Client Testimonials

I wish to highly recommend Chris Havel as a physiotherapist.  I began to see him in September 2017 for a twisted knee.  Not only was I impressed by his knowledge of the workings of the body but also his compassion and understanding.  He spent time with me, answering my questions and then explained the treatment needed.  He started on some simple exercises that I was able to accomplish, and then moved me on to more complex ones, giving me words of encouragement all along the way .  I was soon out of pain and back to normal.  His care and understanding is something out of the ordinary in today’s medical field.  I am very grateful for the help I received from Chris Havel.

I have been under Chris’s care for the last couple years and have been very happy with the results. Most notably, he has helped me eliminate the chronic back pain I have had since I was a teenager. First, by helping me understand how I was moving improperly, then by giving me the tools and support to establish proper movement habits. I have been treated by many different physical therapists over the years, and none of them have been able to deliver the results I have seen under Chris’s care. His deep knowledge of the human body is evident, and it is combined with serious, focused care that he adjusts to an individual’s needs and situation. I cannot speak highly enough of his services.

Chris Havel fixed my frozen shoulder and he did so in a fairly short period of time. From my first day in physical therapy with him, Chris was a perceptive listener. During our physical therapy sessions Chris showed his professional understanding of my condition and the technical know-how to correct it. From the outset, Chris’ physical routines seemed tailored for my condition. I found it natural to have confidence in Chris, since he is so knowledgeable in his field. For me, that sustained my confidence in him, and I felt motivated to follow through on his prescribed routines at home. He fostered a team approach with each of us doing our part to achieve the end goal. Chris’s patient commitment is so apparent and genuine that as the patient you are motivated to want to do your part. Chris has a comforting manner about him. I highly recommend him!

Last fall while at a conference, my sciatic nerve got pinched again. I was in pain for almost 2 weeks until I was able to get back onto the island. Many people recommended seeing Chris, so I made an appointment. When I came in for my appointment, Chris did not rush me, but took the time to talk about what was going on with my back and how it related to my symptoms. He then began to stretch me and lengthen my muscles. He also demonstrated stretches, which we did together, so that I could make sure I did them correctly. I was amazed at how good my back felt afterwards. Within a few days my sciatic pain had been reduced to almost nothing and within a week or two my back was back to normal! I highly recommend Chris!!!

When I got hurt running the National Championships 50 mile race, I thought my running career was over. But after successful hip surgery I was on my way to recovery. All I needed was a great physical therapist to help me rehab. As a competitive distance runner all my life as well as being a physical therapist, I knew I could trust the expertise of Chris Havel. He mapped out the rehab process and successfully got me back on the road and racing again. After this devastating injury, with Chris’s professional knowledge and guidance, I was able to recoup and went on to win my local home town marathon the next 6 years in a row as well as win the Pacific NW Masters cross country championship 6 times. Thank you Chris!

I am a slightly past “middle aged” woman doing my best to remain physically fit and flexible so that I can enjoy life to it’s fullest. I try and exercise regularly and enjoy a number of outdoor sports. I was not pleased a year or so ago when I woke up one morning with what I might call a “frozen shoulder”. It was a persistent and annoying pain, preventing full range of motion. I can’t even tell you what actually caused the complication, it may been aggravated by hours of sweeping up sawdust at a construction site or the delayed result of a jarring fall I had taken while walking my dog. I dealt with the pain for a number of weeks thinking it would eventually resolve itself before I was referred by my GP to Christopher Havel, MPT. I saw Christopher for 4 physical therapy sessions, and through his gentle massage, manipulation, and stretching exercises I suddenly realized one day that I was pain free and had recovered full use of my shoulder, no stiffness whatsoever. Christopher’s treatments gave me back my ability to pursue my activities and I would highly recommend him.

I am so grateful for the physical therapy I received from Chris Havel. The two simple stretches he showed me have helped clear up and keep away the chronic back pain I had experienced for nine years. He has also helped me to keep my shoulders healthy with strengthening exercises to prevent injury. Thank you, Chris!

Over the course of the summer of 2017, I suffered from back pain that limited almost all of my physical activities. That fall, I got Chris’s help. Over three weeks of treatment, he taught me daily routines (stretching and strengthening activities) that returned me to full capacity, even running again. Chris’s command of both the technical and the practical (he knew I’d only commit to a 15 minute routine) is masterful and, without hesitation, I would recommend him to you. He’s professional, funny, and a good listener. I continue to be blessed by his care and attention.

I highly recommend Chris Havel. After my hip replacement surgery his skilled care enabled me to quickly start walking normally again. More recently the stretches he taught me provided me with great pain relief. In addition, Chris’s mobile therapy service brings the convenience/comfort of having treatment take place in one’s home.

I am currently a deputy.  In my line of work I have to be able to react to any situation quickly, which means my body must be in good shape. In October of 2017, I probably had the worst injury of my lifetime. I ripped apart my patellar tendon and partially tore my right quad. I underwent major surgery and needless to say, I could no longer perform my duties in law enforcement and had to take time off. In the hospital right after the surgery the doctor told me 4 to 6 months for recovery time. I was devastated. When I first started therapy I felt like it was a road that would never end. Chris was very encouraging through this process. There were times when I was not sure if I would be able to work in law enforcement again. Chris always stayed positive and the best part is he would do the same exercises that he was having me do. He pushed me when he needed to and took it easy when it was necessary for the recovery. We became friends and I really looked forward to our sessions because of how positive he always was. I had a goal of when I wanted to return to work but I was not sure if I would be able to meet it. Chris pushed me hard through our sessions. He not only physically made me stronger, but mentally. He showed me different techniques to relax and breath. I gained confidence and saw that I would be able to return to work. Chris and I still work out together and he still is pushing me beyond my limits. I have achieved goals I never thought I could achieve. If you get a chance to work with Chris I would definitely recommend it.

I am extremely satisfied with the care and results that I received from being treated by Chris! He took the time to ask me questions about my pain. He not only told me what exercises to do, but he also got down on the floor and showed me exactly how to do them. He even let me use my phone to video him doing the exercises, which proved to be very helpful. My knee is not only feeling better, but my entire body feels stronger and more flexible. My pain has greatly decreased, and Chris’s holistic approach has drastically improved my quality of life! I can now hike with my kids.

If you need physical therapy go see Chris Havel. His extensive knowledge and dedication to helping his patients heal are evident every step of the way. I know for a fact that Chris’s expert guidance helped me recover more quickly and thoroughly from hip replacement surgery than I otherwise would have. If I know anyone needing professional physical therapy in the future, I will certainly recommend Chris’s services. Thank you Chris!

In May, 2017, I was fortunate to meet Chris Havel and work with him in regaining strength and stability with my walking, following knee surgery eight months previously. Chris coached and worked with me individually making sure I performed each exercise correctly; and then slowly added more time and intensity to my routine. Not only was he instrumental in my improvement physically, but also in my confidence. It was with his help that I was able to travel on a long trip to see family in Europe. Chris is a fine person who cares deeply about helping others. I am grateful for his wonderful care.

Following my hip replacement surgery, Chris was encouraging, helpful, and carefully answered any questions. My recovery went extremely well under his direction, and I recommend him to others who need physical therapy.

In August 2015 after a prolonged bout of severe pain in the lumbar region, I received a diagnosis of multilevel degenerative changes, with convex right lumbar scoliosis. The recommended treatment was physical therapy with various instructions including MET (Muscle Energy Technique). At that time there was no one on San Juan Island with MET training. In January 2016, Chris Havel moved to the island, and among his certifications was MET. He helped me a great deal, and was delightful to work with. I would whole-heartedly recommend him to anyone requiring a Physical Therapist of the highest quality, with a broad range of knowledge and the ability to apply it appropriately and thoughtfully.

I had the opportunity to work with Chris Havel for several months after having a full shoulder replacement. At the time I started therapy with him, I was midway through a long recovery and feeling discouraged by pain and the slow return of the mobility of my shoulder. Chris’s knowledge and experience combined with his positive, supportive attitude pushed me to a deeper level of commitment to my healing. Through his manipulation, massage, and education of natural movement, Chris helped me to integrate this new joint not just into my body, but also into my daily life. He helped combine my previous experience with yoga poses into my shoulder exercise routine and that brought more joy and meaning to my rehabilitation – thank you, Chris! I highly recommend Chris for physical therapy and movement coaching.

Chris Havel was my physical therapist both before and after surgery. He is compassionate and caring. The stretching and strengthening exercises that he gave me I still do everyday. I would recommend him to anyone needing a physical therapist.

I went to Chris Havel after having a severe back issue. My pain was debilitating and I had very little hope that I would fully recover. After working with Chris for 4 weeks, I was able to continue my activities and my job tasks with no pain whatsoever! Chris was very knowledgeable and thorough during my rehab appointments. The exercises he gave me helped heal my condition much faster than I could have imagined. He also gave me hope that he could treat the injury and I wouldn’t have to live my life in pain. It has been over a year since my last visit and I have had no issues with my back. I’m very glad that I went to Chris and thankful for his help.

Following a broken femur as the result of a serious horseback riding accident, I give credit to Chris for helping me get on the right course toward full recovery. The stretching exercises Chris taught me during treatment continue to be integral to my daily routine and I know contribute to my overall strength and flexibility. I am grateful for Chris’s knowledge, skill, and emotional support during a very difficult and painful time. Chris is a gifted therapist and teacher and it’s alway a pleasure to recommend him.