Hard to believe that it's been 4+ years that I've been seeing Randy. In that time I have changed quite a bit - which is not easy for a 50-something - from passive-care options like chiropractic and "regular" massage to therapies recommended by Randy including network chiropractic, careful exercise, and now Pilates to correct something that reared its ugly head in the past few months. I no longer bother with "lie down and doze" massage, even if I think it would be nice - it's far more useful to spend that $$$ with Randy to work out a problem and be more mindful of the reasons it is present in my body. He is a wonderful partner in the journey of maintaining a healthy and mobile body! read more

I thought I wrote a review already. Randy is the best. Elevates pain immediately. I went to him for years no issues. I hate that he left Oakland. What makes Randy unique even compared to chiropractors and massage therapists, is that he takes the time to determine the root cause of pain. Sometimes something in one spot is really caused by a totally different spot. read more

I've been going to write this review for some time now. I have been plagued with chronic back pain for over 15 years, spent literally thousands of dollars on other types of bodywork, acupuncture, movement therapies, chiropractic (don't get me started....), supplements, books, yoga, you name it. I also was a bodyworker and did deep muscle (NMT trigger point) bodywork for several years so I am pretty aware of alot of modalities out there. Randy truly has been the only therapist that has given me some relief. He is incredibly present and attentive every session - something I find lacking in multiple sessions I've had with other bodyworkers. I have been seeing him for about three months now; and when I get off his table I truly feel a difference - my level of pain in my back is way less than before. I used to get a lot of pain while standing in lines or shopping - that pain is much less than it was. When I went to see a medical doctor at Kaiser I was told that I had osteoarthritis and "nothing could be done". I'm so glad that I don't believe medical doctors...... read more

Randy is THE guy to see when something is really wrong. He's poised uniquely, with knowledge of both physical therapy and massage. He'll get you out of pain, tell you what's causing the problem, and correct the issue if he can. I recently had abdominal surgery, and had to lie flat on my back for several weeks while I healed. Needless to say, at the end of this period, I was really grateful to be able to move around again! While trying to return to normal activity, my arm went into muscle spasm and just wouldn't stop for several days. I was baffled, upset, and at my wit's end when I contacted Randy. I was already familiar with Randy's work, but never had I needed a rational opinion so badly. (I know, I probably should have called my doctor, but I had REALLY had enough of doctors by that point, and my experiences had led me to believe that all I could expect was a 2 month wait for an appointment and then prescriptions for muscle relaxers. I wanted the issue resolved, not medicated.) Randy calmly helped me assess the situation, used massage to stop the muscle spasms and get me back to a normal lifestyle, and then in later visits, we got to the root of the problem. Basically, all that laying around had aggravated a preexisting condition, and out-of-alignment bones in my neck were pinching a nerve that controlled... you guessed it ... my arm! Randy did muscular testing and demonstrated to me that my arm no longer had muscle tone in certain directions, all of which was directly controlled by the nerve issue. And then he did the best thing of all... he pointed me to a great chiropractor. Doing what you can do within your discipline to help someone, and not being afraid to refer out when someone could be best served by another modality... that's what I call taking care of your clients! It's now 4 months later, and with regular massage and chiropractic care, I'm almost back to normal! read more

I've seen many different bodyworkers over the years, and Randy is simply in a class of his own. His work has helped me regain flexibility in an oft-dislocated shoulder, and is helping to release patterns of stress and tension in my neck, shoulders, and hips. And, he does it all with grace and humor. :) read more

So sent my Housemate to OMT. I was tired of his complaints about his back, legs, psoas... After he made the appointment he was rueful about the price..."this is certainly too much for a massage". But I assured him it was no ordinary massage. His appointment with Randy proved to him that there is a difference and the higher price is well worth it. His pain was relieved and he has moved into the next phase of his healing process! read more

I saw Randy regularly for years beginning around 2000, but when I left my corporate job in 2007 it seemed like a luxury I could no longer afford. I returned this year to find that Randy's techniques have really matured, and that a therapeutic massage is much more than a typical massage. Since last November I've been having a lot of stiffness and soreness in my hips, neck, and lower back. Randy opened these areas up and relieved the discomfort. Of course, I follow up with foam roll exercises and plenty of swimming. I sure sleep better after a session with Randy! Randy has been involved in healing and bodywork for many years and has a unique style that is much more than just massage. His work is very therapeutic and interactive but relaxing and nurturing at the same time - it's like a blend of massage and physical therapy. I highly recommend him to anyone who has pain or discomfort in their bodies. In your first session with Randy, you'll find him to be gentle but strong, with a fun sense of humor - always a plus! read more

Randy...what can I say? He is awesome! I adore him senselessly. :) I studied with him about 2 years ago in his Sports Massage workshop @ SFSM. He is brilliant. I need to book a massage with him very soon. hugs to you Randy... Patrick :) read more

My massage with Ryn was the best I've ever had in my life... and I went to massage school, where I had a lot of massages, including from veteran massage therapists. It was more of a collaboration than other massages I've had. No nudity, no oil, just muscle and soft tissue manipulation with some interactive elements -- pushing against her hand, allowing the muscles to remember how to relax. As I understand it, everyone here performs this type of massage. Ryn in particular was warm, funny, and sweet. I felt transformed afterwards, even days later I am holding myself better and my posture is improved. I balked a bit at the price, but my husband pointed out that this is as effective or better than therapy, so it makes sense that it's priced about the same. read more

I threw out my back and could barely walk. My Dr. prescribed various medications. I tried ice and heat. Randy was kind enough to get me an appointment ASAP with another clinic in order to stabilize my back. I came back to see Bud later that week and the relief was immediate. These guys are true pros. Miracle workers? Maybe! Whenever someone tells me they are in back or neck pain, i immediately think of Oakland Manual Therapy. read more

Randy helped me ease some of my back and neck tension. His methods were extremely advanced compared to the other CMTs I have been to. I will continue to see him to help ease the pain in my hips. Randy was also honest enough to refer me to a chiropractor as some of the pain could not be solved by his work. I would recommend Oakland Manual Therapy to ANYBODY with back or neck pain! read more

In 3 weeks I'm racing in an Ironman triathlon. Two weeks ago, I went see Randy based on the fantastic Yelp reviews for Oakland Manual Therapy. I was not disappointed! I'd been training for the last 7 months and had been injury-free, up until one insanely-tough week. I strained my neck and back and was worried because I had a (shorter, practice) race coming up. Randy's technique is comprehensively unique, combining (in my opinion) 3 different types of physical therapy: MAT (Muscle Activation Technique), ART (Active release technique) and of course massage. The net effect is highly corrective and yet therapeutic at the same time. Randy performed specific range of motion and flexibility tests on all of my joints specific to swimming, cycling and running, and discovered other muscular imbalances that I was totally unaware of! His assessment was so thorough; he had the foresight to treat my whole body and not just my 'chief complaint' (neck)- I was really impressed with his 'root-cause' approach but also the results. After the treatment, my inflamed muscles felt relaxed and loose, and I had a great race! I plan to see Randy again before Ironman. If you are an active person or an athlete, Randy is the person to see. Don't waste your money anywhere else if you want lasting relief from pain or injury. read more

I have been seeing Randy for a few months now for therapeutic bodywork to address chronic pain and stiffness in my neck and back. As much as I would love to say that Randy is a "miracle worker," to do so would minimize the true skill, knowledge, and awareness that Randy possesses and infuses into the amazing work that he does. It was obvious from the first session that Randy has a fine-tuned understanding of the body and how it works. He was actually able to identify muscle imbalances that my doctors missed. By the third session, I was experiencing noticeable and, more importantly, sustained reduction in pain and increased range of motion. By the fifth visit, I felt like I had a new body. (Seriously - I really did, and still do!) Is it a miracle? No. Randy is just that good. A word about the technique: Randy utilizes several therapeutic modalities in his practice, most notably the Hendrickson Method. As another yelper mentioned, HM isn't one of those therapies where you just lay on the table while the therapist rubs your back (or neck, or whatever else is hurting). As gentle as it is, it's a dynamic process and you have to work sometimes. But it's surprisingly relaxing, and the benefits are lasting. In addition to the hands-on work, Randy gave me several simple and effective exercises that I can do at home to correct my posture and increase the benefits of the bodywork. They've helped a lot. I also ask a ton of questions, which Randy has always graciously answered. Finally, in addition to his great work, Randy is a really cool guy. He's personable, friendly yet professional, and sincere. It's a real pleasure to share his space for the hour-or-so while he works. read more

Randy has the best hands in the business. Hand down! I am very physically active (cycling) and need body work at least once a month--sometimes several times a month. Randy is my #1 choice (i f only he were available every time I call) His approach is very interactive. Don't expect to just lay there and ooo and aaah. He makes you work with him in his process of putting you back together again. He's a real healer. You won't be disappointed. read more

I'm a 40-something who plays basketball w/ the same group weekly. After starting to work w/ Randy, the guys who guard me kept saying, "You've gotten quicker, and you can jump higher. What's your secret?" This guy is THAT good: not only did my back and neck pain get relieved, but I learned simple techniques about how my muscles and joints can work at their best. Now I have hip movement I didn't have before, so I'm more flexible, stronger, more aware, and a much better athlete than I was in my 20s! It doesn't take forever to recover from soreness or an especially rough workout, either. He's a terrific guy, too, who'll go out of his way to make sure you get what you need. read more

I love having bodywork of all kinds and have seen many people and I have to say that Randy, Budd & Ryn are three of the best. Each of them has a slightly different touch and all three have helped me with significant issues particularly a stubborn pulling sensation in the back of my left knee that I had experienced for years - gone after one session and help in my recovery after a recent cervical disk injury. I highly recommend them for those aches and pains that seem to pop up out of no where as well as "gym injuries". read more

As a yoga teacher I tend to keep myself in rather good health but every once in awhile something in my mortal body goes awry. Recently I experienced some intense hip pain and I was so glad to have Randy taking care of me. He really helped me work through some of the acute pain that I was experiencing and best part was he helped me pin point the area of injury. The technique Randy uses (as mentioned in other reviews I see here) is really therapeutic and educational. He and his team are thorough, professional and very encouraging. I am back in action again thanks to Randy! read more

I've been witness to Randy's great work. He is very talented in his work and can create deep lasting changes. He knows what he can help with, but most importantly knows when his clients need another approach to treatment and will help them find the appropriate help. I have many years of experience as a personal trainer and other body work can confidently give him 5 stars. read more

My visits to OMT have changed my life; less pain, more movement, healthier lifestyle (because I can move). I've recommended OMT to friends and they are incredibly impressed as well. read more

When I first heard of manual therapy I had no idea what it was. A friend of mine said it was nothing too different from a massage so I didn't pursue it. After having a baby that changed. Being a small person my back in particular my lower back was in a lot of pain. And trying to pick up an ever growing baby made it all the worse. I found myself unable to move shortly after my daughter's second birthday. I went to a chiropractor. I went to a spine doctor. Nothing. I was in tears thinking I had ruined my back in some terrible and permanent way and that I would be potentially disabled for the rest of my life. I remembered Randy from Oakland Manual Therapy. I had asked him once about his services. I had been struck by the no pressure attitude. Desperate, I gave him a call and described to him what was going on. First he calmed my fears about being forever disabled and suggested I come in for an evaluation. Honestly, it changed my life. I saw him once a week for a month and then once every three weeks for a few more months. Turns out my tailbone was not in the proper place. That was fixed after a couple visits. That fixed a life long issue with lower back stiffness which I've had since my teen years. And you know how you go to a massage after you've pulled something in your shoulder blade and you're achy for a week or so? He fixed that too. Amazing. Its a massage but it is corrective, not just a feel good massage session. And the relief is instantaneous. He gives you exercises to do at home to help and relaxation techniques that are effective. I am forever grateful. read more

Immediate relief and extremely effective. The Hendrickson Method is magic for anyone who has back or shoulder pain. Randy knows his stuff. It is safe and sustainable healing. read more

OK, I can't believe how awesome Vanessa was. She came in on her day off to accommodate my husband's birthday massage when our original therapist had an emergency. Not only that, she gave him a phenomenal massage--she goes deep, and has great technique. The price was very reasonable, and it was easy to get to. Double thumbs up--she has new clients now! read more

I've seen both Randy and Ryn for various knee and hamstring issues caused by my poor technique in ballet class. The ballet teachers help me with my technique and Randy and Ryn help get my body back into class. Both of them are highly experienced and the method is miraculous. I've had lots of bodywork over the years and their method really gets me out of pain and back into class. It's great to feel that confident in your bodyworker. read more

Randy's approach to physical wellness has had a significant impact on mine. I was referred to Randy over 10 years ago by my physical therapist. At that time, I had already been spending a lot of time at the gym, weight lifting (among other things). Right away Randy took his time to understand what was going on with me, and then began approaching the specific issues in a professional, no nonsense way. I quickly learned that this wasn't going to be just a massage; this was going to be a treatment somewhere along the spectrum between massage and physical therapy. And he worked miracles. And continues to do so. I make a lot of demands on my body. Randy's work, along with that of my excellent chiro, and doing my own stretching and other exercises, many of which Randy taught me, has saved me from all kinds of hurt. Go see Randy. Magic hands! read more

I can't even begin to tell you how awesome Oakland Manual Therapy is. I have been dealing for 15 years with chronic pain in my neck and shoulder. For the most part I've managed it and have taken care of it with Chiropractic and Acupuncture. Recently it started to creep back in in a way that I knew wasn't good. I saw Randy ONE TIME and he shifted the pain so effectively that I didn't need the 2 follow up appointments we scheduled. Needless to say, I'm completely amazed. Beside having such a healing presence, he is a body technician. He knows the musculature of the body and how it's supposed to work. In 20 minutes he ran me through a series of muscle test that identified where things were not right and then proceeded to FIX them. If you're struggling with chronic pain, there is no better person to go to. read more

I went to see Randy with hope of relief from some chronic hip and back pain. I guess I had high hopes, based on the yelp reviews I had read. His office is nice, in an old house, please beware you have to climb a long flight of stairs to get to it. He listened to my "issues", which included lower back stuff, and pain when laying on my right hip, so much so that I don't sleep on that side at night. The first thing he did was have me lay on that side, and he proceeded to rock me back and forth over the painful area as he worked on my back. I thought it would only be for a few minutes, and I had told him about my hip, so I went with it. After maybe 20 minutes of this my hip really started to hurt, so I stretched my leg and tried to shift my position a bit. He noticed, and said we were almost done on that side, and we soon shifted to the other. Needless to say I left his office in way more pain than when I started. It took over a month for the area to go back to it's more normal pain level, and I am still seeking relief. read more