I have been dealing with chronic thoracic pain with underlying scoliosis for over 10 years. I'm a PT myself and have done traditional PT as well as some scoliosis-specific methods (e.g., Schroth therapy), but I was new to both Pilates and virtual rehab. I found Dr. Emily Riccomini's practice through IG and was intrigued because she spoke with incredible knowledge of the spine; she practices what she preaches; and she makes movements that require strength and coordination look effortless. I love that she took a whole-body approach that actually didn't focus on my pain, but on how my body moves. The work we did felt like movement exploration and was actually super fun to play around with. The great part about doing this all virtually was how much one-on-one time you actually get. In a typical PT setting, you might get 30 minutes with your therapist/session without clear structure. Emily's programming provided daily exercise sessions carefully designed with cohesion and progression. As a former team-based athlete, it felt very much like having a coach, which I loved. I can't recommend Emily enough. Our time together transformed my beliefs in what I think my body can do, and has given me wisdom I'm excited to share with my own patients. Win update: Trunk flexor exercises are getting easier, I'm getting 75% relief in my thoracic spine after sessions, and I can now do a roll-up!

When I did my consultation with Dr. Em, she was so patient while I listed all the different treatments and doctors I had visited and how none of it worked, so much so that I thought I was going to have surgery eventually. She completely changed how I use my body in all the activities that I love. Her personalized coaching sessions and tailored exercise programs were everything I needed. She even reviewed videos of me doing my own workouts and coached me on how to modify to relieve unnecessary load on my spine. My core is stronger, my back has regained mobility, and I have a toolkit she helped me design for when my back does flare up. My flareups happen less frequently and subside more quickly because Dr. Em helped me work with my body instead of pushing through unnecessary pain. I just completed walking 82 miles on the Camino de Santiago pain-free, plus went backpacking with a fully loaded pack with zero pain or foot numbness. I owe it to Dr. Em. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER SERVICES!

Working with Emily was one of the best decisions I've ever made. She not only completely got rid of my back pain, but she held my hand every step of the way. I was unsure of doing this virtually at first, but honestly, it was better than anything I've done in person after seeing 3 different PTs with only temporary relief. She was attentive, quick to respond to questions, and checked in on me frequently. Not only did she help my pain, but she seriously changed the way I move. I feel stronger, more flexible, and more in tune with my body. At first, I was like 'what the heck are these movements,' but now I can see how it's all connected and builds on each other. If you asked me to do a Rollover 2 months ago, I would have died, but now I feel like my back can do so much more. Was able to go on a small hike and my back didn't bother me at all!

I have been dealing with back pain for a couple of years. I was so lucky I found Emily on my Instagram feed! I wasn't sure how effective working with her virtually would be, but honestly, I think it was more convenient than any physical therapy I've done in person! She is very responsive and always checked in on me. This helped me do all my exercises very consistently. I also really like the app we used—marking everything off daily helped me stay on track. I highly recommend Emily, she's so kind and supportive!

I feel like overall doing well. I made it through a 10-hour bartending shift and didn't feel completely terrible. I was expecting to feel super stiff and in pain today, but honestly, I don't feel any worse today, so I feel like this is definitely a win! I did some of the toolbox exercises and I'm feeling good. I bartended Saturday, did yoga Sunday morning, and then had the energy to do a bunch of yard work in the evening. For having a physically heavier weekend, I'm feeling good with very minimal pain!

Update for the week: this has probably been my best week pain-wise. It was minimal; not a single day was memorable. Today the left shoulder feels a lot less sticky/tight and painful to move. Legs and lower body overall feel stronger. Pain has been much better overall. The tips you gave helped a lot and helped me stay mindful and aware of being more controlled.

Was a little sore after walking all day yesterday and did my toolbox last night!! Woke up feeling pretty good!! I DID A BRIDGE WITH NO PAIN. And I held the bridge at the top then rolled back down!!! Best day ever!!! All done with mobility—literally NO PAIN with any of it!!!

Everything feels pretty good so far this week. I was doing a 4am simulator session, then sleeping, and then seeing friends. Get home and immediately went to Paris... so exhausted, but my back is feeling super good which is a plus! The back is doing great through travel, concerts, and washing my face.

I am feeling good actually. I was a tiny bit sore waking up the next day after our 1:1, but as I got moving I felt better. Still dealing with some of the issues being on my phone, but overall I feel okay!! A few weeks ago, I would have been rubbing myself down with liquid lidocaine and wearing a heating pad the entire day after everything I did this weekend. Thank you <3 couldn't have done it without ya! Onward boss.

Oo I like phase 2! I think I'm starting to get more confident with most of the moves and not be as hesitant about moving with them, so I'd say that's a win! Knock on wood, I've been feeling pretty good lately... We love mobility day! You da best.

Omg you're the freaking best thank you!! My knee has zero pain and I actually used my hips and glutes to walk down the stairs. My sister was like 'why are you walking so slow?

Overall I have been feeling better. I was able to spend full days with my family and friends with minimal pain!

Less pain, and was able to walk 10 miles Friday without noticing. I had a lot of anxiety this week but felt like it all slowly is starting to melt. I could still be more consistent, but I'm moving every day and that's what's changing.

So grateful for you Dr. Em, glad I found you. Seriously don't know what I would have done. I'm glad I decided to take the leap with this. Honestly shocked how I'm already noticing a difference in that right side.

13 hr workday. Came home, passed out, woke up and drove 5 hrs into physical labor all day... But my back isn't hurting. I enjoyed the updated flow. The movements paired with my cortisol detox playlist really triggered the feels, so I felt my body release some which was great.

Thanks to you! I feel like I'm actually healing. So happy. Wanted to share a HUGE WIN for me: my dogs typically get soaked and bathing them is always a huge task because my back cannot handle hinging over for so long. Well, to my surprise, I was able to groom and bath my dogs today with just mild discomfort, getting through it without overwhelming pain. This is how I know the exercises are working! I cannot thank you enough for helping me improve my quality of life. Can't believe I've been struggling with all this for so many years and this program is finally helping me heal.