Testimonials

I highly recommend Intelligent Movement Systems as an alternative to one seeking surgery.

 At the age of 28, I was told by a well known orthopedic surgeon that I needed to have hip surgery.  After the X-ray and MRI results, the diagnosis was impingement and acetabular labrum tears.  After being promised to climb again the following summer (9 months later), there was a catch.  I would not run again without doing severe damage post surgery.  Personally that made no sense.  How does one climb but not run, and for the rest of my life?

 I am so appreciative to have talked with Michael Driscoll before my scheduled first of two surgeries.  Michael and I worked together for three sessions and my recovery was phenomenal.  Using Michael’s instruction and applying the techniques, methods and practices into my life has allowed me to continue with a preventative maintenance practice.

 Using Michael’s instruction weekly, sometimes monthly now, I feel great and back to what I love, climbing mountains.  Two years later, one year pain free from my misdiagnosis, the so called impingement and acetabular labrum tears are no longer an issue.  Through Michael’s knowledge and instructional explorations, I found my issue to be the sciatic nerve and lack of flexibility for the surrounding overstressed muscles.

 Thank you Michael, I am so appreciative for you showing me an entirely new way of using and maintaining my body.  You kept me out of the operating room and I can still climb and run as much as I want.  My life could have changed so drastically had I followed through on an unnecessary operation.  My life has indeed changed dramatically; I completed my first 14,000 peak post injury and could not have felt better afterwards.

I highly recommend Intelligent Movement Systems as an alternative to one seeking surgery.  My experience with Michael has saved me from going under the knife and the ongoing future returns to the operating room that are all so common.  There are no side effects other than feeling better!

Joshua Kelly

Dear Michael,

While cleaning the gutters on my home, I fell off a ladder and shattered my L1 vertebrae 60% on one side.  I was taken by ambulance to the hospital and a few days later, on June 13th 2006 I had three vertebrae fused using half of one of my ribs and titanium rods and screws were used to stabilize the fusion.  I spent several months confined to bed to allow the fusion to heal and finally my neurosurgeon told me it was time to begin physical therapy.  I was just able to walk, although I was severly bent forward from the waist and could not stand up straight.

I came to Ashbaugh Center for Therapy by chance since it was in my insurance company’s preferred provider network.  I began weeks of painful manipulation and exercises by one of the therapists.  Not long after that they told me they were going to have me work with their Pilates therapist, Michael Driscoll at Intelligent Movement Systems.  I must admit that I really had no confidence that Pilates was going to help me.

I could not have been more wrong.  Oh, the first session didn’t change my condition much, since you were spending time evaluating what I could tolerate.  But, after the second session I walked out of your office like I hadn’t walked in months and when I returned home, my wife couldn’t believe the difference and the huge improvement I made.  It was really difficult to believe that all of a sudden I was standing up straight and walking again without pain.

Since then, despite my surgeon’s prediction that I would never be able to do anything that was too jarring for my back, I have been able to do anything I could before my accident.  This includes running 8 miles every morning, skiing, golf and kite surfing.  I recommend you whenever someone mentions to me they have a back problem and feel it is essential that someone get the kind of therapy that I received.

I cannot say enough, how thankful I am to the Ashbaugh Center for referring me to you and the therapy treatments you provided me.  They returned me to a normal life, and best of all, I don’t even think about my back anymore.

Dave Gregory

I have been working with Michael for less than two months.  I came to him in an attempt to alleviate constant chronic pain which originated in an automobile accident over 16 years ago.  I was very skeptical even though Michael felt certain that he could help me.  Promises had been made by many chiroprators, massage therapists, cranial sacral practitioners, yoga, pilates and gyrotonics instructors.  While I got some relief from all the other people I worked with, the relief of pain I am getting now throughout the entire right side of my body, from my jaw to my ankle, is totally amazing.  I am also experiencing a very calming effect from doing Feldenkrais work with Michael.  My body is more relaxed and I am much more conscious of my movements and posture in a very natural way.  For the first time ever, I feel I have found a practitioner who really listens to me and never tries to push me into something that would be painful.  I look forward to remaining pain free and developing my physical strength through working with Michael.
Kimberly Ella Donars

MA,, LPC

I have enjoyed Pilates for three years and love a strenuous workout without hurting my joints.  For two years I have worked with Michael Driscoll.  Michael is very knowledgeable in Pilates, Gyrotonic and Feldenkrais and uses these skills interchangeably during my workouts.  His extensive background in dance also enables him to have an awareness of body movement, posture and injury prevention.  He is very professional and very focused.  When I workout with him, I feel he is concentrating only on my workout.  Through his knowledge and teachings, I have learned how to be more aware of my body and its strengths and weaknesses.  I have suffered from asthma for years and feel that my workouts with Michael have helped me with my posture and breathing.  Michael is truly a professional with compassion.
Lynne Sullivan

I was referred to Michael by a friend and went to see him prior to a hip replacement.  I was impressed that he consulted with one of the physical therapists in his office to preclude anything negative.  I did have the hip replaced.  After working with Michael for a while, I realized that he was the instructor that I watched giving individual lessons while I was struggling in a group class on the other side of the room some 12 years ago at the Phoenex Center for Health Excellence.  I was constantly amazed at his touch–his gentle, yet firm movement along with the client and his total concentration.

As I started working with Michael I was embarrassed to feel clumsy since my body had compensated for a sore hip for years.  Getting my head to stop second guessing and feeling the movement has been a big step, as well as progress in letting go of what I’m hanging on to in my body.

A year and a half later, I’m so pleased with my progress overall.  Michael is analyzing, coaching and innovating during the entire session to individualize for the best results and never accepts pain as accomplishment.

Kathy Weber

My main goal when I started Pilates at Intelligent Movement Systems was to be able to get back up when I fell down.  After 22 sessions doing Pilates and Feldenkrais with Michael Driscoll at IMS, I achieved my goal of getting onto and off the floor without assistance.  In addition, my balance has improved so I feel more stable and confident when I take my daily walks.
Dr. Stewart Taylor

96 years of age.

Dear Michael,

This letter is to express my extreme gratitude and appreciation to you for helping me get my life back!  A few years ago I was the victim of a devastating car accident that resulted in many injuries including severe Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  After several major surgeries and three years of Physical Therapy, I was referred to you in order to help rebuild my body through Pilates.

I have been training with you for over a year and can’t express enough how important you have been to my over all health and well-being.  You have a strong sense of pride for what you do which shows through your professionalism.  You have helped me reach many of my personal goals — many of which I never would have thought possible.

It is with great pleasure that I write this testimonial for you.  It is one small thing that I give you in return for the very great thing that you have given me… and understanding of how my body works and a practical method for healing it.

Sincerely,

Julie Grimes

Julie Grimes

I have been working with Michael Driscoll at Intelligent Movement Systems over the past two years, after a rave recommendation from a friend.  It had been many years since regular exercise, and I realized that with the onslaught of inertia, a lot of business travel, and age, that is was imperative that I start working out again.  I felt slow, stiff and generally out of shape.  The women in my family were long lived, but they suffered from arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal issues, the dreaded dowager’s hump and generally had limited mobility.

Pilates strengthened my body in a very different way than the weight lifting I had been accustomed to.  I had always been strong (I could lift and press a lot of weight), but I’d never been able to get rid of the belly, no matter how thin I was.  It was very interesting to learn with Michael; let the body move through the exercise, not try to bully my way.  There’s almost a letting go, which was extremely hard for me, but it brings both relaxation and energy at the same time.  Today, my posture is much improved, I stand more erect, and my tummy looks smaller.

Michael has introduced me to both Gyrotonics and Feldenkrais, as well, developing a personal program that suits me well.  The variety makes it interesting and I anticipate just how I’ll feel differently after each session.  Gyrotonics gives me movement: my shoulders, hips and arms are more coordinated and movement is more fluid.  I even feel as though there’s more oxygen reaching my lungs.  And Feldenkrais is my specail treat.  I have never been more relaxed than after a Feldenkrais session, tension just melts away from my body.  I feel as though I’m no longer holding my body together by force of will, it’s now arranged, just as it should be.  The knots in the back of my neck, which no one has ever been able to do anything about, have released and in turn the dowager’s hump isn’t really there.

All this comes from a girl who really doesn’t like to exercise, but all three really make me feel like I’m doing something good for my body.  Previously, exercise made me feel exhausted, now leaving a session, I feel lighter, taller, stronger and energized.  All this, and my DEXA is the same as it was two years ago.  I don’t know whether this has helped my osteopenia, but it’s wonderful news that there has been no deterioration, and I have not had to take medication!

Leslie Zahler

I started going to see Michael Driscoll on the recommendation of my massage therapist, who had also been a client of Michael’s.  I have been so happy I took her up on the suggestion!

I wanted to find a practitioner who could teach both Gyrotonics and Pilates because I had previous experience working with this dual approach and it was very successful for me.  However, Michael not only had expertise in those two fields – he also was a dancer and is a Feldenkrais Practitioner.  He has many “arrows in his quiver” when it comes to evaluating individual clients and their needs.  This means every session is very individual and focused on the unique patterns and needs of the client.

Michael has been instrumental in helping me recover from a total knee replacement and its aftershocks.  He has been very supportive in guiding me toward othe exercises that support my ongoing progress.  He can see the smallest things about movement and my body’s patterns, then helps me work on making changes in those areas as appropriate.

I am delighted to recommend Michael to friends and acquainteances, most particularly those who can benefit from treatment that is much more than an exercise routine, though his sessions can be very energetic and a good workout.  The Best of All Worlds!

Tobi Watson

Almost six years ago, I lifted a five gallon water bottle from the floor to the receptacle, and in so doing, twisted my back.  I have had back problems off and on for a few years, usually after lifting something heavy – even though early in my teaching career I had worked with physical therapists who supposedly had taught me the proper way to lift.  But this time, it was different.  I couldn’t get out of bed without help, couldn’t even rotate to get out of the car.  I went to a chiropractor who performed tests, took x-rays, verifying that my injury was “soft tissue”, and told me I had one leg that was substantially longer than the other.  After a series of treatments, a back brace, and a lift for my shoe, I managed to get back on my feet.  But every time I fell skiing or slipped on the ice – I could expect wrenching back spasms within one or two days.

I had known Michael Driscoll socially for a few years, and we have a mutual friend who had gone through some really horrendous back issues, ultimately turning to Pilates, Gyrotonic and Feldenkrais with Michael.  I was intriqued, largely because I was getting the distinct impression that my chiropractic appointments were treating the symtoms (albeit with a misdiagnosis regarding my mismatched legs!), and that even though I supplemented my treatments with massage and swimming, I never felt that I was getting at the root cause of my problem.  I took the Pilates and started out seeing Michael privately twice a week.  It was a long process, but one in which I never doubted I was making progress.  I learned a lot about healthy movement, about how I move (my patterns), and about alternative ways of doing things.  I also learned what to do if I start having problems – simple stretchs and movements.  My muscular tone improved, especially in my mid section. For the first time in years I used my abs!  I may have thought I was using them before, but I really lost touch with them.  My balance improved – my skiing received a boost, I hardly ever stumble while hiking or stub my toe on a rock in the trail.  Also, for the first time ever in thirty plus years of yoga, I can maintain the standing balance asanas!  The secret is core strength!

I now see Michael once a week in semi-private sessions and supplement with some mat Pilates exercises, yoga and all the other activities that I enjoy.  At 56 years of age, I have the knowledge and the confidence that I am going to continue to age gracefully and healthfully.  Six years ago I wasn’t so sure.  Pilates has changed my life!  Michael is unique in his focused attention to detail, his knowledge of anatomy and physiology.  Even the Physical Therapist in the office talks about Michael’s thirst to understand all the mechanics of healthy movement.  I tried to supplement my semi-private with another (less costly) group at my health club and was sorely disappointed.  Michael Rocks!

Joan Cunningham

I found Michael through a dear 97 year old friend of mine, Dr Stewart Taylor.  When he told me he had been going to Pilates for 9 months and it helped, I decided to call and make an appointment.  I did not even know the word Pilates, but a recommendation from this very conservative, professional man meant a great deal to me.  I am only 82, but I knew I needed help with balance, flexibility and maintaining strength.  I also had constant back pain in my low back.

While being introduced to the Pilates method during my initial sessions with Michael, I also learned that he is certified in several methods of movement education.  I have been working with Michael since October 2008, once a week and my constant back problem is non existent and my gardening that I love is once again enjoyable.  What Michael has helped me learn is better self awareness of how my body works and moves.  As he tells me, ‘everything is attached’.  I may start each session tired and grumpy, but I always leave with a spring in my step feeling well and happy.

Ellen Brettell

Pliates training with Michael Driscoll has helped me develop strengthen and flexibility, which I needed for my new passion: marathon running. It’s a great tool to build long, lean muscles and prevent injuries.”
Larissa Fedyk

Have a question? I would love to hear from you.

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           Cities and Neighborhoods surrounding IMS location          

 

Sheridan      80110

Littleton       80120-80130  80160-80163

Bow Mar      80123

Greenwood Village      80111

Grant Ranch    80122                                     

Columbine      80123

Centennial      80015-80016

Hampden South     80237

South Denver       80210  80222  80236  80237                                                                    

Lakewood         80226

Morrison        80456

Edgewater     80214

Wheatridge     80212-80215   80033

Highlands Ranch   80126  80129  80130