Most importantly, as I am a young man with many sporting interests, Andrew has not only fixed my back issues, but he has given me the confidence and knowledge to pursue interests that had previously been prohibited by my back.

In short, Andrew is to rehab as Chuck Norris is to kickarse!

Ben Brungs