In an article with GLOW SPRING ‘10 The Magazine About Beauty, Health and Wellness, Dr. Mantione eloquently explains his theory about dealing with pain. Below is an excerpt from that article.

“Imbalance is pain or injury waiting to happen. My focus on prevention means that I don’t just backtrack with clients once they have sustained an injury. Instead, I encourage regular tune-ups to re-calibrate. I spend an hour with each patient performing a head to toe evaluation, during which time I check flexibility and re-balance the body where needed: bones, spine, muscles. I can always find some type of imbalance in the body. Whether or not you realize it, your body needs a regular check-up. The culprit can be posture, weak muscles or a leg that is shorter than its pair – which I can fix nine out of ten times, unless this is a condition the patient has from birth. Imbalance must be addressed earlier rather than later, which is why I advise my patients to come and see me for a professional evaluation…”

The article continues by explaining Dr. Mantione’s three specific areas of treatment within the realm of physical therapy:

1. Total Body Tune-Up – A one hour comprehensive evaluation and treatment to re-align the entire body and correct any spine, muscle and energy imbalances.

2. Injury Prevention – As an Injury Prevention Specialist and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, I developed the Sports Injury Prevention Screen for all ages and athletic specialties.

3. Injuries – Prevent, prevent, prevent. I use a “hands-on approach,” treating one patient per hour, which is unique for any medical practitioner.

Below are some testimonials from Dr. Mantione’s patients:

“I am an Olympic weight lifter. In constant pain, I met Jack after two shoulder surgeries, back surgery and months of unsuccessful physical therapy. I lost complete function of my shoulder. Also my lower back pain and pelvic instability prevented me from standing erect. Orthopedic doctors said my only option was a shoulder replacement, pain management and a wheelchair for my back pain. Telling an athlete that his ability to lift weights was over and that he is unable to weight train on any level is depressing. I expected Jack to say there’s no hope, instead, he said we could work around the existing injuries and bring me back to be able to function and lift weights again. I am actively training again and regained full function of my right shoulder and lower back. Meeting Jack was one of the luckiest days of my life. Many people know the textbook approach of physical therapy and fitness training, but very few understand the art and are able to take it to the next level. For someone to practice something on the level of an art, they must know their subject completely. This allows them to be free and intuitive about what they are doing. Therefore, they can practice as an art. In my humble opinion, that is where Jack Mantione is today.” — Joseph V Perez; Roberto Clemente Athlete Of TheYear, Two Time United States Para-Olympic Athlete

“I first stumbled into Dr. Mantione’s office with a knee injury that had me sidelined from the gym. Within a few months I was back to cycling and running with ease, and my body looked better than ever! Now in our session he works on my back pain and migraines. As long as I get there once a week I am almost completely pain free.” — Liz M., NYC

Dr. Mantione is a TSH member practitioner offering our members Dr. Mantione offers TSH members a 10% discount off the 1st session which includes a head to toe evaluation and treatment.

– Review by Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

“Do you exercise alone or do you work with a trainer?” I get this question fairly often from my clients. I guess they want to know if I also endure the same physical strain that I impose on them. The answer is always the same: I prefer working with someone, because very few people can push themselves to the same level of intensity while alone than working with a trainer. Plus, it gives me the added comfort to know that there’s someone by my side spotting me and checking on the smaller details of my form.

I recently began working with Anne Marie and it has been a very enjoyable training routine. During each workout, Anne pays close attention to my body’s needs, discomforts and weaknesses. Questioning what is working or not and making slight adjustments is important and Anne does this very well. As a training partner, we try to push each other as hard as we can without crossing over the line of our personal limits.

I can say from first hand experience that Anne Marie offers not only a great technique, but a patience and understanding of the body that is remarkable. Her well rounded expertise also includes massage and reflexology studies, which she uses on many clients in order to better understand their tensions or problematic areas that need strengthening.

Personally, I believe trainers have a great advantage when they can perceive the body beyond a machine type of system made up of parts, but also as an integrated organ that can be stretched, relaxed and opened up. Last week, when I was explaining to Anne a discomfort in my shoulder after a short workout, she massaged the area and after 15 minutes I felt better. The pain was completely gone the following day!

Anne Marie offers TSH members four in-home reflexology sessions for only $500. Members save $100!

– Review by Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

There should be a new doctor’s prescription for people that have to lift heavy objects for a living: a Yoga massage. The perfect remedy to release the tight muscles of the lower back, hamstrings, hip and groin area.

And the best part is that it could be done in the convenience of your home.

Alana Jackler combines this ancient technique that is not only helpful to relieve muscle tension and stress, but will also help you improve flexibility and circulation, plus increase your breathing capacity. All these factors play an important part as immune boosters.

Next time you are thinking “stretching” think massage – yoga style. It will leave you with a sense of calmness. Yogakneads offers TSH members a 2-for-the-price-of-1 for your initial session.

– Review by Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

I have had the pleasure of knowing  Dr. Bonnie Liakos – DC, DIBAN, Holistic Chiropractor, Applied Kinesiologist – for quite some time now. What impressed me the most is her unconditional commitment to getting her patients well regardless of the difficulty in their health situation. What sets her apart from other Holistic doctors is her approach to figuring out the cause(s) a persons sickness and to then go back and correct the imbalances in a non-invasive way.

Some of you may not fully understand what Applied Kinesiology is, or simply assume it is just muscle testing. In actuality it is much more complicated. Dr. Bonnie Liakos has been in practice for over 26 years and it has taken her several years to become proficient in the art of muscle testing. The use of the muscle test is a tool utilized to figure out where the imbalances are in your body structurally, biochemically and in the brain itself. After figuring out these imbalances, Bonnie uses various techniques and protocols to go back and correct them. Some of the protocols used are Injury Recall Tech., Nutrition, Detoxification Protocols,  AK Biofeedback, Acupressure, Cranial Respiratory Tech., Neuro Emotional Tech., Homeopathy, Exercise Rehabilitation, and more.

In 2004 she was nominated by her peers as one of the “Top Chiropractors in America” for having assisted people with all types of health problems including fibryomyalgia, chronic fatigue, PMS, Pre and Post menopausal symptoms, digestive problems like GURD and irritable bowel, migraines, TMJ, chronic low back and neck pain, among others.

Dr. Bonnie Liakos is aware of the foods and drugs the government has approved for our consumption, which have been known to cause harm. She told me that she took her family and patients off trans fats (hydrogenated oils) 20 years ago, and it took just about that long for the government to finally realize that this product caused harmful side effects.

She is an extremely talented healer who brings her experience, intuition and a burning desire to help people simply get well. I’m happy she has become one of our practitioners at Turtle Shell Health.

Dr. Liakos is offering TSH members a  10% discount  on all visits, including the initial consultation. Now you know you have someone who can help turn your health and life around and give you the answers you having been seeking.

– Review by Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

Some professionals view their competition as strategic partners under the right circumstances. That’s how I’ve viewed my professional relationship with Joshua during the last year. Even though we are both trainers and looking for a similar type of client, we have been able to work together on different projects and to help each other in search for new business opportunities.

During the time that I’ve come to understand Joshua’s fitness philosophy, I’ve had the pleasure to refer him to some of my clients whom have expressed nothing but satisfaction and gratitude for having discovered his method of training.

Joshua is a fitness consultant with a Bachelors Degree in Sports Psychology. He holds certifications from A.C.E., N.A.S.M, and is also prenatal and postpartum certified. Joshua has been working within the health and fitness arena for over 10 years designing personalized fitness programs which incorporate motivational techniques to enhance performance. Joshua is also the fitness model in “THE DUKE DIET”: world renowned health and fitness book. His fitness philosophy: “Your self image and habits go hand in hand; change one and you will automatically change the other.”

His company, Mind Over Matter, invites you to work with New York City’s finest fitness professionals. They design fitness plans that meet your individual goals and inspire you through motivation and guidance. By understanding the mindset and obstacles that New Yorkers face daily, his team is prepared to adjust to your schedule and environment.

Turtle Shell Health is proud to have Joshua joining our membership program.

– Review by Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

I’m always amazed by the resilience of a pregnant woman, especially one that already has two children, continues to run their own business, and somehow manages to help women fight Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); and still finds more time and energy to write and produce an e-book too!

Randi Cestaro is that kind of woman, and is the founder of Happy Healing, a private Nutrition Counseling practice in NY and nationwide with expertise in helping women who suffer from PCOS and IBS. Randi has over 5 years experience with helping women get there PCOS and IBS in remission in 6 to 12 Nutrition Sessions. She is board certified and received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

You can count on Randi to be very well organized when it comes to finalizing a task or project. Having met her 4 years ago has been a blessing, because we’ve been able to collaborate on different projects like the detox program for our “Quantum Package” at Transform Fitness which has resulted in a big success with many of our clients.

Today, I am proud to say that she is the new manager of the practitioners department for Turtle Shell Health!

I highly recommend to any women out there suffering from IBS to pick up her new e-book, “I Healed Myself From IBS and You Can Too!” or her MP3 download, “Top 5 Ways to Learn How to Eat Healthy for PCOS“.

We look forward to working with Randi for a long time, not only as an expert in the field of nutrition, but as an integral team member at Turtle Shell Health. If you’re a practitioner and have questions about our membership program, please contact her at randi@turtleshellhealth.com.

– Review by Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

After listening to Danyelle Demchock’s presentation for the first time about one year ago, I was thinking to myself, this is genius, this is exactly how I feel about my approach to health and fitness. She happened to be one of the guest speakers at our health fair and was expressing the importance of a balanced approach to fitness which begins with awareness of your inner self and by definition, with your ultimate purpose.

Hence, she is the founder of Inner Clarity Wellness, Inc., to provide a range of holistic healthy lifestyle services. Everything is connected; Danyelle’s approach addresses the importance of relating to a person as a whole and then walking them step-by-step to helping them achieve their fitness, nutrition and spiritual goals.

Danyelle’s passion for dancing has lead her to run a series of dancing classes, (currently only available for women), as a fun way to get you moving and active.

Recently, she has taken her passion for natural and organic food out to the streets by creating a truly entertaining and educational tour through the Union Sq. Farmer’s Market. The tour offers market newbies and long time fans a chance to meet the farmers, ask them questions, sample some terrific treats, and learn the organic truth about the food you eat.

– Review by Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

I still remember the first time I met Maren; it was at one of our visitors’ day at my BNI group;  she stood up, said her 60 second commercial and she was one of the few faces that I remembered in the crowd of 50 people. We started chatting a little bit after the meeting and in just a few minutes she left me curious enough to schedule a private appointment with her.

Maren Perry: Personal and Business Coach

We sat down for almost 3 hours on the day of that appointment! While I immediately began thinking about the next steps in my career, Maren was determined to place some realistic deadlines and time frames into my schedule to help me achieve my goals in a positive way.

There were a few moments when we discussed certain topics outside of work, but which were indirectly related to my career such as the place that I’d like to live, my relationships, hobbies, etc. I took only a few notes that were key and have served me as a guide to this day.

Maren is one of those few life coaches you meet in life that leaves you with a sense of accomplishment; she not only listens to you, but she is remarkable at approaching your personal goals in a very honest and straight forward way.

She has been a great business colleague and asset in the short time I’ve known her (nearly one year now!), and I look forward to many more years having her as someone I can count on for that boost to get me on the right track.

I recommend everyone that wants to clear their head or come back to focus to give her a call and take advantage of her exclusive discount offer for TSH members.

– Review by Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

How many people do you know who workout constantly, but eat the worst foods imaginable? Or even continue to smoke or drink quite heavily? How many people do you know that claim to be health conscious, but barely ever lift a finger for exercise?

Well, for those of you who claim not to know anyone, now you do. That’s right, yours truly (I used to fit into the former category). Am I perfect today? Of course not, but in the last ten years or so I’ve been trying and learning as much as I can to keep this marriage alive between physical activity and nutrition. I believe that one cannot exist in true harmony without the other.

The effect of working out can feel so good or rewarding, that we often trick ourselves into believing that whatever we consume afterwards has been well earned! Or vice versa, some people who believe to be eating healthy or who are not over weight, tend to ignore the natural call for regular physical activity.

The consequence of not practicing in both sides of this equation could be a physiological imbalance, producing other problems down the road.

About 1 year ago I had the pleasure of getting to know Marie and Stephen, of Ways To Wellness, both work as nutrition coaches to help their clients achieve maximum health.

Their approach to nutrition is more involved. They place their clients into a 12 week, nutritional boot-camp-like process that takes them through an in depth study/review/practice system, at the end of which, each participant walks away with the proper weapons of knowledge to battle the offenses from the corporatized food propaganda machine. The end result is smarter purchases at the grocery store, plus gains in long-term, preventive health and weight loss – without dieting!

Speaking of food (as I like to do), I met Daren Kotchek, of MYLO Gourmet, at a health fair some time ago. It was very refreshing to find a family based food company that is not only healthy, but will deliver and cater directly to the busy New Yorker. Conveniently healthy food that tastes great…how can you not like that?

Did I mention that MYLO Gourmet offers vegetarian and gluten free menus? That’s right, plus Daren is always looking to connect with gyms, personal trainers, and other food experts.

Ways To Wellness is offering TSH members a 10% exclusive discount on their 12 week program. MYLO Gourmet offers TSH members FREE shipping for the months of January and February 2010. Register here.

– Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health

Before nutrition, there was exercise. Challenging my body to stay fit has appealed to me as far back as I can remember. There was rarely a long span of time (2 weeks at most) that would pass by without the eventual rise in my desire to get physically active. Then afterwards, as it still occurs today, I could bask in the immediate gratification that came from feeling strong and looking great.

Nutrition however, was another matter altogether. It never quite had that impacting effect like exercise did, it was elusive. And by “nutrition”, I mean the real stuff – not the trendy diet variety or the once-in-a-while type, I mean the absolutely, low-down, forever-life-changing kind of nutrition. My familiarization with it was a gradual evolution that took many years and still continues with ongoing education and practice.

One of my mentors in the world of nutrition is the gracious Laurence Martinaud. A graduate of the school of the NY Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and a practicing Reiki therapist, she has been one of the educators in my recent past that has made me more aware of the value of food and its benefits towards a balanced life.

Laurence and I have created a perfect marriage between exercise and nutrition by taking advantage of the value that each can give to one another. She has come a long way to making her passion for helping others live healthier and happier a dream come true.

For the past year, I’ve referred Laurence to several of my clients and the feedback has been nothing less than fantastic. The best comment I received about her is that she is flexible and easy to talk to, that she doesn’t adopt to the square approach to nutrition, but rather works within the realms of each individuals likes and dislikes.

So, I’m very proud to kick-off the new year by announcing Laurence Martinaud as this week’s Turtle Shell Health featured practitioner. She is offering a 15% discount to all TSH members including a free consultation.

Plus, enjoy the wonderful menus that Laurence has prepared for us for the winter season and we are already in the works of a spring menu just for you!

Laurence can help you connect the dots between how you eat and how you feel. Whether you want to lose weight, gain more energy, explore possible food allergies, fight diabetes, cancer or other ailments, or simply desire to learn how to eat better, she is the perfect resource for you. I encourage you to schedule a free consultation with her today at www.laurencemartinaud.com

– Ana Nieto, founder of Turtle Shell Health