I started getting relief from Sae Smyrl PT a couple of years ago for recurring shoulder blade and back issues. I most recently sought help from Sae this past year with a 3rd degree shoulder separation and leg pain. Sae has both come to my location and I to his office for my physical therapy. I love the fact that Sae completes a thorough interview and body assessment to start therapy for me. And he explains to me what he is doing and why along the way. Each time I left with a body feeling so much better, homework to keep it feeling better as needed, and follow-ups if needed. Sae's attention to detail and top notch service are above and beyond. He is a big part in keeping me commuting on my bicycle everyday and working a job where I am on my feet all day. Thanks, Sae! read more

As a breast cancer survivor, my mastectomy scar runs across my chest and ends in my underarm. Since the surgery in 2012, I have noticed that at the end of each day, the region around this lengthly scar feels irritated, fatigued, painful and just plain uncomfortable. After an initial consult with Sae Smyrl, he worked on my scar to find places where the underlying tissue (I don't know the medical terminology) was tight, bunched up, etc. and most likely causing my pain. He also gave me a lesson on how I can treat myself. The nerve damage in that area prevents me from being able to identify what sort of "touch" I'm receiving . With the help of a hand mirror I was able to watch exactly what he was doing and learn how to help myself to help make this area more supple and flexible. S. Smyrl also demonstrated, (and had me practice) various sleeping positions. I didn't expect this! It was an enormous help, since I didn't opt for reconstructive surgery, I am, essentially breast-less on my left side, at night, when not wearing my prosthesis. This imbalance has really wrecked my lower back and sleeping patterns. The reason why I'm writing this review is because I have been to doctors about this post surgery issue and received pain pills, anti-inflammatory drugs plus sleeping pills. The side effects have not been fun and just added to my stress. I was also advised (again) by the doctors to get reconstructive surgery, which I really don't want (it's never a done deal, you have to keep going back every few years to have it redone/ more surgery, to match your healthy breast, or lop off your healthy one to match the reconstructed one). All this to just manage a scar that has left me significantly uncomfortable. By contrast; The body work, tips, instruction and insight that I received from this physical therapist has made an enormous difference with just one session. The icing on the cake is his bedside manner. He is kind, patient and has a wealth of information and techniques. I felt very comfortable with him. I haven't had to reach for the pills since. I think I'll be able to ditch them soon, thanks to him. Oh yea, best of all: he does house calls. read more

As a multi-sport (whitewater kayaking, multiple bicycle disciplines) athlete, I have been treated for injuries many times over the last three decades, and Sae Smyrl stands out as one of the best, most knowledgeable, "tuned-in" care providers I have seen. Both serious athletes and weekend warriors often get misunderstood in therapy. Many doctors and physical therapists fail to understand the rigor and intensity of their activity and their commitment or drive to continue it. Not Sae -- as an avid cyclist and outdoor person, Sae comprehends the bio-mechanics and psychology involved and provides the right blend of treatment and sensitivity to help an athlete take productive steps toward recovery that minimize risk and offer the earliest possible chance to resume activity. The day after a huge, ambitious, exploratory mountain bike ride in the backcountry, I tore an an already-tight and fatigued hamstring sprinting from hornets in my driveway. Benched and in pain, unable to walk, I sought Sae's help. After a thorough assessment and progressive treatment plan, I was first able to exercise conservatively in a racing kayak, graduated to spinning on a trainer, and now 8 weeks later have been able to prepare safely to race an 85-mile gravel road event next weekend that climbs over 10,000 feet of cumulative elevation. I attribute this to Sae's expertise and highly professional, customized care. Whether you're an aging outdoor sport enthusiast like me, a weekend warrior, an active person, or anybody wanting to attain or regain conditioning to participate in life, Sae is the PT for you. read more

I went to Sae with some lower back and leg issues. He worked with me and got me to feeling much better. Sae is also certified in Astym which is great for helping regenerate tissue. His schedule is very flexible, and the cost is very reasonable as well. He got me on track with some stretches an exercising and I am very pleased with the results. read more

A few years ago, I had a frozen shoulder and was advised to continue physical therapy while on vacation in Western NC. Sae was working at another practice at the time, and was one of the physical therapists who treated me. Sae challenged me to work hard to improve, and improve I did with Sae's care. read more

I was in a car accident nearly 14 years ago. I saw numerous doctors, physical therapists, massage therapist, and chiropractors. Some providers helped me achieve some pain relief, but it did last long. Ultimately, I was told that I would learn to live with chronic pain, disabling headaches, and most devastating, I would never be an athlete again. As the years progressed I became more and more physically limited. I was in pain all day everyday. After a few bouts of extreme pain last summer I was referred to Sae. I had no idea how life changing his personalized physical therapy would be. It has taken time and dedication on my part, but I am incredibly thankful that I stuck with it. I am stronger and more physically capable than I have been in 14 years. Recently, I went rock climbing, a sport I loved before my accident. I ran a mile last week. I carried a 50 pound bag of fertilizer to my garden a few days ago. These are things I never thought I'd be able to ever do again. I still experience some pain, but it is minimal and not constant like it used to be. It's rare that I have a headache now. My quality of life has greatly improved as a result of the physical therapy Sae provided. I am able to do the things I used to love to do. I feel more alive and capable now that I can be physically active again. This man's amazing talent and knowledge has helped change my life.Thank you, Sae! read more

I have had nine joint surgeries, and seen plenty of physical therapists. Sae is not your typical physical therapist. He sees his clients one at a time. He puts a lot of thought into your specific problem, designs a therapy program for your specific situation, and closely monitors your progress. You don't feel like you are on a conveyor belt, running through the standard set of exercises while your therapist juggles you and two other clients at the same time. read more