I am an outdoor educator, fellow bodywork practitioner, martial artist, and otherwise an incredibly active person. My body needs a lot of continual maintenance outside of what I am able to do for myself. That said, I have been receiving bodywork from dozens of people for over 10 years (including plenty of structural work/ Rolfing/cranial sacral work) and David is certainly one of the best. Besides his obvious knowledge and skill he often allows his intuition to take the lead during our sessions which has led to uncovering deep holding patterns ready to be released. All the reviews I have read are are spot on. His knowledge and understanding of the body, calm meditative and grounded demeanor, gentle sensitive touch, and genuine care for his client creates a space that both allows me to trust and relax throughout our sessions. His touch is nothing short of amazing. He goes very deep, yet through his highly sensitive touch he waits for the body to invite him in leaving me continually feeling safe, which is unique to a lot of structural work. Some of us are lucky enough to find our gifts within this life and share it, David is certainly one of the lucky ones. Bodywork is not something he does, it's who he is, David is a healer. I feel blessed to have found him and look forward to more. read more

"I feel transformed," I said, "in the best possible way." And I did. I'd never had body- work before; didn't really know what it meant. But David came highly recommended to me by a dear and trusted friend. With such high praise, I booked a session. And after our 90 minute appointment I found myself totally. . . transformed. A-buzz. Re-attenuated. Functioning on different range of frequencies. I felt open and alive. It was as if I were outside in the fresh open air (whereas before I'd been looking at the world through a dirty window (and I didn't even know it, notice it, know it could be different!)) All of this was a surprise to me, but it says a lot about David. Here is a man who listens as deeply as he can, with as much of himself as he can marshal. I felt the enormity of his heart during our session: his compassion, kind spirit, guiding instincts, and deep desire to be a force for good in the world. Here is a man who is clearly, actively working to search, strengthen, know and heal himself; that's the only kind of person worth trusting with our own self-care. There are only five stars to give him on Yelp - far too few. Terrific healer, terrific human. Book now before the inevitable cult following grows so dense he can't accept new clients! read more

A friend encouraged me to see David when I had upper back pain that began to radiate to my neck and shoulder. I decided to do the whole 10 session series that he does, instead of just focusing on that problem area. I would have never believed what a difference it made. The pain was something I struggled with off and on for years, and my last session was about 10 months ago and I am still pain free in my back. I recently went back to him for some very mild knee pain in preparation for a big hike I'm doing, and after just one session it feels almost totally improved. Don't come in to this thinking you are getting a feel-good massage. This is pretty intense body work, great for working out years of tension or asymmetry from improper mechanics. David really is great - he cares about your whole self and really listens to what your needs are. I am almost sorry I feel so much better, because I want more reasons to go back to do more work with him! (Added bonus: I could pay with my HSA, which was awesome). read more

I have loved working with David! He is a compassionate, humble, and wise beyond his years practitioner. I have gone to many healers and know when I come across a gem of a healer- David is one of those gems. I appreciate that David looks at the whole person and utilizes both his technical knowledge and his intuitive healing abilities when assessing the needs of a person. We ended up doing a very different session that I would have thought we might have, and it was just the energy work that I needed at the time. I value when a practitioner co-creates with the client to see what might be needed that day rather than just following a scheduled regimen. David truly sees what your body needs in the moment and is adaptable to those needs, creating a safe and genuine container for deep levels of healing. I recommend him highly. read more

I am beyond impressed with David's kind and caring spirit and integrative knowledge of the human body. I am a physical therapist and I initially started seeing David for a shoulder injury that was bothering me during sports and while treating my own patients. After just two treatment sessions, I no longer have any pain. David does not chase pain but analyzes the entire body and fascial system in order to get to the root of your problem. He is very present throughout the session and very in tune with his clients needs. His hands are firm but comfortable and safe. I recommend him without hesitation for anyone looking to improve their body alignment and structure who want to be active participants in taking steps towards better health. Thank you David for sharing your gifts with the greater Seattle area. read more

I was in a car wreck that totaled both cars, set off my airbag, and knocked me out for a few minutes. It took a few weeks for me to really feel how banged up my body was, at that point I had several fairly serious physical problems. In my first visit with David he took time to asses my issues, then started an organized approach to working on the problems. I felt a lot better after the first appointment, and every appointment after that. I had low back issues, forearm and hand issues, hip issues, lower leg and foot issues and neck issues. David was able to help with all of that, he really helped me get back on track physically. I am a professional strength & conditioning coach but everyone needs help sometimes and David was a great help when I needed it. Highly recommended read more

I just completed my first session with David and I so highly highly recommend him!! I have quite a bit of unwinding to do in my body and in the past 6 months have seen a few practitioners with some mild relief, but then the tightness is back. In just our first session, I notice some areas of chronic tightness and holding are able to relax more than they have in months! This is just the beginning and I'm thrilled to work with David. He is thoroughly committed to his path of Mastery in his healing craft, and thoroughly committed to his clients and their well being and exquisite care. He creates a space that generates the restorative energy of being in a peaceful forest, and I feel so relaxed, at ease and totally confident in his care. I highly recommend David!! read more

I'm so grateful to be in the process of working with David. I had never heard of structural integration, but was eager to try anything new to help with various chronic aches/pains. After only one session, I felt my body shifting, straightening, falling "into the right place." This has only deepened with further work... David has true healing touch; his humor, listening, comfort, and joy towards helping people feel at home in their bodies, is truly powerful. The effects have been more than physical for me: this has been strong work for shaking free stuck energy, and has coincided with a period of great change in my outer life, as well. New creative birth! I see it as all being connected to entering David's practice, and will be forever grateful! read more

I started seeing David for tendonitis in my ankle that had been persisting for months and tightness in my back that has been bothering me for years. At every session, David does an evaluation of my posture and looks for tight muscles and range of motion issues that contribute to my pain. The treatment has involved strong and intense massage in all the right areas. He really works hard to get into the hard-to-reach tendon in my leg and is always excited to hear about positive results. David has noticed things that my physical therapist has overlooked and he is very knowledgable about body mechanics. I have experienced improvements after every session. David is a hard worker who shows real devotion to helping me get better. read more

i went to see David with chronic upper and lower back issues, and lots of long term structural problems. We talked about setting up a 10 sessions work plan which seemed like a great integrative approach. Unfortunately my insurance does not cover outside of directory and I couldn't afford the expense at the time. For my first and only visit David was very nice and caring he took the time to listen to my personal history and took very detailed notes to put together a work plan. The massage part was quite impressive as he was able to opened my thoracic throat area in a glimpse and release many old tension spots. I'm definitely excited about getting to do deeper work with him in the near future. I very much recommend David. read more

I don't usually do reviews, but... I have been to see David 3 times. After 2 visits, the "kink" I'd had in my lower back for 6-8 weeks was gone! I've had a tendonitis in my wrist for a very long time; this also seem to be improving. Although the massage technique is very deep, sometimes uncomfortable, it works. I find myself thinking about the monastery I visited in Thailand, the bells sounding in the blue sky, the chanting... I didn't know I knew how to meditate, but I do! More importantly, David has the knowledge and skill to figure out what is wrong. He puts his heart and soul into doing just that. I am going to continue to see him and hope others discover his talents! Highly recommended! read more

Not only is David acutely knowledgeable and skilled in his massage practice, its apparent how much he cares about his clients' mind, body, and spirit health. I feel valued and respected as a human being - not just as a paying customer. David always asks inquiring questions about my health and well being, shows genuine concern, and then responds with meticulous therapeutic body work digging deep into and alleviating my ache and pains. I've been dealing with pain for years that I assumed would be with me for the rest of my days but now I leave every session feeling like my body is working and flowing again. With David's ongoing help and advice, I know that I am on track to living a pain free life. read more

"I came to David in hopes of resolving several ongoing areas of pain and tension. I was attracted to his systematic and in depth approach after not seeing lasting results with other therapies I had tried. What a good decision. From my very first session I knew that this work was both deep and comprehensive, and that as a therapist David is uniquely sensitive to the subtle signals of the body. Over our ten sessions my pain was greatly lessened, but just as important, I saw my posture improve and my movements become more integrated in my yoga and dance classes. I have since sent several friends to David, and I give his services my highest recommendation." read more

My first session with David was a dream. My body tends towards tight & tense from working at a computer all day (as well as a lifetime of long-distance running & rock climbing) and I've got a laundry list of joint issues. David was so tuned into my body as it is--I never felt any negative stress on my affected joints. When I left there was a sense of release: my muscles felt buttery, my joints fluid, and everything was a little more in balance . . . amazing how a balanced body can help everything else feel more even keel as well! I am looking forward to continuing to work with David & excited for the transformation I can already feel. read more

The first thing I noticed on the table with David (Melman) was his pure presence...his ability to be empathic with my body, my whole being and what was up for me in the moment. I continued to work with him through the ten sessions of Structural Integration during a stressful time in my life. By the end of the ten weeks, my body felt in complete alignment, my spirit was much more at peace and my essence stronger. I attribute this not only to David's skills in the work that he does, but also to his personal strength and alignment and his gift for holding space for others in a pure, loving way. read more

David has everything I have been looking for in a bodyworker: knowledge of the flowing lines of the body paired with a firm and intuitive touch, as well as well-honed listening skills. Through conversing with David and explaining to him when I'm experiencing in my body, and having him pair my feedback with his wisdom, I am empowered as a full participant in my wellness journey. I feel that David has a genuine passion for the healing arts, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking to make profound and real changes to the structure and alignment of their body. read more

David is a conscientious, compassionate and articulate practitioner. His precision in being able to understand where pain is starting from in the body and how to work it through and out is brilliant. He truly sees what your body needs and is sensitive to those areas that need a lighter touch as well as those that might need the deeper healing of firm pressure. His practice space is just gorgeous, with an incredible view of South Lake Union and the city skyline. I highly recommend him, especially for people who crave the intense healing of a skilled bodyworker. read more

I have nothing but great things to say about my experience with David. I am 63 years old, and have had a great deal of body work in this life of mine. The powerful techniques that David employs really got me in touch with my body in ways I have never encountered. His kind, intuitive energy and powerful knowing touch seemed to know just where to go to relieve my discomfort and release long-held tensions. I am not a frequent yelp reviewer, but felt compelled to let everyone know about this opportunity. I 100% recommend him. read more

David is a special healer who is not only knowledgable and precise in his bodywork, but also uniquely integrates spiritual and psychological healing practices. I myself am a clinical psychologist and found David very warm, and nonjudgmental. I routinely left sessions not only feeling rejuvenated physically but also emotionally and spiritually. David is a special human being! He is playful and kind. At the same time, he can also receive people's sadness and irritation. I recommend him wholeheartedly. read more