People sometimes wonder whether the Gokhale Method is “too good to be true” or even a scam. The testimonials below come from real students, healthcare professionals, and athletes who have experienced legitimate lasting relief from chronic back pain using the Gokhale Method.
What our students are saying
"I have had lower back pain for years. I have gone for physical therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care. They all worked for a short time but the pain always came back. The Gokhale Method has given me a way to live, not just do an exercise. I am very grateful."
Vicki Snyder, CA
"I had tried SO many things to deal with the effects of my scoliosis and felt like I was seeking treatment more often with less sustained benefits. I can't believe how different I feel. Haven't needed pain killers or anti inflammatories, sleeping better, jogging more comfortably and generally pain free and comfortable. It's a wonderful, deceptively simple, yet profound programme to set you up for (the rest of!) your life."
Trish Flower, Australia
"Before Gokhale, I could barely walk a few blocks in my neighborhood for exercise, having to stop several times due to back pain. Now I can walk an hour without any pain. I couldn't bend before without having to lie down afterwards and now my favorite thing is to bend and I have no pain. I used to wear a back brace most of the time and I have now put it away in my closet with no need for it."
Laura Weinberg, IA
"I developed a severe case of sciatica after having a fall. My first chronic pain in 68 years. I tried many therapies over a 4 months period and Esther's method gave me the most relief after just 6 weeks. I continue to heal and feel better. The Gokhale Method feels like a God-send to me."
Susan Ryan, Cananda
"During the past few weeks there have been moments when it feels like I’m moving in harmony rather than at odds with the world. When this happens moving feels like a form of body-mind medicine. So, thank you Esther for figuring out and breaking down into a rudimentary, building block level how to get from pain to hope."
Deanne Bell, UK
"Over my life (70 YO), I have had a number of PT courses for various ailments or injuries. Typically, I was given a list of exercises to take home. I would do the exercises, but what was lacking in that approach was a way to incorporate the changes into my daily life, so that an injury was less likely to reoccur. This is where the Gokhale Method excels. For instance, over my lifetime, I learned to tuck my pelvis. The course has given me a deepening awareness of just how many different situations I had been tucking- like all my yoga poses, for a start! And also how this tucking was affecting so many areas of my body- like shoulders, neck, feet! The Elements course, with gentle shaping and attention, taught me how to first observe, and then begin to change these habits. Reduced pain, increased physical confidence, and a clear and very pleasant feeling of standing strong and tall."
Nancy Hall, AZ
"Before the course I wasn't able to sit straight for a long time without pack pain, also I had issues with my neck that was getting tense about twice a month and giving me headaches for 3 days in a row. Now I don't have these issues. Also, I got stronger, got more muscles on my back, glutes and legs, and I feel more energy. Overall I feel like I was extremely lucky to find this course because nothing else helped, and I didn't know that all my issues were related to bad posture, no doctor ever told me about that. I'm grateful to my teacher and Esther for this course!"
Lana Shelaeva, TX
"Only this method has given me my life back from daily pain. It started 30 years ago with headaches and migraines which progressively got worse until they were daily in my 40s. So nearly daily pain for the last 14 years. I’ve had/tried : MRIs, x rays, trigger point injections, upper cervical chiropractic adjustments, myo facial massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, exercise programs, OTC medications, prescribed nerve blocking medication, prescribed migraine medications, TENS unit and countless other massagers, heating pads and pillows. I’ve thought I would have to quit my job. I’ve missed weddings and other important events because I was in bed with a migraine. Truly enjoying life was difficult in this fog of constant pain.
My pain is not gone 100% but it is no where near my past intensity or frequency. I haven’t had a full blown migraine since I started. Most days I am not in pain and I am able to exercise more than ever. I sleep soundly now laying completely down for almost the entire night. I am not missing any work. This is a new phase of my life! Thank you for sharing these tools that have given the power of my health back to me. I am forever grateful."
Leslie Lawrence, CA
“I used to have a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. Since doing the Gokhale Method, I can't remember the last time I've had any discomfort at all.”
Kathy Uros, Vice-President, Charles Schwab & Co., San Francisco, CA
“I was initially skeptical that I could change my walking gait or that it would make a difference but with Maya's guidance, I found that I could indeed change it and that it felt great. I am amazed at how tall and strong I feel.”
Jackie Naclerio, Menlo Park, CA
"Life-changing! Empowering! Glowing! I can't say enough about the online course I just completed with Esther Gokhale and Julie Johnson. I had read Esther's book, 8 Steps to a Pain Free Back, and the online course coached me through the steps with specific feedback that helped me make corrections which have made a huge difference in my mental, emotional, and physical health. I feel comfortable in my body, more vitality, and availability. Best of all, the Gokhale Method does not require going to a gym. It's about developing muscles in daily life - sitting, standing, walking, lying down - so that the back is supported. I wish the Gokhale Method was common knowledge. Five stars for the course. Standing ovation!"
Christine Owen, Woodside, CA
"The Gokhale Method opens up a new level of health even to those of us who spend most of our week at a desk. It takes no time to implement, yet it works for you 24/7."
Susan Wojcicki, CEO of Youtube, Mountain View, CA
“I have not stopped receiving comments regarding my new posture, how tall I look and the new confidence I have assumed. In addition, my persistent leg pain has practically disappeared.”
Kayla Neumeyer, Palo Alto, CA
“I am 85 years old and was pleasantly surprised to learn from the Gokhale Method that back pain is not inevitable. I now do my household chores without any pain at all, got rid of my knee pain and walk faster.”
Gertrude Bock, Palo Alto, CA
“Studying this method has enabled me to avoid what would have been my fifth foot surgery. I can now walk again without pain. It has given me a new lease on life.”
Honor Rautmann, business owner, Sun River, OR
“I rarely have back pain now, and I feel more healthy and energetic overall. I am very pleased to testify to the positive effects of this work.”
John Hamilton, Geologist (USGS) and Musician, Menlo Park, CA
“Changing my posture changed my life. I am now free of the debilitating back pain that had plagued me since my adolescence.”
Suzanne Hecker, Geologist (USGS), Menlo Park, CA
“The training I received from Esther has greatly reduced the frequency of my headaches.”
Charles R. Bacon, Senior Research Geologist, USGS, Menlo Park, CA
“As a scientist, I find Esther’s approach to be very well thought out, based in extensive experience, integrated with the rest of one’s life, and extremely effective.”
Gretchen Daily, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Stanford University, CA
“I am an orthodontist and in my job I spend many hours bending over to work on patients. I have had minor back problems in the past, but a few months ago I was overwhelmed by major back pain that was almost debilitating. A good friend recommended Esther Gokhale's book and it completely changed my life. I learned that I did not need to live in the cycle of daily injury and nightly healing. The key was healing myself in the way I live day and night. Now I work pain free, have time when I come home to spend with my children (not doing exercises), sleep comfortably, and wake up without back pain. I am back to surfing and I can carry my heavy long board without any pain at all.”
Dr Sandra Kahn, CA
"The Gokhale Method is an extraordinary application of ancient wisdom to solve modern back problems. It explores intelligently the ancient wisdom accumulated in earlier times and forgotten in the modern world that can help us to improve on our number one way to happiness: health."
Professor Emeritus, Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
“I had been suffering from sciatica, degenerating discs and spinal stenosis for almost four months. Esther began doing posture work with me and the results were quite dramatic. I recommend her with great enthusiasm.”
Andrea Lunsford, Professor of English, Stanford University, CA
“In the free class, the instructor started us out stretchsitting which was very comfortable for my back and leg. I was amazed that I could sit pain-free for 45 minutes! The entire method has been a true revelation and I shall be using it for the rest of my life. I only wish I hadn't waited so long to take that free class!”
Jeri Bessat, Palo Alto, CA
"It works! What I have learned here has helped me teach and play without pain. I no longer need the prescription medicine I was using daily."
Darrick Yun, San Francisco, CA
“The power of pills is not absolute. You can go much further using the power of knowledge. This clearly written and richly illustrated book introduces a number of unique ideas that can help you regain your freedom of motion.”
Andrei Linde, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Physics, Stanford University, CA
"The integrated approach and deep skill helped my wrist and shoulder issues immensely. In just six weeks with Esther, I was pain free for the first time in a year. Working with her was one of the only things that helped my wrist and shoulder to be pain-free. I think she is the best in the region for the work she does."
Laura Noss, Chief Taskmaster, Social Planets, Menlo Park, CA
What doctors are saying
“The patients I have referred to Esther have, without exception, found her work to be life changing.”
Salwan Abi Ezzi, M.D., Internal Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
“With the adoption of even a few of Esther’s precepts, a life of bad habits can change to a life of healthy sitting and moving, and therefore a life of less pain and more freedom.”
Jessica Davidson, M.D., Internal Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
“Back problems are not only pervasive, but also intractable and expensive, frequently disabling, commonly resulting in over-medication and unnecessary surgery… [This method is a] great asset to all of us who deal with back pain daily in our practices.”
Helen Barkan, M.D., Ph.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
"I’ve used the Gokhale Method before personally and I refer patients to it, too. It involves improving your posture with various stretches and techniques. I like it because the goal is to have your spine in ideal alignment as much as possible — while sitting, standing, walking and so on."
D.J. Kennedy, M.D., President American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
"The approach is stunningly simple and confers immediate results. I wholeheartedly endorse this program.”
Deirdre Stegman, M.D., Internal Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
“The fresh and thoughtful approach to preventing and treating back pain presented by Esther Gokhale… deserves the attention of the medical profession… [Her method] holds the promise of significant relief.”
Harvey J. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D, Professor of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
“[Esther Gokhale] advocates exercises that are easily practiced during one’s normal daily activities (e.g. stretches that can be done while walking, sitting in a chair, driving or while lying in bed). All of the exercises are gentle and are appropriate for patients of all ages and strengths.”
Teresa Nauenberg, M.D., Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
"An MRI at age 47 demonstrated multi-level spinal stenosis, degenerative discs at all levels, and posterior bulging discs. The diagnosis my doctor presented me with was "messy spine" and added "you have the spine of a 90 year old." I was advised to give up all exercise. About six months ago, I discovered the Gokhale Method after being forwarded a copy of a New York Times article. My sciatica has completely resolved as has been my ability to walk longer than a couple of blocks without having to reset my spine.”
Ralph Newman, M.D., NC
"I am a 76-year-old M.D., licensed physician and surgeon for 50 years, and practicing Diagnostic Radiologist for 41 years. I experienced four lumbosacral spine issues, in 1990, 2009, 2010 and 2011, three being disc extrusions and one being a nerve root trapped in a stenotic neural foramen. Following spine surgery (discectomy) in 2009, partial, permanent damage of the left L4-5 nerve root resulted in chronic, but bearable, pain, treated with daily Tylenol until that medication compromised my liver enzymes.
In 2011, surgery involved removal of three discs, removal of bone from the spine from L3 to S1, and decompression of multiple neural foramina. That surgery put an end to my practice of Radiology due to 24/7 prominent low back pain, very slow progression in regaining ability to walk without a cane, inability to bend forward, and inability to sit for more than 20 minutes, in ANY chair, without severe back pain.
The Gokhale Method has provided me with the TOOLS I needed to overcome my back pain, as well as to keep from causing further damage. It is up to me to use those tools so that they become second nature to me. Despite my age, and extensive medical/surgical history, Esther Gokhale’s technique has been a blessing, and has restored quality to my life. IT IS A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME, NOW!"
Randolph M. Hall, M.D., CA
What athletes are saying
“Esther’s technique for treating chronic back pain is totally unique and her research… really backs it up. This is a great tool for all of us.”
Billie Jean King, winner of 20 Wimbledon titles and activist
“Esther Gokhale helped me resolve a five-year injury after nothing else has worked. Her work is unique and thorough.”
Patti Sue Plumer, three-time olympian, 1992 world record holder for 1500M and 500M run
“This method is a great asset to anyone who plays or coaches a sport.”
Roger Craig, Marathoner, Ex 49er, 1988 NFL MVP
Read more
Read more reviews and student experiences of the Gokhale Method on Google Reviews.
Or see our Success Story video testimonials.