Testimonials
I would like to thank the teams at TAVO Total Health and Holeco Wellness Medi-Spa for my incredible “Week of Healing”! Before coming down to Chevy Chase from my home in Milford, CT, I was dealing with a lot of pain and tightness due to 4 herniated lumbar discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, and malalignment of the spine. I was having a lot of trouble with mobility, wasn’t sleeping well, and had very little energy. An epidural shot 2 weeks before my visit to Maryland did nothing to help my pain. After 3 days of intensive treatment at TAVO and an incredibly rejuvenating & deeply healing day at Holeco, I feel like I’m on the path to being well again! When I drove the 6 hours down to Maryland from Connecticut, I was in a great deal of pain and discomfort. Driving back to Connecticut after TAVO/Holeco, I felt at least 50% better than I did on the drive down. That proved to me that everything they did with me really worked! Thank you so much Phil and Ann for the myofascial release; Hong for the acupuncture; Lisa for the massage and bodywork; Honi for the microdermabrasion; and Rachael for the reflexology and energy work. My 4 day experience was healing, relaxing, and informative and I look forward to doing it again in the very near future. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
-Roberta T.
I've had several injuries over the years which have required physical therapy. The most significant one was a severe ankle break 20 years ago that has required continued treatment. So I've had a lot of experience with what different physical therapists offer. When I came to TAVO Total Health after arthroscopic knee surgery, I realized that my experiences with Physical Therapy had been pretty straight forward and didn't fully address the buildup of scar tissue and muscle tightness that limits motion and causes pain. Phil uses gentle, but extremely effective techniques including Myofascial Release and Total Motion Release techniques. Compared to friends who have had similar knee surgery, my recovery seemed much swifter and without the long term complications that I've seen others endure. The strange thing is that over time as Phil has also worked to loosen up a painful stiff neck and treat a rotator cuff injury, the ankle got better and better - rarely causing the pain and limp I'd had for 20 years. As he will tell you, every part of the body is connected and his work to balance the muscles and tissue in response to direct injury are positively affecting other parts of the body.
-Sue W.
After years of suffering from chronic head and neck pain, I have finally found relief. Not only have my headaches decreased, but my range of motion in my neck and shoulder area has significally increased. I am able to exercise safely and effectively, build strength and endurance, and enjoy myself as well. It is an understatement to say that working with The TAVO Team has transformend my life (and my body!) for the better. Thank you TAVO Total Health.
-Daryl F.
There is no doubt in my mind that Phil Tavolacci is a top-tier physical therapist. Over the years, I’ve been to many other physical therapists and after I moved to the DC area, I was very happy to find Phil as he helped me greatly both before and after spinal surgery. During each session, I was impressed with Phil’s deep understanding of the relationship between different areas of the body. I have complete confidence in Phil and can recommend his services without reservation.
-Kevin B
Phil's methods, which include a blend of Myofascial Realese, Total Motion Release and fitness and strengthening exercises make him unique in the area. I was fortunate to find Phil after working with another physical therapist for several months with no progress dealing with my back and knee pain. Phil has a scientific and holistic approach to therapy that has worked well for me. He helps you understand how your body is responding and teaches you how to address your problems using a variety of techniques. Its both science and an art. I think that is why his approach really worked for me.
-Toby L.
Well deserved kudos to Tavo Total Health for their expertise and competence and for adding another dimension to the Field of Wellness.
-Florence T.
These guys are WONDERFUL! I came to them with chronic tendonitis in both elbows and have learned how to correct a symptom by addressing the body as a whole connected structure.
I knew my elbows weren't the total problem, and the Myofascial Release technique has really allowed me to get back in touch with my body. It is more than just stretching, exercise, or massage. By "listening" to sore, tired spots, I can rebalance myself. Those 5 "Total Motion Release" exercises really work. Plus, I’ve moved from just "wanting-to-get-rid-of-the-pain-stage" to personalized work-out sessions. By strengthening my core, I have been able to handle an extremely demanding health schedule for a very ill member of our family. Hourly feedings and long hours on my feet would have been impossible two months ago. From Myofascial Release to Total Motion Release, through massage and reflexology, I’ve come to have complete confidence in the TAVO team.
-Imogene W.
I feel like a new man! I'm 82 and I feel like 50. I'm so much stronger. I can stand better. I can walk better. Even my wife loves me more. I don't have to wake her up at 4:30am anymore to help me with my shirt buttons or shoes anymore. Its been years since I've been able to button my shirt.
-Ralph W.
Due to Phil's notable level of expertise, skill, and knowledge, I was finally able to obtain relief from the myofascial treatments that alleviated significant pain and discomfort I suffered from an injury affecting my neck, shoulders, and back. My treatment with him improved the overall quality of my life facilitating my movements and decreasing my pain level. Previous therapy at another facility was unsuccessful with no improvement and, therefore, connecting with Phil was like obtaining a new lease on life. In my book, he is the best!
-Karen B.
Phil and Ann, I just wanted to let you know how much you have helped me and how much I appreciate your hardwork. I was miserable when I first came to see you in constant pain both physically and mentally. I was frustrated and felt like I was never going to get rid of the awful sensations running down my leg. I am so happy to report, I have had very minimal pain and sensations since the last time I saw you. I even went for a 3 mile run and felt great!!! I can't thank you both enough. You are truly amazing individuals. I will forever be touched by your kindness, compassion, love and support; of course your skill. You are incredible therapists and beautiful souls.
-Deena B.
I am an 83 year old female with Spinal Stenosis causing pain in my back, legs and numbness in my feet. I was very dependent and unhappy. After 3 months of treatment with Phil Tavolacci, I am independent in most areas and very happy. I walk in my apartment without assistance and outside with a walker or cane (big improvement). I can even do steps! My Husband is so pleased with my taking over some of the household chores. I do my 5 exercises once or twice a day. My Final Goal: Decrease the little pain I have and give up my walker.
Thank you Phil & Tish
-Charlotte S.
It is no exaggeration that since coming under the care of Phil Tavolacci, my life has changed dramatically for the better. I now know the cause of the severe headaches that have plagued me for the last eight years: problems in my musculo-skeletal system, specifically tightness in the neck and shoulders that, over many years, have led to poor posture and body alignment, pressure on internal structures and resultant headaches. I have seen other alternative practitioners, but none was as skilled as Phil or "got" my problem so accurately. Phil's expert manipulation using myofascial release techniques, combined with his prescription for at-home follow up exercises (which he has convinced me I must continue from now on) have largely freed me from the pain that was dominating my life.
I am now completely off Topomax, am experiencing at least an 80% reduction in headaches, and am more aware of my body and how to adjust it for increased mobility, symmetry and natural alignment. When I do get a headache, it is nowhere near as bad or long lasting as it used to be and can be ameliorated by postural readjustment, or at most, an aspirin or two.
While it is too late in my life to reverese completely the effects of my congenital spinal problems, I believe that Phil has set me on a path to maximum healing. He is a gifted healer and a fine person, and I recommend him to anyone in need of a Physical Therapist.
-Lynne H.
I came to TAVO Total Health with a recovering frozen shoulder and a stiff back. My last two physical therapists told me they could "do no more." Fate brought me to Phil. He told me "I can help you." He was right. The first treatment was nothing I had ever experienced. Within a few months my pain was less and my energy was more. A few more months my breathing improved and so did my flexibility. My golf swing has improved and so has my volleyball game. Being able to live my life more fully has also lifted my spirits so my mental health has improved.
It has taken about eighteen months but for the first time in 6 years I can feel my back. It used to feel like a slab of concrete, now it feels like it is part of me. As of today, my body feels less pain, I feel taller, lighter and more energetic. My mental health has improved and I'm living a more active life. I am happier mentally and physically and I feel 20 years younger!
I still have more to go, but with Phil and the staff at TAVO I'm confident they'll get me there!!
-Cara R.
Hi my name is Heather and I am a 38 year old mother of 4 very active children!!! I was in a terrible car accident a year ago which resulted in several broken bones including my sternum as well as a serious injury to my knee leaving me on crutches. I began very intensive PT and OT as soon as the casts were removed. I went religiously 2 to 3 times a week for eight months with very little progress. Because of my lack of progress my ortho decided to operate on the knee. Back on crutches I went and back in intensive PT. I did get a little improvement but no where enough to keep up with my kids and get back to my life. I was getting a massage to help with the aches and pains when an angel at Elizabeth Arden suggested I call the Tavo Team. I immediately called and started seeing Phil twice a week. My progress has been incredible - in four short months I have made amazing progress!! My mobility has increased and my daily pain has decreased!! I am not back to running or sports yet but I do feel with Phil's help that goal is realistic! He is a true healer and has been a tremendous blessing in my life! Thank you a million times!!!!
-Heather B.
What MFR has done for me! I'm not typically the type of person that would seek treatment for my pain. I have a high tolerance for it and over the years have just come to 'deal' with it and accept it as part of my life. Well.....that has changed. I realized that I could actually do something about the various little annoyances that had become my companions over the years and I decided to seek treatment. Using myofascial release, Ann worked me over from head to toe. I had pretty severe left shoulder pain, most likely from years of using it to hold the phone. My shoulder was starting to become rounded and pulled forward. Ann started to treat my shoulder by holding my arm and doing what she called an arm pull while at the same time releasing the muscle in the front of my shoulder by my chest. I laid on the treatment table with my eyes closed and allowed Ann to listen to my body. It seems my body must have been talking to her and guiding her hands because she discovered that the shoulder pain could be relieved by releasing tightness in my right hip. Before this experience I would have thought that to get pain relief in my shoulder she would work on just my shoulder but that would have been a temporary fix. Treating my right hip released the tension that was pulling my shoulder down and forward and allowed it to straighten out. Why stop there, I thought. I continued to see Ann regarding my left shoulder but she didn't isolate the treatment to that particular area. She treated the jaw pain, low back pain and knee pain that I'd been dealing with for so long. And thanks to the home exercise program that we put together, I am now able to find relief in my own living room. Thank you, Ann!!!
-Rachel
My treatment sessions with Ann were always effective in relieving pain and discomfort in various parts of my body. Her ability to locate imbalances in the system, and then correct them, is remarkable. It is also quite amazing this petite woman is able to penetrate the fascia with remarkable strength as to bring you close to tears. Those are the moments I truly believe create healing in the body. I have benefited tremendously from Ann's treatments and would recommend her to all my friends and family. She was able to get me back on my feet after a number of years struggling with plantar fasciitis. She is a consummate professional.
-Nancy
I have been the recipient of Ann Udofia's healing care many times. She has amazing hands (does she really only have two hands and 10 fingers?), remarkable insight, and a deep and profound sense of compassion. One extraordinary MFR session comes to mind immediately. With autoimmune undifferentiated connective tissue disease and hearing loss, I attributed my constant ear 'popping' and aural fullness to either of these two conditions. These symptoms had slowly developed over 8 years, and were a constant chronic daily problem in the last two years preceding an MFR session with Ann. I was resolved to 'just live with this' (as I had been told to do by many doctors). This was disturbing from an equilibrium standpoint, contributed to worse word recognition in hearing, and made me anxious about ongoing hearing loss. Imagine my UTTER SURPRISE when, after ONE oral cavity MFR session with Ann it COMPLETELY RESOLVED. One year later I can say now that only in the last month have I had perhaps 4-5 singular episodes of ear 'popping' with no aural fullness.
-Mary Beth A.
I have been going to TAVO Total Health for almost a year now. I didn't go because of aches and pains. When I met Phil I could barely walk. I'd lost my lower arms and legs via amputations in 2008 due to a severe strep infection of the blood. After months in the hospital I was looking for a qualified Physical Therapist who could help me get strong enough to walk again on my prosthetic legs.
I found him. Now I can walk 2 miles without assistance and I have retired my walker. With Phil, therapy is effective and never boring. I might do obstacle courses, balancing exercises, weight lifting, or Myofascial Release therapy. I'm convinced that Phil's multi-faceted approach has helped me recover faster.
I also want to say something about the healing atmosphere at TAVO. Phil is very safety conscious and that gives me the confidence to take on new challenges. He is a good listner and he will incorporate your ideas into the daily therapy sessions. He is a considerate coach and I very much admire his knowledge and organization. His staff is very competent and personable. It's clear they are happy to be working at TAVO and that makes the recovery process for me that much more enjoyable and successful.
-Cheryl D
How amazing that a childhood appendix scar could cause problems from my neck to my toes! I learned from Phil that everything is connected with fascia and that my many years of pain and discomfort had a relatively simple solution. With Myofascial Release treatments and exercises to keep my body balanced, I feel so much better. This is physical therapy for the next generation of medical professionals!
-Linda B.
I am very happy to have a chance to tell others about how TAVO Total Health, LLC has helped me transform my health. Since my first appointment with Phil Tavolacci two years ago, I have regained mobility and flexilbility, all but eliminated a total body pain syndrome, and received ongoing treatment for a form of primary lymphedema that is complicated by an immune system disorder I have had since childhood. As a wonderful bonus, I've dropped 6 clothing sizes in the process. By gently unraveling one piece of my health puzzle at a time, both Phil's and Ilse Ziemann's healing gifts have made a significant difference in my life. In 2005, I could not walk without pain or climb steps and had to use a cane for any distance. First through myofascial release, then carefully tailored exercise, and finally through comprehensive manual lymph drainage massage, the pain that I had experienced for more than 30 years began to leave, layer by layer. Although other therapists and physicians are also involved in the care of my lymph disorder, Ilse Ziemann's wonderful skill and extraordinary dedication to my treatment have made it possible for me to return to work on a full time basis and be an active Mom again. Phil has also helped my school age daughter who had orthepedic surgery as an infant. A round of myofascial release treatments significantly enhanced her gait and flexibility. I hope many others will have a chance to experience the knowledge, skill and very personal care that TAVO Total Health, LLC offers.
-Maggie G.