Testimonials

 

 

 

I am so happy to have found him.

— Sonia

 

 

 

 

Testimonial highlight: Rick has tremendously helped me with my lower back and hip pain!

Rick changed my life!  I went to see him for chronic pain that I had for 14 years.

At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and had surgery to place Harrington rods around my spine. This has obviously created many challenges in how my muscles and joints function.

Rick has treated me for two months and I no longer feel the need to see the chiropractor. I sleep better because my neck is functioning properly.

My entire body is working better. 

Rick has an amazing understanding of how muscles, ligaments, and joints work together. I’m so thankful to have found him.

I feel better at 40 than I did at 30!

— Christine

Testimonial highlight: Before seeing Rick, I was going to a chiropractor 2 to 4 times a month. I thought that was the only way to ease my neck and back pain.  — Christine

After ankle surgery, Rick did more in one session than physical therapy was able to do over four months.

I was released by my orthopedic surgeon two months early.

He’s still scratching his head!

— Linda

 

 

I reached out to Rick via email and booked an online consultation.

Rick assured me I would perform better and no longer feel pain if I came to Dallas. So I flew to Dallas from South America.

The treatment exceeded my expectations, and the quality of my life improved so much! I cannot thank Rick enough!

— Alex

 

I did an online consultation with Rick over Zoom. I have a personal training business in Phoenix, Arizona. Because of my interest in muscles and joint mechanics, I have been following Rick’s blog and newsletter for some time.

More recently, I’ve had knee pain. The pain made it difficult to show my clients how to perform any exercise involving that knee. I was also concerned about the long-term impact of compensation. 

When I found out I had a meniscus root tear, I reached out to Rick to schedule a meeting online. I have no symptoms after one session.

All it took was a few weeks of performing the exercises he recommended for me.

Thank you so much, Rick!

— Eva

I stumbled upon Rick due to sheer luck, and boy, did I feel lucky.

I have had a history of muscle imbalance that has plagued me for 10 years.

It was to the point where I couldn’t really strengthen certain areas because they were so inhibited, and because I couldn’t strengthen them, my problems persisted. I also had some bad habits that I was taught by traditional practitioners or chiropractors that were not serving me well, and Rick was able to educate me and correct them.

I’m happy to say that after only 3 sessions with Rick, I have not had the muscle-inhibiting pain that I could not seem to shake previously.

He made me feel like I finally had some progress and put me on the right path to be able to self-correct moving forward.

Rick is not your traditional massage practitioner—and that’s the best thing ever. He spends a few hours with you each session and doesn’t cut you off at the exact time because he’s actually interested in helping you move forward rather than trapping you into coming back over and over.

Not only that, but he is a really cool guy. He’s well-studied and is a good conversationalist, so your time with him will be not only healing but enjoyable.

— Marc

Rick is an expert—likely the top 1% of his profession.

I have seen MANY muscle/body work therapists across different parts of the country.

Rick’s knowledge, commitment to excellence, and wonderful personality make him truly exceptional.

Working with him for several months now—I wish I would’ve found him earlier.

His impact was noticeable within two weeks. Thorough, relentless, and almost old school in his approach to his craft—no gimmicks, no IG groveling, simply effective and committed.

— Jon

My husband is a lean, grisly guy with a physically demanding job who gleefully lifts weights every morning to get himself psyched to go in to work.

So when he wrenched his shoulder and was in so much torment he could not sleep, let alone work, for three weeks, I knew this was more than the usual muscle strain. Ice, stretching, rest, Epsom salt soaks, pain medications, simple feel-good massages—nothing helped.

Those weeks of forced inactivity were misery for a man who can’t sit still and who has always preferred manual labor over a desk job.

Our doctor wanted to send Saul to an orthopedic surgeon. We were starting to consider the real possibility that he could no longer do the job he enjoys.

I remembered Rick, a casual acquaintance who did some sort of sports massage therapy, and I contacted him for an appointment in desperation. It was the best call I’ve ever made!

Rick worked on Saul’s muscles for two hours in his first session, patiently explaining the unorthodox method he has mastered. I was privileged to watch in amazement as my husband’s pain decreased after each muscle was addressed. Saul’s range of motion also increased after Rick addressed each muscle.

If I hadn’t witnessed the astonishing progress with my own eyes, I would never have believed it was possible.

Rick recommended isometric exercises to retrain the brain/muscle connections going forward, and Saul has been doing them faithfully every morning. And he went back to work a couple days later, contentedly unloading trucks and stocking shelves.

We are so grateful!

— Kathy 

Testimonial highlight: My husband is 72. Before Saul’s first session, he was unable to raise his arm above shoulder height, and the effort it took to accomplish that was excruciating. By the time we left Rick’s office, he was swinging his right arm over his head and cupping his left ear!!

Engaging muscles, indeed! — Kathy

Before I started seeing Rick, I could hardly walk out of my apartment without being in excruciating nerve pain.

At 25 years old, I had gone from doing CrossFit six days a week and running four days a week to hardly being able to walk because of the sciatic pain in my left leg. I had tried everything: neurologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, sports medicine doctors; I had three MRIs, an epidural injection, and did months of physical therapy and chiropractic care, but with little improvement.

I had none of the “obvious” reasons for sciatica, such as a herniated disc, and I was basically told that I was “too young” to be experiencing this type of back pain. I was prescribed painkillers and then referred to someone else.

It had been three months since the pain started, and yet I could hardly walk. I had convinced myself that I had some sort of degenerative nerve disorder and would never feel better.

It was while doom scrolling during a particularly bad bout of depression that I came across Rick’s website. While I had read the other reviews and seen his testimonials, I was so afraid this was a scam—just another practitioner preying on desperate people.

The reviews seemed too good to be true. So, I waited weeks before finally deciding to take the plunge and schedule an appointment.

That was the best decision I ever made. From day one, I started seeing results, and those results have lasted from session to session. Rick’s hands are magic. He probably won’t work on the region that is actually causing you pain, and you’ll probably doubt him at first, but the results speak for themselves. I went from not being able to walk to working eight-hour days in a lab without pain. He has also given me isometric exercises that I can do on my own, which will last me a lifetime.

Rick is special. What Rick does is different and it lasts.

He spends at least three hours with you each session (more than double the time any doctor or physical therapist spent with me) and truly cares about healing you.

While Rick only works on muscles, he also heals you mentally as well. Each session feels like a therapy session rather than a massage session; Rick is so fun to talk to and has even become a friend. I look forward to each session as much for the physical healing as for the opportunity to talk to him.

I work at a medical university and have friends who are physical therapists and doctors. Rick knows more about the muscles than all of them.

I am so impressed by his knowledge and understanding of biomechanics, and as a current Ph.D. student in biomedical sciences, he is someone I know I can trust. That can’t be said for the majority of massage therapists or chiropractors out there.

That said, Rick is not for everyone. If you come to him, you have to be ready to accept what he says and let him work on the regions he thinks are best. But if you are willing to be patient and listen to him, you will be overjoyed at the results. I am getting my Ph.D. in biophysics; I don’t prescribe drugs, but I am the person who designs them.

No drug can do what Rick can do.

Thank you, Rick!

— Julia 

I was suffering from sciatic pain (the first time ever) for over two weeks. There was no way I could ski in this condition, but I was scheduled to leave on a ski trip on Wednesday morning.
A friend recommended that I call Rick. He fit me in for treatment on Monday and Tuesday. The treatment was nothing I’d ever experienced before. He applied varying degrees of pressure at different muscle attachment points for over 2 hours each session.

He said I’d have no problem skiing. I literally walked out of his office Monday afternoon with no pain.

I had a full travel day on Wednesday, and as I was walking up the jetway, I realized that I had spent several hours walking and sitting at airports and on airplanes with ZERO sciatic pain!

I skied pain-free… until I got greedy and followed my brother into the bumps. I partially tore my left calf muscle. I made an appointment with Rick as soon as I got home. He couldn’t work on the calf immediately due to inflammation. So instead, he worked around it for a couple of sessions and then got into it.

Mobility and pain relief were improved immediately.

He is also a master at treating and solving plantar fasciitis. Call Rick before getting surgery or that next cortisone shot!

— Craig

Testimonial highlight: An injury that typically takes 6 weeks to recover from took about 3 1/2 weeks! — Craig

After dealing with sciatic and nerve pain for years and pelvic numbness that no doctor could tell me the cause of, I was desperate to find something that would help.

I found Rick on Google, read through his blogs, and watched some of his YouTube videos.

I was intrigued by the unique approach he showed and decided it was worth a shot since physical therapy never helped much and my other option for potential relief was back surgery.

From even the first visit, I started feeling better than I had in years; I couldn’t believe it.

With every session I went to, my body kept feeling better and better.

The mystery numbness went away. I am able to freely sit on a couch again and no longer have to leave events early due to pain.

I am very grateful to have found Rick. I highly recommend anyone dealing with chronic pain to see him—it’s definitely worth it.

— Rachel

Testimonial highlight: I can put my socks and shoes on in the morning without straining because I’m not stiff anymore.

I haven’t even felt the need to take Advil since my first session 7 months ago, and I used to take it three times a day.

Best of all, my friends and family can see how much happier I am because I’m no longer in constant, excruciating pain. — Rachel

First, my injury is healed because of Rick.

I’ve had shooting/burning neck and shoulder pain from a gym injury for almost two years.

One month, it got so bad I could barely sleep lying down. Even sitting while driving felt impossible.

I’ve done physical therapy, chiropractic, stim work (neufit), and traditional massage. None of it worked. Rick’s technique is not a regular massage, and his knowledge of body mechanics and knowing how to find the muscle attachments is doctoral. He got my muscles activated and working correctly again.

Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t bother throwing my money in the garbage trying on band-aids.

The most significant improvements happened after three sessions. I’m back to CrossFit, workouts, training for a half-marathon, and, most importantly, sleeping normally again.

Thank you, Rick

— Adrienne

Before I was homebound in 2020, I had done multiple sessions of physical therapy for sciatica.

Because the sciatic nerve pain never went away, I reached out to Rick in July of 2021.

Early in our conversation, Rick mentioned how difficult it is to emphasize the piriformis with exercise. Then he recommended making an appointment with a licensed massage therapist near me to do what he had demonstrated in two of his videos on YouTube.

Before scheduling anything, I watched both of Rick’s videos multiple times. Then I scheduled appointments with what turned out to be three different physical therapists. Before every appointment, all of the physical therapists agreed to do what Rick demonstrated in his videos. Well, to be frank, they couldn’t follow instructions.

Then I scheduled an appointment with a massage therapist, who turned out to be overly aggressive. So then, I ended up in more pain than before he worked on me.

Fast-forward to July 2022. I was still experiencing pain when I was sitting, so I reached out to Rick again. By this time, everything outside of my apartment had calmed down, so we made a plan for me to come to Dallas.

The plan was to do multiple hands-on sessions over a week.

Before heading off to the airport on my last day in Dallas, Rick told me it would take seven to ten days for my brain to process all the changes that occurred over the week.

Although it took a few weeks for my body to feel normal again, I have not felt any sciatic nerve pain in over five months.

I’m so glad I made the trip to Dallas.  If you have been diagnosed with sciatica, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with Rick.

— Aaron 

Even though I was skeptical that anyone could restore stability and improve function, I was willing to try anything. So, four days before my race, I went to Rick.

The first thing Rick noticed was that I was wearing the wrong type of shoe for my foot and the way I walk. He recommended a better shoe, which I purchased that day.

Rick worked with me for two hours, and I could not believe the difference he made in such a short time.

I went from hobbling after painfully finishing 3 miles to easily running 10 miles.

I was able to finish my half marathon because of Rick.

— Deidra

Testimonial highlight: Two years passed, and I had no issues with my knee, and then I had my third child.

Because I was now living in Arkansas, I dealt with the pain in my knee for a year. When the pain was constant to the point of keeping me up at night, I scheduled an appointment with Rick.
Two weeks later, I boarded a plane to Dallas. After the first session, I could already feel a difference in how I was walking. I felt stronger and more in control, and the pain began diminishing. After two more sessions, my knee no longer hurt.
Because of Rick, pain no longer controls me or my schedule.

— Deidra 

I knew I’d found a true specialist the minute I started reading Rick’s website and blog.

I was suffering from a recent Lupus diagnosis and was experiencing neck, shoulder, hip, back, and foot flare-ups, so I was truly looking for pain relief. I set appointments regularly for six months, and every visit was built on the last.

Rick’s ability to engage muscles to help the body take its own healing path makes me a true believer in his practice and philosophy. He’s a lifelong learner, always seeking to improve his knowledge and skills. I am stronger and less inflamed since I started working with Rick, and I will continue to see him to keep my body strong.

Oh, and this is not a relaxing massage technique or session. It’s exactly as the name indicates: Engaging Muscles Massage, for stabilizing and healing the body in a way that makes sense once you experience it.

Give him a try. Your body will thank you.

So glad I found you, Rick!

— Michelle

I presented to Rick with a shoulder and neck injury where I had difficulty raising my left arm and was in considerable pain.

Rick got me in right away and worked on my shoulder and neck for 2.5 hours. He was able to get me back to full range of motion and to where I could work again without discomfort.

His knowledge and expertise are what set him apart! 

His muscle manipulation to get all of the muscles working together is top-notch. He has also helped my son with his lower back injury, getting him back to playing sooner than expected.

— Pranay

I found Rick by googling, trying to find relief from more than twenty years of lower back, hip, and arthritic knee pain.

I have tried every doctor, chiropractor, and massage technique out there with no lasting relief.

I began to feel relief after the very first visit. Now that I have completed four visits, I feel brand new.

I have gotten relief from issues I thought I would just have to live with for the rest of my life.

If you have aches and pains, do not hesitate to make an appointment with him.

You won’t be disappointed. He has given me my life back.

— Susan

Testimonial highlight: He cured my overactive bladder, which medication could not help. I have also gotten a lot of relief from GERD symptoms.

My lower back pain and hip pain are almost gone.

My arthritic knees have gotten much relief. — Susan

As an athlete through college and a person who has enjoyed exercise since then, Rick has turned everything upside down regarding what I thought I knew about keeping your body working.

And it works. I recommend him to anyone who is experiencing pain when they move, especially before you even consider a surgical “cure.”

— Russ

Testimonial highlight: I suffered a severe injury a few years ago, and surgery, rehab, chiropractic, and ART [Active Release Technique] didn’t help. But then I found Rick, and I was able to start exercising again. — Russ

Sometimes in life, we are fortunate to meet people whose passion and brilliance are dedicated to helping others. Rick Merriam is one of those rare people.

To say my time with Rick Merriam was a transcendental experience would not be an exaggeration. Upon touching down from Washington, D.C., we met for my first session on Friday afternoon. This was followed by a second session on Saturday, two more on Sunday, and the last one before I headed off to the airport on Monday morning.

The journey that led me to Rick began with plantar fasciitis. I first sought a “well-regarded” podiatrist who promptly molded my feet for leather orthotics, which added stability to my already stable running shoes—an unsound solution at best. Then, it was a year of physical therapy.

Twelve months later, after too many painful steps to count, I sought treatment from a “well-regarded” physical therapy group. After a year of physical therapy and three Cortisone shots later, and still suffering from plantar fasciitis, I knew I needed something different. Someone who saw things differently.

Though it took me two years to find him, I don’t believe I could have fully appreciated his talent had I not first experienced what else was out there.

— Barbara

Testimonial highlight: Having shed tears of joy and pain, I settled into my airplane seat, understanding I was forever changed. — Barbara

We were referred to Rick after exhausting months of traditional options for my 16-year-old. My son had sat out from basketball over a back injury that would not heal.

We had spent countless dollars and hours weekly in the orthopedics office, with physical therapists, with a chiropractor, and even had steroid injections. Nothing seemed to be helping more than super short stints.

After one visit with Rick, my son told everyone he was 85% better and was back on the court. 

He has now been a few times, and he’s playing better than before his injury.

We will continue to go to Rick when needed, and I will be sure to tell everyone who suffers from similar situations! I am a huge fan of the process.

— April

After running for decades without a hitch, I developed piriformis syndrome a few months ago on my right side. I tried various stretching routines and exercises allegedly designed to strengthen the muscle, none of which were of much help.

Not only could I no longer run, but I could not walk, at times, more than about 1/4 mile without feeling significant pain and overall discomfort deep in my right glute area.

I also dreaded driving and getting out of my car—just so painful.

Determined to avoid a more radical intrusive procedure, like a steroid/cortisone needle in the piriformis muscle or worse, I discovered a wonderful video on YouTube that Rick at Engaging Muscles published. Rick demonstrated how he treats the piriformis with his unique message technique and muscle and spine knowledge. So, I contacted Rick and set up a series of appointments with him. I’m so glad I did!

Not only is Rick a great guy, but after about a month of several sessions and daily isometric exercises Rick prescribed, the pain has significantly diminished, and I am now up to walking 3-5 miles a day at a relatively fast clip.

Perhaps, most importantly, getting out of the car is no longer debilitatingly painful.

Rick also recommended that I walk barefoot around the house and switch from a stability shoe (too much toe-to-heel differential) to a neutral running shoe, both of which have also proved helpful.

With my improved condition, I am looking forward to eventually being able to run again thanks to Rick.

Rick, for sure, has been a lifesaver.

— Steven

Mr. Merriam is phenomenal and one of a kind. His specialization is so rare that I have never heard of it, and his approach is absolutely unique.

From day one to day six, my back pain has dramatically reduced by 70%, and my range of motion has increased.

I had been suffering for 9 years and was losing hope to the point where I thought it was impossible to recover after trying so many alternative treatments such as chiropractic, acupuncture, dry needling, sports massage, etc.—you name it.

Mr. Merriam is a godsend. GO SEE HIM!

— Joey

I’m here to tell you that Rick has changed my life! I had an epiphany that someone out there had to have an answer for my continuous pain and lack of hip mobility and strength. so I started my Google search and found Rick.

I was told by my chiropractor that I had a tight iliacus muscle, so I was constantly stretching with no relief.

It seemed reasonable to have someone specifically work on that muscle to relieve the pain. I read and reread Rick’s website, and it sounded like such a different approach than any other treatment I’ve received that it was worth a try. I was very skeptical at first, so I signed up for one session, which turned into 12 and more.

I had eight weeks before I would be vacationing in Spain, and I wanted to be able to walk without pain. He gave me several simple static daily exercises that he consistently worked with me on, along with his muscle massage. I was able to walk long distances without pain on my vacation.

I was faithful to the exercises and also to his guidance on the type of footwear to wear on my trip. From that point on, I have purchased his reasonable package of twelve sessions. Now, my husband and daughter see Rick on a regular basis.

Rick’s approach has made me rethink what I’ve been doing to treat my chronic pain and what and what not to do. He explains what muscles he’s working on and how they affect the areas you want to focus on. He’s made me aware of what’s really going on with my body and how, for years, the muscles that haven’t worked properly need to be, as he says, “reengaged“ to wake up and start working again. I’m amazed at how he’s improved so much more than my pain.

He’s now focusing on my lower back and overall posture. 

When my husband saw my improvement, he started going to Rick for his neck issues. He is now sleeping on his side and has a much greater range of motion in his neck and arms.

When I started using Rick’s services, I was regularly going to the chiropractor once a month, and I had a steroid shot scheduled for my hip before my trip to help with the pain. He asked me to cancel the chiropractor and my shot. I hesitated, but after several visits and continuing to do the exercises, for the first time in years, I wasn’t experiencing chronic pain.

I haven’t been to the chiropractor in nine months, and I canceled my shot. My husband is thrilled that he doesn’t have to watch me stretch in front of the TV anymore.

Thank you, Rick!

— Sheryl

Testimonial highlight: For the first time, I have a curve in my spine. He also improved the function of the muscles between my shoulders and neck, which caused my shoulders to slouch forward. My posture is so much more upright and straight. — Sheryl

For the past two years, I have been battling upper back and shoulder pain.

After seeing multiple doctors and physical therapists, the only long-term solution appeared to be double shoulder surgery.

Luckily, I didn’t have the surgery.

Not long after the recommendation for a surgery that would have required me to not have use of my arms for an extended period of time, I was referred to Rick by one of his former kinesiology students, who was also a patient.

I was very impressed with his website. After reaching out to Rick, I decided to proceed with the three-session package.

Rick and I met the following week, and after the first session, I could feel a significant difference in my range of motion and posture. I had my second session two days later, and within 24 hours after the session, I was completely pain-free! From there, I completed my third session. I couldn’t be happier with the results. — Luke 

Testimonial highlight: When I consider how important my health and ability to function are to my life, the results I received from Rick’s work far exceed what he charges.

Before working with Rick, I never expected to reach the level of function I have today. I can honestly say I cannot remember when my body felt this great. Rick is a master at what he does, and his work has far exceeded my highest expectations.

Whether you want to eliminate recurring pain or improve physical performance and well-being, I highly recommend Rick! — Luke

I’m a complicated case. Due to a minor birth defect, the left side of my body is weak. I have had varying levels of back pain since my twenties, a left hip that resulted in a bursectomy, and three surgeries for herniated discs.

Also, I have had so many Cortisone injections that I have lost count.

Right-side piriformis issues have plagued me for the last two years, especially after my most recent surgery.

I found myself for probably the twentieth time (no exaggeration) back in physical therapy.  So, as expected, I was given a sheet of paper with pictures of clamshells and bridges. They also recommended foam rolling and rolling on a tennis ball. I looked around the room and saw people doing the same exercises I was doing. It didn’t seem like there was any specialization.

When I told the physical therapist I wasn’t feeling better, he told me to go back to my doctor. Then, my doctor sent me back to physical therapy. I was frustrated and hurting. So, I sent myself to the internet for help. I found Rick’s website and spent time looking at his videos and writings.

After email correspondence, I had hoped Rick could help me. And I was right!

I’m grateful beyond words!

— Stephanie

Testimonial highlight: Rick reviewed all of my body mechanics and noticed things I had not mentioned.

He worked on muscles I didn’t know I had.

As he went through his process, he educated me on what he was doing and why he was doing it. Rick is patient, funny, kind beyond measure, intuitive, and professional. I felt notably better before the first session was over. I recommend Rick and his work highly. — Stephanie

Rick Merriam is a genius.

While the goal of most professionals is to create more flexibility, unbeknownst to most of us, this creates LESS stability, which is exactly the opposite of what we need.

Rick’s goal is to improve each muscle’s ability to engage on demand.

Then, the tight muscles relax. STABILITY is what the body craves and what it needs to function properly.

When I went to see Rick, I could barely walk due to the pain in my hip.

Today, I am pain-free—you can’t argue with results!

— Kathy

Testimonial highlight: After increasing stability throughout my pelvis, Rick explained how addressing muscles throughout my neck would improve my hip function even more.

Although I don’t understand the mechanics of how working on an area where I wasn’t experiencing pain ends up improving function in a whole other place, I did recognize even more improvement in my hip. — Kathy

I had chronic hip issues for a couple of years.

After seeing various types of bodyworkers, I was doubtful when Rick told me he could figure out my issue in one to three visits.

I decided it was worth a try, and I’m thrilled I did!

After only one visit, my hip pain completely went away. 

I went back later to see Rick for some shoulder pain and again, after only one visit, I no longer experienced pain.

— Christy

After Rick worked on persistent, painful, and intense leg pain, that problem was gone.

I limped in, but I walked out!

Rick changed my perspective on massage therapy and physical therapy entirely.

I was amazed by the efficiency of Rick’s work and happily told others about it.

— Shaleah

 

Rick Merriam is brilliant in his understanding of how the body operates in all three planes of motion. He gets to the root of the problem, looks for the “big rock” to get the best bang for the buck when it comes to results, and gives his heart and soul to helping his clients attain the results they want.

His work has totally changed my life.

I came to Rick with a body that hurt every day of my adult life and with a dread of running or participating in my favorite sports because my performance was going downhill steadily.

After only a few sessions with Rick, my results were profound. Almost all of my body pain is gone, and I can run four times as long as I used to. Running is fun and almost effortless. My pace has improved by 20%. I feel better than I have felt in a long, long time.

Thank you, Rick!

— Beth

Testimonial highlight: After having chased myriads of therapy techniques for my body pain and my inability to run well, I can say without hesitation that Rick Merriam’s work is the superlative of everything good that I can think of to say about it. — Beth

My husband has had three spine surgeries. And five major back surgeries. From spinal fusion to a full cage.

But even after all of those back surgeries, he still had A LOT of pain.

While visiting my middle son in California, we were fortunate to talk to my son’s friend, Luke. It turns out that Luke had been injured playing Division One football in college. Having lived in Dallas for 5 years, he suggested that David consider seeing Rick. Luke went on to tell David that Rick saved him from surgery and saved his life.

When my husband first went to see Rick, within the first few minutes of the first session, Rick told David that a BIG PART of what he had been dealing with was his bowed legs.

I’ve been saying that for 40 years. But how do you correct that? It’s like driving your car out of alignment. It wears on everything!

No one had an answer for that except Rick!

A picture speaks a thousand words!

— Vickie

Testimonial highlight: Rick took on the challenge of getting David back to a point where he no longer needed the support that the orthotics provided.

He used custom foot orthotics for over a decade. Then, Rick went with him to buy a pair of running shoes to prevent him from walking on the outside of his feet.  — Vickie

I have suffered with it for ten-plus years, and I have a pretty impressive heel spur (which I thought was causing my foot pain).

I tried all kinds of shoes and orthotics, stretching, sleeping in a brace—you name it, I tried every “band-aid” that doctors and physical therapists recommended. Eventually, I reached a point where I could not take a step without arch support. Even with support for my feet, I still had tremendous pain with every single step. During my last session with my PT, she said she had exhausted every option and I needed to have surgery to remove my heel spur.

I did not want to have surgery!!! A friend had recommended Rick, and I decided to give him a try.

I am a believer! Years of pain, and Rick reversed it in a matter of days.

— Karie

Testimonial highlight: He is incredibly knowledgeable. I went for a few sessions, and I NO LONGER HAVE FOOT PAIN.

It was a huge breakthrough for me. I can’t wait to get home and kick my shoes off so I can go barefoot. — Karie
Rick got me to a place where I feel 15 years younger.

I’m a barber. So I stand all day. Before I found Rick, my flexibility was extremely poor. If I dropped something, I had to hold on to something for balance.

In the first session, Rick informed me that the “anti-fatigue” mat I was standing on all day was actually causing more fatigue than if I were standing on the wood floors at my brother’s barbershop. He went on to tell me that the mat was partly to blame for the muscle tightness I was feeling.

I have more flexibility than I’ve had in years, and my back pain is gone as well. I had no idea I would feel this way again. If your body doesn’t feel great, don’t assume, like I did, that it’s normal for your age. Instead, have Rick get you to where you feel years younger.

Rick Merriam is awesome!

— Jack

Testimonial highlight: No matter how much I stretched, my legs were stiff all the time.

After just one treatment with Rick, I got off the table and could immediately tell my posture was completely different. And the tightness in my legs is gone. — Jack

DANCING BAREFOOT AGAIN!!! Plantar fasciitis (PF) interrupted my Nia practice off and on for over a year.

I tried all the conventional treatments (exercises, taping, rolling, orthotics, etc.) with NO SUCCESS.

I was super frustrated that I could not find a breakthrough, and all my research pointed me back to the same treatments.

A friend sent me an article on PF by Rick that blew my mind and gave me hope. We had three sessions in total. From the start, he was confident that he had the knowledge and ability to address my issue—that helped me a great deal. Everyone else I worked with would say things like, “It works for some,” or “It may take a year to get better.” So frustrating!!!

The payoff: I don’t feel that horrible morning foot pain anymore. I can walk barefoot around the house. I can wear normal, attractive shoes. Most importantly, I CAN DANCE BAREFOOT WITH NO PAIN!!! 

Rick thinks differently, has different/specialized training and expertise, and approaches this condition in a much different way. I deeply appreciate his ability to listen, observe, and work slowly and deeply to heal.

— Misty

Go see Rick, and he’ll correct the problem.

I walked in dragging my foot, hunched over, and felt pain when standing, sitting, or doing anything.

Then, I left the first appointment with 85% of full function back. 

After three appointments, I am 100% better—and honestly, better than before this mess started.

— Daniel

 

 

I struggled with shin splints for a year. After just two sessions with Rick Merriam, I exceeded both of my previous track records.

I dropped twenty-five seconds off of my two-mile time!

— Emily

 

 

Amazing…I first went to Rick for what was diagnosed as iliotibial band syndrome.

After one session, I could run again with no pain. 

At that time, I was training for a marathon. I have since moved to Germany. But I continue to see Rick when I return to Dallas for work.

Even when I have no pain, I schedule an appointment. I consider it a “maintenance visit.” I do this because, in Germany, I have not been able to find anyone who can do what he does.

Even though I have seen Rick numerous times throughout the years, I’m still amazed at the efficiency of his work.

— Jane

Testimonial highlight: More recently, I had enough pain that I couldn’t run.

When the pandemic prevented me from traveling to the United States, I worked with Rick online. To my surprise, he did more to improve my range of motion in the first thirty minutes of our online session than two sessions of physiotherapy did in Frankfurt. Rick explained that I had more range of motion because the exercises provided stability throughout the movement.

The next day, I was back to running without pain! – Jane 

Upon graduating from high school, I fell in love with the sport of powerlifting and knew that I wanted to compete for the rest of my life. I set over a dozen state records (in multiple states), national records, and one world record.

In October 2010, I was sprinting and ruptured both my patella tendons (below the kneecap).

I was convinced I could return to powerlifting; however, in January 2011, my physical therapist re-ruptured my left patella tendon, putting me in an almost non-existent category of people who have “achieved” three patella tendon ruptures. The next three years were filled with tons of pain, anxiety, and sheer frustration that could not regain even normal function and strength in my knees and legs. I searched far and wide to find an answer to my many prayers.

My prayers were answered when I randomly stumbled across Rick Merriam on YouTube.

I got an appointment set up right away, and the fun began! Only four treatments, and I can already recognize a HUGE DIFFERENCE in function and strength. I am looking forward to future treatments, not only to gain more function but also so I can pick Rick’s brain; he is truly one of the most knowledgeable practitioners I have ever been around.

Although I never lost hope, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and to me, that is priceless!

— Chase

We are long-time customers of Rick, and he has helped us through many orthopedic issues, small and not so small, over the past several years. (Back pain, foot pain, etc., etc.)

One year ago, I experienced a 15-mm medial tear in my meniscus.

This was discovered after having my knee swell up like a basketball twice and experiencing chronic pain in my knee for weeks.

After visiting two different orthopedic surgeons, one who dismissed my case as simply arthritis and the other who at least confirmed I had no ligament damage and scheduled an MRI where the 15-mm tear was diagnosed as the issue.

The 2nd physician suggested a steroid shot and a knee brace—both of which would have been an impediment to actual healing of the torn meniscus cartilage.

To prescribe a steroid injection in a joint with damaged cartilage when steroids are KNOWN to degenerate cartilage is nonsensical.

In addition, a knee brace would do nothing but further weaken the muscles around my knee, causing further damage to the joint. Upon actual diagnosis after the MRI, I called Rick and gave him the details. He immediately scheduled a series of appointments, and even after the first session, I could feel the meniscus was back in place (although still torn and fragile) inside the knee joint instead of squished out of place as it had been before the session.

The muscles that wrap around the joint were now engaged and doing their job to keep the joint aligned properly and the cartilage in place. Rick’s work allowed the edges of the tear to be held close together within the joint rather than having the edges splayed apart—causing pain from the protruding and improperly positioned meniscus. Without this, the edges of the tear would have never had the opportunity to heal properly. I rested my knee, walked with the aid of crutches (still used the leg but took most of the weight off the joint, as I find crutches much steadier than a cane), and continued with Rick sessions weekly and then every few weeks for the next 6 months.

Every time I started having pain or weakness, I knew I needed another Rick session to address whatever was going on.

Rick came to my rescue. No steroid injections were taken, and I never used a brace.

It took about 6 months of rest and healing (keep in mind, I’m old: 62-year-old female) and with Rick’s help keeping the leg muscles (foot, calf, knee, thigh…whole bit) engaged since my activity level on that leg was minimal while the cartilage knit back together.

I abandoned the crutches somewhere around six months, and around month nine, I started slow and short walks around the neighborhood.

I’m now able to walk the dogs and do my normal activities again thanks to Rick’s amazing technique.

— Diana

Shortly after class started, the teacher said to me, “It looks painful for you to walk.” That’s how I met Rick. I couldn’t walk my dog around the block, and I had to go down the stairs sideways. I was lucky to be picked as the class model. After receiving hands-on work throughout the class, I felt a noticeable difference and ditched the arch supports I had been using. Because I still felt better a couple of weeks after Rick’s class, I scheduled an appointment.

During my first visit, I informed Rick that I had been to the orthopedic doctor and had an MRI. After seeing the MRI, the doctor suggested a Cortisone injection. He also presented me with the option to go in and “clean it out.” I was not willing to do either one.

After three sessions with Rick, I noticed amazing improvements in the range of motion in my neck, back, and hips. I immediately paid for more sessions. Today, I’m happy to report that I can walk my dog for thirty minutes at a time, and there’s no swelling or pain! I no longer fear stairs, and I can walk down them normally!

— Deborah

 

Nothing has given me the amount of pain relief I’ve received through sessions with Rick.

This is unlike any “traditional treatment.”

I really couldn’t believe how much better I felt even after my first session.

I left with no doubt that he would be the person to finally get rid of my pain.

Go in with an open mind, and let someone with true expertise work on your muscles.

— Jenny

Rick can examine your movement or lack of motion and then work on specific muscles to improve their ability to engage.

When I repeated certain movements, my range of motion greatly improved. It’s quite remarkable!

— Xanthy

 

 

 

Rick is the only person who did not treat symptoms. Instead, he actually worked at getting to the root of what was causing my problem (and pain).

I not only feel better, but I’m moving without any pain. And just as importantly, running once again.

Rick thinks outside the box, unlike every other healthcare provider (massage specialists and chiropractors I have seen). I highly recommend Rick!

— Louis

I have been seeing Rick for assorted ailments over the last decade. I am a massage therapist, and there is just no one who has ever been more effective in keeping my body moving pain-free.

Rick has helped me with a swollen knee, a movement issue in my shoulder after a non-orthopedic surgery, and a painful foot issue—there’s nothing I have brought to his table that he hasn’t been able to help me with.

I refer my own clients to him when necessary, and I trust him beyond measure. He is THE MOST capable massage therapist I know!

— Andrea

I learned of Rick Merriam from a friend who attended the Parker School of Massage Therapy.

Rick was her kinesiology teacher.

Before going to see Rick, I envisioned a top hat full of magic that would erase the pain I felt from my hip to my ankle. Because I had reached a point where I could not walk more than a hundred yards without stopping to rest, I figured it was worth trying something different.

After talking to Rick, I felt like what he explained would alleviate the pain and improve my overall function. Rick spent most of the session applying a deep tissue massage technique to many areas throughout my back and hips.

When Rick was done with the hands-on part of the visit, he talked to me about my custom orthotics. That’s when I started to understand that my custom orthotics were quite contrary to the way our bodies are designed.

From there, Rick recommended an athletic shoe that complimented how my feet and body functioned.

I walked out of Rick’s office feeling more relaxed and comfortable than I had in a long time. I highly recommend him!

— Steve

Testimonial highlight: Now, I question why 40 years of visiting a podiatrist, custom orthotics, and one major foot surgery failed to provide the results I got from one session with Rick. — Steve

As an athlete, my training and injury rate have been phenomenally improved with Rick’s help. He’s one of the few, if not the only person, who didn’t address the site of the pain.

With an in-depth understanding of human movement, Rick gets to the root cause. Having taught kinesiology for many years, he has a clear understanding of how each muscle is functioning. Because he has that background, Rick is able to recognize how your body is failing to move properly.

In two hours, Rick helped relieve peritoneal tendonitis in my ankle, which had plagued me for six months.

I’m extremely grateful to have found him!

— Maddie

 

I used Rick Merriam to help me recover from a hip replacement several years ago, and now I’m getting treatment after shoulder surgery.

I had months of traditional PT with both surgeries but hit plateaus with both that I couldn’t move beyond.

Rick got me back to feeling normal again after my hip replacement, and the same is happening now with my shoulder.

I recommend giving Rick a try if you are in pain or not happy with where you have gotten with your physical therapy.

— Liz

If you have an injury preventing you from achieving your athletic goals, I highly recommend contacting Rick Merriam. I had an injury from 14 to 15 years ago, and he got me walking and training better.

Rick over-delivers!

— Keith

 

 

 

After only one treatment, I felt a difference. My weight was more balanced from one leg to the other, and my running form was instantly smoother.

With two more appointments, my function was even better!

If you’re looking for a different approach to recurring muscle and joint pain, I highly recommend getting the work done by Rick!

— Hal