★ 5

I came to MAT with Charles on a friend’s recommendation after years of dealing with hip and foot pain from old running injuries. I didn’t expect much after trying so many things without success. But after just two months and five sessions, my hip pain is gone (blows me away!), my feet are much improved, and I’m racking up trail miles—and even running again. At 46, it’s been a total game changer!
MAT works & Charles knows his stuff.

Source: Google

★ 5

I came to Charles in a bit of a vulnerable state. Over the last couple of years, I had a lot of knee pain, which was holding me back from doing a lot of things I've enjoyed doing in the past, like hiking with my family and even just enjoying being an active mom and teacher. I was noticing that even going for a walk or taking laundry down the stairs was becoming more difficult. I talked myself into believing this was just part of growing older. But after my husband had experienced good results from his visits with Charles, he encouraged me to check out MAT. At my first visit, Charles listened and offered me hope. He echoed what my husband said, that I didn't need to be ok living in pain. In just a few sessions, Charles has helped bring my body to a place where my knee pain is pretty much in the past, I feel safe going down the stairs, I have so much more energy in my day to day life with my family and students, and I look forward to walks with my dog! I feel very grateful. If you are an athlete like my husband who wants a tune-up on your body or if you are like me who just wants to thrive doing ordinary life, I believe Charles can help you meet your goals!

Source: Google

★ 5

I went to see Charles after a few months of serious pain in my legs and sleepless nights. After only one two-hour session I noticed a 80% less pain in my legs. Every time I go back, the pain goes down.Charles knows his craft well. He is also good at explaining things to the patient, as he inspires cooperation and confidence.

Source: Google

★ 5

I began seeing Charles after a year and a half of chronic neck pain. MAT has greatly reduced my neck pain and has helped me re-gain range of motion! Charles has also helped both of my teenage athletes (dance, football and golf). I highly recommend trying MAT!

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles has me running again after two years of chronic injuries. Truly makes a difference.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles provides a much needed service in the Bellingham community. He practices Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) impeccably and with the highest level of education and knowledge available. I’m experienced with MAT, even becoming certified, and am so impressed with Charles’ knowledge and professionalism. He is thorough and has a clear treatment plan in mind.

MAT is such a unique and useful tool, and having an experienced and thoughtful provider in our community is a great asset in the wellness community. Whether you're feeling pain or weakness, or just want to maintain strength and stability, MAT is the best tool in the toolbox. Compared to other modalities like chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, etc., MAT is the most efficient and safest methodology.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles Lantz at Axis Muscle Activation is a phenomenal MAT practitioner. I’m incredibly grateful he is here in Bellingham! He’s thorough, knowledgeable, and has helped me recover from injuries while also treating several members of my family.

I first discovered MAT 15+ years ago after a wakeboarding injury left me with chronic pain and an inability to run/jump/play sports. After over 9+ months of unsuccessful (3 times a week) visits to chiropractors (covered by insurance) I tried MAT as a last resort, on the recommendation from a friend. I was skeptical but desperate. Within five sessions with an MAT expert in Chicago, over a few weeks, I was pain-free and back running and playing basketball. I went on to train for and run both the Chicago and Boston marathons within the next two years. MAT was a game changer and gave me my life back!

MAT while not covered by insurance was effective and actually more cost-efficient than my insurance-covered treatments - just add up the deductibles for 9 months of chiro and compare to 5 sessions of MAT.

MAT is an incredible system that helps reprogram the nervous system, turning muscles back on and allowing the body to heal. Many pro athletes know the power of MAT. I feel incredibly lucky to have access to it.

I've worked with many MAT practitioners in a bunch of cities and I can confidently say that Charles is expert level and among the best. His deep understanding of biomechanics, his ability to diagnose issues, and his commitment to understanding and addressing the issue, makes him truly exceptional.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles is amazingly knowledgeable, and it’s immediately clear that he genuinely cares about helping his clients feel better, move better, and get stronger. He takes the time to explain what he's doing and why it matters, which really helps build trust and understanding. I’ve done MAT (Muscle Activation Techniques) before, so I already knew how effective it can be—but working with Charles has taken it to another level.

After just one session, I felt a noticeable improvement, not only in how I moved but also in how my body felt overall. Each session builds on the last, and I can honestly say I continue to get better and better every time. He’s professional, kind, and passionate about what he does, which makes all the difference.

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend working with Charles at Axis Muscle Activation. I found Charles to be a highly skilled and masterful Muscle Activation Therapist in addition to being a caring healer who listened closely to my needs. I am 67 years old and worked with Charles after trying to resolve leg and back pain related to piriformis syndrome/sciatica with my doctor, physical therapists, exercise specialists and rolfers for over five years. Charles quickly diagnosed and treated my problem and after three sessions at Axis my pain was resolved; I can now walk, work out in the gym, sit for long periods of time and run comfortably. I also worked with Charles to realign my entire muscular system and I my body feels stronger, more flexible and balanced. He even resolved pain in my shoulder due to arthritis which had limited my use of my left arm by working on the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. I give Charles and Axis Muscle Activation the highest possible recommendation.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles has been helping me recover from a knee injury as well as damage done from an old automobile accident. The work he does compliments Physical Therapy by activating the muscles you are trying to strengthen, turning what could be a frustrating experience into a transformative one. I can't say enough about the benefits of working with Charles and the improvement I have seen in my strength and pain levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been utilizing MAT for over 10 years with various practitioners, mainly in the Seattle and Bellevue area. I was recently referred to Charles this past year at Axis MAT here in Bellingham and feel very fortunate to find the highest level of MAT available here in my home town. I’m an active middle-age athlete that has plenty of injuries from mountain biking, skiing, and general overuse. MAT is a fantastic modality for both recovery and then preventative care to keep active. I highly recommend Charles at Axis Muscle Activation.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles Lantz has been a colleague for over a decade and I can truly say that he is one of the best Muscle Activation Techniques practitioners and strength coaches in the country. What impressed me most about him is that he is an always striving to be better and incredibly consistent in his approach and results. I highly recommend consulting with him if you want your body to work optimally!

Source: Google

★ 5

Life long back issues limited my quality of life, searching for a cure only led to bandaids and money. My experience with Charles has been remarkable with results of a cure with just a few appointments and the instant relief of a normal body and best described with tears of joy. It is refreshing to find someone that cares about people and rejects the distortion of some medical approaches.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles has improved the quality of the muscles in my back, legs, and core. My back pain is extremely low and allows me to play sports, exercise, and live life at a level I couldn't before.

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Charles at Axis has been a game changer for my health. The work has accelerated my healing post shoulder surgery and has eased some painful chronic conditions in other parts of my body. So nice to have someone with this skill level right here in Fairhaven!

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles is a magician!!! I can’t believe how much strength and mobility I’ve gained since I started working with him, my range of motion is better than when I was in my 20’s. I’m in the gym 5-6 days a week and I take it very seriously, I’m 50 years old and truly feel like I’m 20 again!!! Charles and M.A.T. are legit!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles has made a huge difference in a short time. MAT is a remarkable modality, very effective--my gait and alignment are better than they've been in years and I'm much more comfortable. Charles is helpful and flexible with scheduling, and he follows up with excellent exercise suggestions. I'm really grateful that I found him!

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles is far beyond amazing: whether you’re dealing with acute or chronic issues, his wealth of knowledge and expertise in rehabilitation will greatly expedite your path for getting on track to achieving your goals!

Source: Google

★ 5

I heard about Charles and his Muscle Activation Technique treatments from a friend who was a very satisfied customer. I am a PTA and recognized from her description that this treatment has a clinically sound foundation. The work that Charles has done for me was effective in relieving my hip pain and significantly improved my function. I highly recommend Charles. He is experienced, careful, and very good at what he does!

Source: Google

★ 5

Since working with Charles, I feel more balance in my posture and strength. As a cyclist and power lifter, I have more confidence in my training form and body awareness. Amazing!!

I look forward to many years of injury free fitness.

Source: Google

★ 5

When I first encountered MAT in late 2022 as a treatment modality at an intensive medical center on the East Coast, I was shocked at how much of a difference it can make, even in just the first session, and especially how cleanly it can define and address these seemingly insufficient areas that then would all of a sudden click into a reasonable facsimile of the healthy operating joint.

For many years, I have lived with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is a degenerative connective tissue disorder, and dysautonomia (POTS), an autonomic nervous system disorder that basically makes your body feel like it’s running a marathon to climb a flight of stairs. For me, prior to starting regular sessions with Charles, my joints were in constantly varying states of spasming, dislocation, and subluxation, stuck in incorrect positioning, and using maladaptive motion patterns to compensate. Tl/dr: LOTS of pain and fatigue.

Now, I have felt more movement returning to my joints, my back and hands don’t struggle so much, and core/hips/legs are getting there. Progress is being made, slowly, and in such a way that doesn’t damage my body and cause more pain in the process. My feedback and experience of the muscle tests is heard, explained, and incorporated.

Charles Lantz is one of the few providers I trust to have the knowledge, experience, and instinct to work with a complex patient. And hey, as one of the higher level MAT practitioners, he’s got the latest and greatest knowledge base, plus great bedside manner and overall good music choice vibe going on.

Thanks!
Kate B.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had severe low back pain from a few herniated discs that would be exacerbated easily at work or during/ after recreation. A friend recommended I see Charles. After a few sessions I was able to garden all day again, run 6 miles, do a big mountain hike, go to work, all with no pain afterwards. Thank you so much for helping me feel no pain and be able to get back to enjoying everything I love! I plan to continue going to sessions for tune ups as this is the best Iv felt in 2 years, maybe ever. Thank you Charles!

Source: Google

★ 5

Whatever he does, its magic! I have been struggling with back pain off and on for so many years. Tried all the things-Physical Therapy, Massage, Yoga, even trying different mattresses. Well, I am pleased to say I found the solution! Charles is super knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology and after a thorough assessment begins to activate the muscles that are not working properly due to prior injuries or poor body mechanics. I can say that this modality truly works and after a few sessions, I am nearly pain free! I will continue to recommend Charles to anyone that is struggling with chronic injuries/pain. Thanks Charles, for bringing your expertise to Bellingham!

Source: Google

★ 5

Everyone said my frozen shoulder would take 12 months minimum to unfreeze. I did it in 9mo, regained mobility and have been able to start strength retraining for my muscles thanks to a combo of MAT at Axis, PT, and deep massage. No steroid shots needed like docs and sports meds kept pushing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles at Axis Muscle Activation has really helped me to get past the muscle and joint pain of getting my body to a healthier level of activity. Goodbye aches and pains, hello healthier me!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you've reached roadblocks with traditional treatment (physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, etc), give MAT a try and Charles a call. I've seen nearly every kind of body work professional over the last decade and few have been more knowledgable, passionate, and equipped with the tools to transform an injured, dysfunctional body to one refined for resilience and performance. Axis Muscle Activation is a critical support as I prepare for the 2024 Marathon Olympic Trials.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was referred to Charles and after suffering from low back pain for 5 years I thought I would give him a try. I was limping, I wasn't able to sleep I was having sciatic pain shoot down my leg when hiking. The worst was the constant pain in the middle of my low back standing at work.
I have literally tried everything, 4 different physical therapist acupuncture, massage and chiropractic so I had nothing else to lose.
His MAT technique is totally different. He started with my old knee injury and hip never even touching my trunk. I had believed for a while that my back pain was because of my knee throwing everything off but the physical therapists... Well actually no one would listen to me. So after my 1st appointment it's the best my knee and hip have felt in 10years. Fast forward to my 4th appointment and not only does my knee and hip no longer hurt my BACK PAIN is GONE. He treated a different area and progressed forward each appointment. It has now been a month post that appointment and my back is still feeling amazing! Bonus my knee feels good too. I highly recommend Charles and his technique. Nothing else in 5 years has worked for me. I plan to continue going to him for tune-up appointments every couple of months just to keep myself in good standing.

Source: Google

★ 5

It has been a pleasure to work and learn from Charles.

As a physical therapist who is currently learning Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and has had both physical therapy and MAT performed on myself, it is truly an amazing tool to be able to utilize to help people move better, longer, and with less pain. I know in my time utilizing MAT in my physical therapy practice that it has made me a much better therapist in the evaluation process, as well as the treatment process leading to better results.

Charles, who has been practicing MAT for some time has demonstrated a strong ability to understand the full body picture, quickly find limitations of joint movement and efficiently treat and correct asymmetries.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles is exceptionally knowledgeable, walks you through every step of what he’s doing and why, and his professionalism is top tier.
I will be recommending his services to anyone that suffers from mobility discomfort or pain.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have had a series of high ankle sprains over the last number of years that made my ankle mobility extremely limited and super painful. I found Charles & Axis Muscle Activation through my partner, and was shocked with the results I experienced after only a couple sessions. My ankle pain has vanished and I am able to run, ski, and climb pain free. Thanks Charles for all of your help, and for getting me back up and running. Feels so good to be playing in the mountains pain free! Can’t recommend him enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

"I've had FANTASTIC results and a renewed strength not only in my right hip and lower back, but also in my hope for better muscle and spine function in the days and months to come. My balance is GREATLY improved and walking and pivoting on my right hip is stronger and smoother. Thank you for imparting your wisdom and professional skill into my life and body. I think you came to Bellingham just for me! :)"

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles is Amazing. I'm 47. For a long time now, I've been having problems with my Achilles tendon. It was difficult to walk when I woke up in the morning. Charles used MAT on my feet, and over a few sessions, my Achilles pain is gone. I highly recommend Charles at Axis Muscle Activation.

Source: Google

★ 5

MAT has worked for me. Charles is great!

Source: Google

★ 5

Professional Excellence
-Charles conducts an initial informational session to listen thoroughly to areas of injury and concerns.
-He is able to perform manual points and counterpoints of affected muscles which, in my case, had become inactive due to a major foot re-structure surgery done in 2020.
-Navigating stairs and stepping off or onto curbing which were initially most difficult for me, are now 70 percent improved. This is in spite of arthritic conditions that are natural for my 70 year old age group.
-PT referrals focused on my foot and ankle post-op failed to address my overall body symmetry. Charles' manual adjustments & verbal explanations restored my pelvic and knee joints to reach correct alignment.
- Charles demonstrates exercises on how to maintain and strengthen weak areas & recognize harmful habits of posture while encouraging healthy movements and behaviors.
-Charles' sessions have been productive and life giving. He is an exemplary model of how hands-on manual adjustments should be conducted. He applies the correct amount of pressure and adjustments quite well as is needed specifically for each individual client.
-I strongly encourage anyone to feel most confident and secure with Charles' coaching, education, & experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles helped pinpoint the source of my muscle pain. Even my doctor and surgeon couldn't find it. He spent a lot of time beforehand and answered any questions I had. He worked on this problem area until I was able to move comfortably on my own. I will continue to use his services. He is personal, yet professional.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles takes his time with each human he works with and he has a very kind presence. Charles does a great job explaining the MAT technique and it can unlock some hidden imbalances and turn on muscles that have stopped participating in your body’s movement. I wasn’t able to fully fix all my issues but we were able to set me on a path to figuring out what was actually ailing me. If you are an athlete or any able bodied person for that matter that is trying to improve their overall movement and locomotion, I’d say visit Charles.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was getting pretty active with my gym and making good progress, but I was noticing that certain exercises were really exacerbating some low back muscles. I saw Charles for a total of 3 times and that back pain has completely disappeared, even now when doing the same exercises that caused it before at substantially higher weight.

Charles did a thorough evaluation of what was bothering me, explained what he needed to do to resolve it (get some additional muscles active again so others weren't doing 100% of the work), and followed through with real results. I've been able to push myself harder at the gym resulting in higher PRs on a variety of lifts that were bugging me before coming to Axis Muscle Activation, without any of the pain I was experiencing before.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been receiving M.A.T., treatments from Charles, since early August and have had unbelievable results!
At age 53 I have decided to hang up my tool bags and heavy equipment operations to start a new career in law enforcement, which involves a physical exam as one of the steps to get through for employment. With a lifetime abuse of my body doing construction work, many surgeries, spinal surgery being one of them , I was a bit nervous about being able to pass a physical exam , and have been fed up with always complaining about some ailment with my body. After wining again one afternoon to my bookkeeper ,she recommended Axis Muscle Activation, and honestly it sounded like it was too good to be true, that she had had instant results with only a few sessions!
Well I gotta tell ya it has been
" SO GOOD and SO TRUE" !
I am feeling better than I have in 20 years, next week I take my physical exam and I know that I am ready !!
Thanks Charles for bringing your practice to our community, you are truly changing lives for the better !
Sincerely Jim Curlett

Source: Google

★ 5

I feel better than I have in 3 years! Charles originally started working with me after I experienced a shoulder injury from work and accompanying frozen shoulder. His treatments worked so quickly that the L & I provider was amazed at my recovery and range of motion. (Worth every penny!)
I asked him to help me with my chronic low back pain. Within 3-4 sessions, I felt a marked improvement in my strength, posture, stamina, and pain levels. A month later and I am feeling better than I have in a very long time. After going to several providers, I was ready to give up and say "Well, this is just the way it is". I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for MAT and everything Charles has taught me.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles at Axis Muscle Activation is an incredible practitioner. He has an immense knowledge of human anatomy and navigates technically challenging muscle testing techniques with ease and precision. After assessing a few muscle groups, Charles was able to pinpoint some tissues (i.e., my right TLF) I have been having persistent issues with (pain while exercising) without me disclosing any information prior to the assessments. Once identified, Charles began applying techniques derived from MAT to my right TFL, as well as some of the neighboring tissues. Afterward, I was able to perform squatting and lunging, which normally resulted in hip pain within the TFL region, without any discomfort whatsoever (this is still true today, and it has been well over a month since I have seen Charles last). If you're looking for someone to help improve your capacity for movement and exercise, then Axis Muscle Activation is the place to go.

Source: Google

★ 5

I, Jan, hobbled in to see Charles per a reco from my Chiro. After a series of treatments, I have gained incredible mobility and strength. I've moved from limited walking and painful 1 Pickleball session per week, to 2-3 mile hikes and strong 2 or more days of Pickleball each week. This treatment WORKS. The body fools us so often, making up for weaknesses that we're not aware of. I have seen an orthopedic surgeon for hip pain - "some arthritis, but not enough for hip replacement" and he gave me no other options. I am so thankful that I found Charles and Axis Muscle Activation. Non-invasive and effective.

Source: Google

★ 5

Outstanding care!!! Everything was explained very thoroughly, and my care was individualized to my unique physical goals. Whenever any of my own patients complain about pain, strength, or mobility issues, I recommend that they see Charles.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles does a great job of working on me and getting me back into shape. He is really knowledgeable and I go to him when my body is acting up and not working right and he always gets me back into tiptop shape. He really knows what he’s doing and I highly recommend him if some part of your body is not acting right!

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles is very knowledgeable about the body and MAT work. He is very passionate about his work and what MAT can do for you. He continues to educate himself on the newest MAT methods. My body has never felt better. I was referred to him by a former work colleague and I have never regretted my decision to meet with him. My initial evaluation visit with him was very thorough and we have been working to achieve my goals of getting backing to hiking and backpacking. I would highly recommend Charles for MAT work...it works!

Source: Google

★ 5

I went to see Charles for a shoulder injury from Baseball. To protect the shoulder my body was using incorrect muscles to compensate and after just a couple of treatments, Charles was able to get those muscles to fire again helping with proper throwing mechanics and a speedy recovery. Would recommend for anyone suffering from joint pain or mobility issues.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve tried MAT previously but not consistently. Over the last few months I’ve had regularly scheduled appointments at Axis which contributed greatly to my mobility and flexibility and relieved my back and shoulder pains. Highly recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

I went to see Charles after experiencing increasingly debilitating pain in my hip (possibly from two old injuries). Within 3 sessions the pain was gone, my balance was back, and I was once again walking 3 miles with my dog. During that time Charles also worked on my shoulder which had frozen leaving me with very little use of my R arm. This problem was resolved in a single treatment. Charles is a great teacher and was willing to take the time to answer my zillion questions. He also taught me exercises and referred me to other modalities that he felt would help me to strengthen and maintain my own physical wellbeing. I am so grateful to Charles for giving me my life back.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have had great experience here. I went in for a hamstring issue and ended up getting relief from stiff hips that I just assumed were due to aging. That problem is now gone. Charles is continuing to work with me on other issues that have been preventing me from being as active as I would like. I recommend Axis Muscle Activation without reservation.

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Charles is fantastic! He’s very knowledgeable and intuitive about neuromuscular function and when specific muscles aren’t properly contracting. I highly recommend Charles if you are having any type of daily muscular dysfunction.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am so grateful to have found Charles. At the age of 78 and at the end of 13 years of stressful caregiving, I was beginning to feel like I was on an unavoidable downhill slide into "old age." Now at the age of 79, I have dropped 20 years of fatigue, muscle soreness, joint stiffness, lack of mobility, and range of motion. The depression that inevitably goes with thinkiing that getting and feeling old is inevitable has eased and been replaced with the joy of being able to move more freely in my world. Eight months with Charles has genuinely changed my physical and emotional life tragectory in a way I never thought possible. It is with immense gratitude I highly recommend Charles and MAT for the restoration of anyone's brain/muscle communication.

Source: Google

★ 5

When I started coming for MAT, stepping up onto sidewalk was barely possible. I’d done all the usual sciatica therapies so MAT was a grasp at new hope. Charles gave me very thorough evaluation and I agreed to treatment. Who knew that even in peak condition, one’s body doesn’t use the optimal muscles for the task. It was new to me, but with MAT my body started to learn how to move more efficiently from the feet up. Do I recommend MAT? Absolutely. It’s an investment in a more stable, balanced, physical frame.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles at Axis Muscle Activation has been helpful in getting my body working properly for the activities I am passionate about. His broad, framework-based approach and scrupulous attention to areas that need activating has me moving more efficiently and powerfully. He has recommended several exercises which continue to keep me feeling good. Thank you!

Source: Google

★ 5

A good friend highly recommended Charles for my sister who has cerebral palsy. MAT is supposed to help CP folks so thought it was worth a try. I was skeptical, but was pleasantly surprised at the results after the first few sessions. My sister's leg, hip & foot was turned in, making it difficult to walk properly & Charles worked on her body enough so her toe pointed forward. This also helped her for stability. She is a work in progress,, but Charles has does wonders to help her mobility. I was so impressed that I had my 89 yr old Mother start sessions. She had issues raising her arm & putting on her coat as well as back & knee issues. For her age, she is in fairly good shape, but thought she was just getting old. After a few sessions, my mother could move easier, put her coat on normally, had less back & knee pain as well more stability. I decided to also start sessions as the right side of my body had been in constant pain for the last 8-10 ys. I tried physical therapy, chiropractic, & massage. I settled on monthly massage & chiropractic, but still had rotating pain areas. I am very active, biking, walking, sailing, Zumba & gardening so had to schedule lots of rest time between activities. After my 1st session, I woke up pain free for the first time in 10 yrs. Charles has done so much for my body that I'm able to do several activities in a day. Most of my pain was on my right side & due to unlevel hips, tibia not moving, & a few other issues that are all connected. Charles has given each of us isometric exercises as well core strengthening exercises to maintain his work. You do have to do the work for good results. My family is very thankful for the work Charles has done & we highly recommend him.

Source: Google

★ 5

MAT is truly amazing! Its healing mechanism makes so much sense and it really works! I had some chronic muscle pain and tightness on my right neck and shoulder for three years. I’ve had massages or PT sessions regularly but the progress was very slow. Three months ago, I was referred by my friend to see Charles for MAT. It took only 4 to 5 treatment sessions and my pain and stiffness were gone! My son runs cross country. He had problems with his left leg from rolled ankle to shin splints. I highly recommended him to see Charles. Although my son was skeptical about MAT at first, he decided to go with the treatment plan after seeing Charles for a 30 min free consultation to assess the root of his pain. After four sessions, my son felt his legs are much more balanced and stronger during running and his shin splints are gone! I believe while MAT is a wonderful tool, it is the healer, Charles, who brings his knowledge, experience, passion and care to fix the root of our issues permanently so that we can continue to enjoy our active lifestyle with longevity in mind! Thank you, Charles!

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles is very knowledgable and professional. He explains what he is doing and what result I should be seeing in the muscles being treated. By following his advice for specific exercises for the muscles he has treated, I feel I have gained a lot of strength in my posture and core muscles. Charles has also been working with very detailed muscles in my feet/ankle after having Achilles tendon surgery. He is helping me not only to regain strength but also looking at what may have caused the problem in the first place. So glad I was referred to Charles. Thank you Charles.

Source: Google

★ 5

I rarely write reviews, but after seeing Charles for about 6 MAT sessions now, my exceptional experience with his services, holistic healing and treatments warrants a review. I’m a former triathlete, ultrarunner, rock climber, hiker and all-around, outdoor enthusiast who recently had a knee meniscus repair surgery on top of other leg surgeries. After a year, my healing was still slow and I was unable to run, walk or hike without pain or a limp. After the first session with Charles, I had more mobility and was able to run 3 miles without pain. I now drive 1.5 hour from Woodinville just to see Charles twice a month, a testament to how much he is making a difference in my health and recovery. In working with Charles through my rehabilitation sessions, I was able to learn more about the different ailments in my body and how they are interconnected. Within a few minutes of MAT treatment, I was surprised on how much my motion range improved. Charles also provides the necessary instructions and guidance on workouts to do at home to strengthen different areas of the body to alleviate or remove the symptoms all together. I highly recommend his services!

Source: Google

★ 5

I met Charles (Axis Muscle Activation) by recommendation of a friend who is a student of MAT (Muscle Activation) in a different region.

I was an athlete in high school and a little bit in college, so I had a collection of lingering injuries from that time, and was a server for nearly 10 years as well while working through college and beyond. My main concern was immense pain in the arch of my foot leading up to the big toe.

I now work as a hiking guide, woodworker, and outdoor educator. Needless to say, nearly everything I do requires me to be on my feet. Unfortunately, I got to a point where I couldn't meet the physical needs of my job or hobbies.

I've spent thousands of dollars on physical therapy appointments, xrays and scans, doctor visits (various specialists), and horrible orthotics that came highly recommended by my doctors. All of these services were insured, but I was still spending a fortune meeting deductibles and spinning my wheels with my injuries only worsening.

During my first appointment with Charles, he locked in on the dysfunction happening in my muscular system and set a plan for how I could heal and improve my quality of life.

Just a short few months later, I've made leaps and bounds of progress. I feel better than I have in years, and I'm not exaggerating.

I'm back to hiking, and my sessions and exercises have led to increasing strength and increasing mobility.

I'm one of those people that asks a lot of questions. I want to know WHY this exercise will help my foot stabilize. I want to know how his work supports our plan and strategy. Charles demonstrates his immense level of knowledge and expertise through examples, logical strategies, and actual anatomical examples that we can test together ON THE SPOT.

The difference between going through physical therapy and doctors, compared to my experience working with Charles at Axis is that Charles spends an hour or more just with you each session. No distractions. His entire focus is helping you heal, examining your body, working on YOUR muscles. He will help tailor exercises and strategies that are specific to your exact goals and your bodies SPECIFIC dysfunction that is occurring.

We still have more work to do, but I am confident that with Charles' guidance, methodology, and experience, I'll reach my goals of getting back to being an active leader in the outdoor world.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have had MAT treatments with Charles since last spring and after having struggled with a ruptured disc for four years, I am now able to walk several miles, and sit and stand for MUCH longer periods! Maybe even more importantly, I now have a sense of hope that I can continue to improve through the MAT treatments and also the isometric strength building exercises from Charles that have become a part of my routine. My husband and son have also been to Axis Muscle Activation also with great success. I/we highly recommend Axis Muscle Activation and Charles Lantz!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve had chronic issues since my days of playing college football: two arthritic shoulders, three bulging discs/degenerative disc disease, and a bum knee. I’ve been to orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, trainers, physical therapists for days...you name it. Charles is the only practitioner who's made a noticeable improvement after the very first session. And after just a handful of work sessions (not 20+ like traditional PT’s), I’m generally back to being active—pain-free. Life inevitably causes flare ups at one part of my body or another, but a quick tune-up with Charles does wonders.

Beyond being effective, Charles Lantz truly cares about his clients’ wellbeing. He patiently explains the science behind his practice as he goes through your body, activating underutilized muscles that the nervous system sometimes forgets exist. He’ll listen to what ails you, but he explores your own personal system to diagnose what’s out of whack. A symptom in your back, for example, may actually be the compounded result of hip unalignment or a weak inner quad.

I’ve recommended countless friends to Charles, most with similar experiences to my own. And during COVID, Charles went above and beyond to do virtual sessions to get me back on track. Charles is my first call when I'm in pain.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started working with Charles in San Francisco after having severely sprained my ankle. In a few sessions, coupled with targeted strengthening exercises, he got me back out on the trails. More importantly he unearthed a series of muscle imbalances that we worked on through a couple of additional "tune-up" sessions and those adjustments have greatly enhanced my overall running strength and mobility.

Muscle activation is by far the most productive and effective modality I’ve utilized. Selfishly, I’m sad Charles has left the Bay Area. He’s really passionate about MAT and a gifted practitioner. I can’t recommend him enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've worked with Charles Lantz for years now. He has gotten me back into my running form multiple times and is my go-to expert when I'm feeling any injuries. I'm a personal trainer and ultra marathon runner so I need to be on my feet and moving a lot. Charles has a great way of explaining everything he is working on, why he's working on it, and following up with exercises or stretches to help keep you improving. One of the great aspects of MAT is that they don't just focus on the injured area but instead look at the body as a whole. This creates lasting changes and not just a quick fix.

I highly recommend everyone see him if they are dealing with chronic pain or want to tune their body during training or before a competition.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been a client of Charles for years when he was practicing in the Bay Area. I am an avid rock climber/boulderer and had all the accompanying injuries you'd expect with this sport (finger injuries/shoulder pain, etc). Charles was always able to address my issues from the injury and performance side of things. In other words, with his help, not only would I be able to recover 100% from my injuries, but also when returning to an injury free state, with his treatments and exercises I was able to climb at a level I could not attain before working with him. I'm confident anyone would be able to benefit from Charles' expertise and if you're dealing with acute or chronic injury you'd be wise to seek his help.

Source: Google

★ 5

Charles is a great boon to this community. I'm a Chiropractor in Bellingham and had a session with him for a lower back issue that tends to creep up in the mornings. I appreciated how intricate he was in looking at the individual muscles that support my lower back and retraining them to fire and support me. At first, his methods seem subtle, but I was impressed how the little things he did added up to less tension, better range of motion and decreased morning tension. Looking forward to seeing what his methods can do for myself and others in Bellingham.

Source: Google

★ 5

Over the course of my life, there were several instances, as with most of us, that your body gets banged up. The tricky part was these happened in different parts of my body. I came across MAT and was amazed on how quickly I felt better. Charles is extremely knowledgeable and an excellent listener. He heard all of my stories and instantly laid out a plan to fix my aches, pains, and muscular imbalances. It is so nice to know someone who has the ability to understand what ails you, fix it on the spot, and provide next steps to build/maintain strength. Stay proactive with MAT and you'll thank yourself down the road.

Source: Google

★ 5

I worked with Charles Lantz, a Muscle Activation Techniques Master Specialist and NASM Certified Personal Trainer for about three years. Based on a recommendation from a colleague, I first started seeing Charles to help with plantar fasciitis that was impacting my ability to exercise. It became painful to do basic things like lunges. Shoe inserts were not helping. Through MAT, Charles helped resolve that problem for me so I could do all types of high intensity exercise without any pain. I decided to see him on a monthly basis for "maintenance" and to make sure my body stayed align. He's very good at figuring out what is not working properly with your body and explaining what he is doing along the way. He's also very friendly and professional. I highly recommend Charles and Axis Muscle Activation especially if you're an athlete that wants to stay in the best shape of your life.

Source: Google