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December 2023 by Sara Pacholke
I cannot say enough good things about Stewart! Doctors had previously told me there was nothing they could do and even started questioning if "I really was in that much pain." A friend referred me to Wholistic Health Studio and I'm so glad they did. Stewart really listens and works to find a solution to your problem. He will always be honest if he can or can't help, he helps you get a better understanding of your issue, and he gives you things you can do to help improve your situation (i.e. exercises or stretching). He has significantly helped me and improved my quality of life. Sabrina works in the office and is very responsive to appointments and changes. She's always willing to help you with scheduling and billing questions. I high recommend Wholistic Health Studio!
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November 2017 by Katherine Peters
Came in for a shoulder tension massage that was giving me a migraine. I lived in pain for a week, until I saw Stewart. Left an hour later feeling amazing and migraine free.
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May 2016 by Barbara Gerlach
One year after a work related injury to the lower back, when all other therapies had failed and physicians were accusing me of making up the pain, Stewart came like a godsend. Calm, patient, but nevertheless with great perseverance he found the real reason for my discomfort. Applying Tautband Therapy, a modality he developed and teaches, he eased my pain and dramatically improved my quality of life. His studio, offering a view on old trees, a vast garden and a big lawn, is not only a place to help the body but the soul as well. Here you don't feel like a patient receiving treatment, you are an individual finding compassion and knowledge that heal your whole self.
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June 2015 by Susan Chapek
RE: MASSAGE THERAPY. When I'm injured, or whenever a chronic pain flares, I hie me to Stewart for treatment. He is unique for his manner of diagnosis/analysis; his knowledge of cellular as well as large-muscle anatomy and physiology and pain control; his peaceful and caring personality; the slow, gradual, pain-free method of his style of massage; and the comfort and beauty of his treatment studio--with large windows looking out across his farmland. Stewart has been treating me off and on since the 90's for muscle and joint injuries after falls, for a chronic calcification in a toe joint, and for good old-fashioned cricks in the back. After shoulder surgery, I went to Stewart to supplement the prescribed physical therapy, and my "official" therapist found his treatments to be beneficial and complementary to hers. I have recommended him to dozens of friends, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to you. RE: SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES. After a nasty fall in 2013, when the treatments prescribed by my orthopedist failed to fully restore the strength in my arm and shoulder, I joined the Senior Fitness classes taught at Wholistic Health by Melanie Dean. I love these classes. Though (small) group classes, they have the feel and effect of personal training, because Melanie keeps careful track of our individual injuries, weaknesses, and progress, and she modifies each and every exercise to fit each of us--every single time. She is demanding, but keeps things light so you're never discouraged. She's as careful and as analytical as Stewart. She listens and watches us with total attention. And she is funny. Everything is kept light, but training far beyond my expectations is happening. BTW, the studio is clean, pleasant, well-equipped (various exercise balls, mats, weights, exercise bands) and offers more beautiful views of Stewart's fields. Registered trainees can also use the machine room (bikes and joggers) and the kitchenette. RE: CPR CERTIFICATION. I also took a full CPR certification course that Melanie Dean offers from time to time. Just like her training classes, there's serious learning with a light touch.
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November 2014 by Connie Lorber
I have been in Stewart's capable hands for the last 20 years! He has kept me able to play my viola because of his expertise and dedication. He has cured me of tendinitis of both elbows. I have ongoing treatments because I have thoracic outlet syndrome. Stewart is the best massage therapist I know. He heals.
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January 2014 by Cameo Voorhies
I had a deep tissue massage by Stewart last week. He's been in business for several decades and has a great reputation in the area. In fact, Duke Sports Medicine therapists recommended me to him. Which, I think, says a great deal about their trust in him and his skills. As we were going through the session, Stewart literally pulled out his medical books and showed me what he was doing. He also made sure to tell me where he was touching, his next movements and made sure that I was comfortable with each step. Even though the massage was serious business, his nature is gentle. Their space is absolutely beautiful. An oasis just 10 minutes from downtown Durham, very peaceful and quiet. I'm looking forward to taking one of their yoga, pilates or dance classes soon.
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September 2013 by Cathy M.
I love this place. A friend recommended it to me when after several months of constant lower back pain I was having difficulty maintaining my life style. After a couple visits with Stewart I was virtually pain free. After just a couple sessions with staff learning to stretch properly I was in great shape and pain free. I was amazed. Since then I am able to work and zumba 4 classes a week, garden ,run. After injuring my shoulder Stewart and Melanie helped me rehab and strenghthen my upper body. Most recently I trained with Melanie to do a 5 k mud run and obstacle course for the second year. I was stronger and better by 7 minutes. Stewart and Melanie are totally my heros!!!
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August 2013 by Barbara R.
Since Nov., 2011, I have attended Betsy Templeton's yoga class at the Wholistic Health Studio. Previously, I was a yoga student at a local women's club for about 8 years in an excellent experience that established much of my knowledge about proper execution of yoga postures. After the club closed, a few years passed wherein I intermittently (for various reasons mostly due to my too busy schedule) participated at several good studios, and irregularly practiced yoga on my own, until I heard about the class at WHS. Betsy's class has been wonderful. She is knowledgeable about body mechanics and is an expert at making certain that each person in the class is doing the poses, breathing, etc. correctly at each stage of the session. She "pushes you hard" to NOT push beyond your capacity or your level of ability in a way that avoids injury and overstretching. This part of her practice is an important asset that is often underemphasized in yoga. My only complaint in this aspect of this class is that occasionally, the class has been too cautious about adding skill that would stretch you farther because some in the class are "not there yet", but in opposition to this complaint, Betsy encourages and gives each individual instruction and space to move farther, as you need and desire, beyond the demand of each posture. Additionally, Betsy's instruction in how to execute various poses has been beyond any I have had in other classes. She excels in her knowledge of proper form and in teaching that aspect. Perhaps my favorite aspect of her class is her emphasis on the meditative attitude she encourages you to employ as you undertake your practice and to carry out beyond the class space into your regular life. Speaking of space, the class space at the WHS is beautiful and extremely conducive to the meditative qualities hoped for in a yoga practice.
