The treatment provided by Dr. Yamanami is different from conventional physical therapy. She uses a specialized hands-on approach called Functional Manual Therapy (FMT), which requires advanced training and certification. Rather than focusing on isolated body parts, she evaluates and treats the body as a whole, using a deep understanding of anatomy and biomechanics. Because of this, her assessments are highly precise, and I could clearly feel the difference in the effectiveness of the treatment.
I initially sought care due to severe pain in my right shoulder and neck. It was not caused by an acute injury, but rather years of overuse from work. One day, the pain suddenly became intense—my arm was barely movable, and I was in constant pain even at rest.
An MRI revealed a labral tear in my shoulder, as well as multiple herniated discs in my cervical spine.
At first, I received physical therapy at another clinic, but I did not see much improvement. I was then referred to FuncPhysio, and from the very first session, I could tell the difference. The pain, which had been so severe that I could not sleep at night, began to improve, and I felt incredibly grateful.
Treatment at FuncPhysio is not the typical “follow a printed exercise sheet and you’re done” approach. Each 60-minute session is used to its fullest, carefully evaluating the nature of the pain and how different movements affect the body, in order to identify the root cause. Rather than only focusing on the neck and shoulder, she clearly explains how the entire body is connected. She also practices home exercises together with you and ensures that you are performing them correctly. In addition, she teaches not only how to recover, but also how to prevent future injuries through better movement and body awareness.
An orthopedic surgeon who reviewed my MRI told me that surgery was the only option, and I even had a surgery scheduled for one month later. However, thanks to Dr. Yamanami, I was able to cancel the surgery. I am truly grateful not only to have met her, but also to have learned that surgery was not my only option.
Although Dr. Yamanami is petite, her hands are incredibly strong and precise. Even individuals with larger body types can feel confident in her care. Before each session, she carefully listens to my progress and adjusts the treatment based on my condition that day. Through palpation alone, she can immediately identify whether I am performing exercises correctly and where stiffness or dysfunction is present. She can even pinpoint the exact location of pain without me needing to explain.
Thanks to what I learned during treatment, I have been able to prevent injuries not only at work but also in my daily life. She evaluates and corrects habits such as sitting, standing, and walking.
Beyond treatment, she also provides advice on footwear and everyday items suited to my needs, demonstrating her expertise in the body as a whole. Her personality is warm and kind, and she often incorporates humor into sessions, making each visit both relaxing and reassuring. I also deeply respect her dedication to continuously improving her skills through ongoing education and training.
For anyone struggling with chronic pain, I encourage you not to give up—if you continue treatment, you will get better. With each session, my daily life became noticeably easier, and I genuinely looked forward to every visit. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who has not improved elsewhere or has not found relief through medication.
