Sheila Kar, MD, FACC
Clinical Chief of Cardiology,
Cedars Sinai Heart Institute,
President, Sheila Health Foundation,
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
From the Heart Physical Therapy – A life enhancing journey perfectly summarizes Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) and the effect it has on patients when treated by Dr. Sepi Aeen.
I first witnessed the miraculous healing effect of MFR by Sepi over 3 years ago (2002) through a patient who was oxygen-dependent with end-stage interstitial lung disease and a poor candidate of a lung transplant who was given less than 6 months to live.
Today his CT scan has not changed, but he is alive and more importantly he can breathe better and he is not dependent on oxygen all the time.
I am a cardiologist in an era of sophisticated tests, life saving interventions, robotic and gene therapy. I must admit we could not enhance this patient’s health by pills or interventions. Since then, I have become a firm believer and have recommended several patients with different medical problems to Sepi. It is a perfect adjunctive therapy to so many medical conditions, and in some conditions the only therapy required.
I have so many success stories in patients who have benefited both physically and emotionally. They have metamorphosed from being miserable from a medical condition to enjoying life. I too suffered from chronic back pain, even after back surgery. Today I am pain free, thanks to Sepi. She provides immediate relief, but also teaches how to prevent recurrences for long lasting effects.
I cannot write a strong enough testimonial for MFR provided by Sepi Aeen and her beautiful clinic which is like a resort or retreat center. “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.” ~B.K.S. Iyengar. Our souls open at the ‘From the Heart Physical Therapy’ center. I hope many souls open by coming to this center.
Kenneth S. Kleinman M.D., DACP
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine
UCLA School of Medicine
Los Angeles, CA
It is with great pleasure to be asked to write a testimonial for your practice. I do this as a referring physician, but also as a patient who has directly benefited from your “Myofascial” healing. Your unique abilities and practice provide both therapeutic and restorative function to individuals whose injuries or post-operative experiences have caused chronic pain, disability and the inability to live life that is without pain and disability. They have often seen many others by the time they get to you, sometimes giving up hope for regaining a pain-free and functional life.
Modern Medicine and surgical techniques have given many a new life to improve from that would have been devastating and incurable injuries and physical ailments. However, there are many gaps that leave those with ongoing pain and disability. Although better known and understood, “Trigger point” and “myofascial dysfunction” (soft tissue dysfunction) often fit in between the chapters of medical, surgical and physical therapy textbooks and education. These previously though “dead spaces” of the body are actually quite active and can haunt the body for months, years, or even the remainder of one’s natural life.
Primum non nocere is a Latin phrase that means “first, do no harm”, and the basica tenet that physicians live by. You have fulfilled this oath of a medical healer, and much more.
With your professional training and experience as a licensed physical therapist (PT), you are knowledgeable and expert in all of the techniques that accompany a professional fro rehabilitation following surgery. As you have pointed out to me, often someone needs the “two hands” of a professional to evaluate, diagnose and treat the physical complaints of another. I can say that the overwhelming majority of patients I refer are better (singing your praises) and cannot think of anyone who is more experienced (an pain-free in the process) than yourself. Your two hands are the ones that others to regain what they have often lost: a pain-free life with for recovery! You also teach them what to do to maintain this newly found pain-free state.
I have told many others (including my family and myself) that you and your practice should be a “landmark” and protected by the WHO (World Health Organization) as a valued and unique treasure. This is not hyperbole but a fact.
I wish you ongoing health and success to continue to help others in this ergonomically challenging and emotionally stressful time of our technologically challenged society. My best wishes for you and your practice to remain healthy, prosperous and successful and available to the many individuals with pain and disability in this tumultuous and stressful time.”
Amy A.
Encino, CA
“After years of working at a computer and traveling with a computer slung over my shoulder, I was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis of the spine. My pelvis was tilted and I was wearing a shoe lift in one shoe to deal with pain created by the difference in my leg length. Often, I was so “torqued” in my hips, my clothes were crooked on my torso; skirts wouldn’t zip and slacks were an inch different in length. Frequently, I was missing important events, in bed, on a heating pad, taking pain relievers.
I was referred to Sepi Aeen by my trusted GP after a checkup and x-rays. This was my first experience with Myofascial Release Therapy. Initially I saw Sepi and her team on a weekly basis and began to feel relief to my pain, reducing my dependence on my shoe lift. Sepi armed me with a growing set of easy exercises that I could do at home. After 3 months, I was able to move my appointments with Sepi to just once a month; on a regular basis, I felt straight and was standing upright and off a regimen of pain pills.
Within nine months of being introduced to Sepi and From the Heart Physical Therapy, I have been measured an inch taller that I was prior to treatment. I see Sepi when my travel schedule of airplanes and hotels makes me feel a little crooked to prevent and set-backs; I am able to do regular exercises at the gym to keep my muscles strong.
Based on my personal experience, I have recommended Sepi to a number of colleagues and friends. Sepi’s treatment has been, for me, “life changing” – I am grateful for the restorative feeling of strength in my body and am back to living an active, healthy life.”
Matt V.
Pendleton OR
“Susan and I met in college and we have weathered for better or for worse during 28 years of marriage. I literally have never known Susan to have a conflict with anyone as she is super sweet and is the consummate mom. Susan played college basketball and in a Jekyll and Hyde like fashion, she was a fierce competitor on the court. She endured several injuries with a remarkable pain tolerance. Scoliosis, athletic injuries, three pregnancies and multiple surgeries finally overtook Susan’s body. At age 45 she had to quit work and we began the doctor circuit looking for answers, cures and relief. A serendipitous event finally led us to Sepi Aeen PT – a John Barnes MFR advanced practitioner. Here is Susan’s story as told by me – her husband.
Growing up Susan developed moderate scoliosis that produced a significant amount of back and neck pain. During college she always had a jar of icy-hot close by. As a teenager she endured numerous bumps and bruises from playing basketball with the boys on the local basketball court and riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. During college she played almost a full season on a compromised hip and as a low post player she was constantly abusing her body with bumps and bruises. During this time she developed endometrioses which caused month long cramping, which led to two surgeries attempting to improve her symptoms. Her condition worsened and she had a complete hysterectomy at the young age of 31 which actually cured her condition. Furthermore she began to develop sciatic nerve and disc trauma. For the next 10 years she had three back surgeries which provided moderate relief for short periods of time. Not to mention the fact that she bore three lovely daughters. Hindsight tells us that like many people, Susan’s life had been inundated with multiple body traumas which had produced significant scarring along with soreness and tightening of the fascia system.
When she quit her job, her right leg was numb, her tailbone spasms were virtually unbearable, and her right hand began to noticeably tremor due to pain overload. Susan was now walking with a cane, was unable to sense bladder fullness and was dealing with unbearable constipation. We took her to Neurologists, Physical Therapists, Orthopedists and nobody could help her. She was tested for Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus and nothing could be confirmed. Needless to say we were at our wits end. About that time my mother stumbled upon an article by John Barnes which eventually led us to Sepi. Our research showed that Sepi was a highly respected practitioner within the John Barnes MFR community.
We boarded the plane mostly on faith and headed to LA. Susan endured a most miserable flight. She could not sit and a few alcoholic drinks did not do much to cut the pain. The next morning we arrived at Sepi’s office. Immediately we noticed that her office atmosphere was one of peace, love and tranquility. The initial appointment involved taking pictures of Susan’s posture. I specifically remember Susan looked like a wilted flower whose vibrancy had succumbed to adversity.
Susan’s progress over the next few days was simply remarkable. By Day 2 she had regained normal bathroom function. Day 3 she was able to walk without her cane. Needless to say we were elated about Susan’s progress. Day 4 the electricity went out putting the elevator to Sepi’s 5 floor office out of order. Sepi offered to come to Susan, but we preferred for Susan to get treatment in Sepi’s tranquil office where she was set up. Believe it or not after 3 days of treatment Susan was able to negotiate 5 flights of stairs with my assistance. We took one stair at a time, but hindsight we probably should have just had Sepi come to us…. But it is astonishing that a woman who was walking with a cane just a few days earlier was able to slowly climb 5 sets of stairs. By the end of 2 weeks Susan was a changed woman. She seemed a 100% cured. She had a renewed brightness in her face and her pain symptoms had become largely subdued. Susan was given follow up maintenance work to do. And like many people she did not stick with the plan… but I would have to say that her symptoms stayed at bay for almost 8 months. After 8 months she started to revert to more pain… never getting close to like she was before. We were able to find a closer practitioner in Boise, Idaho that uses the John Barnes MFR method and she continues to get about 3 treatments every two month for maintenance.
To recap the medical field could not even come close to helping Susan’s condition. The work with Sepi gave Susan a renewed hope and plan for dealing with her condition. Interestingly these results were so inspiring to our family that our three lovely daughters have entered into the physical therapy profession. As amazing as this story is… we would like to say Sepi is just as wonderful. She is not only extremely competent in her field, but she practices with infectious love and peace.”
Mrs. Ranjanie F.
Los Angeles, CA
“This is to assure the wonderful benefit, professional attitude, and most effective treatment myself and my family have experienced at Sepi Aeen’s MFR Center, From The Heart Physical Therapy, here in California.
As with all health issues, MFR helps most due to the Natural approach it works with. The therapists have a very good understanding of the physical structure of the human body, which enables Sepi and her staff to assist us, the patients, as required, wherever the need arises to eliminate the ‘stress’ suffered due to lack or over indulgence of exercise, injury from stress to the body, internal and external, or even recovery from surgery and such other trauma.
The MFR treatment at Sepi’s center is done with very particular attention to the comfort and privacy of each patient, in very hygienic and clean as well as a comfortable and friendly treatment facility.
From our own personal experience, as well as what we have observed throughout the 3+years we have consulted Sepi, I would not hesitate to recommend From The Heart Physical Therapy for ‘Wellness’ of men, women, or children, with the utmost integrity.”