OMBE Integrative Health Center

I limped into OMBE with a serious back injury due to overexerting myself during marathon training. Right away, I felt an enormous sense of calm. The place is pristine and gorgeous, making you feel warm, welcome and on the road to good health. Erik defies the conventional assumption that chiropractors can do harm. His touch is extremely gentle and he takes great care to ensure your comfort. He is incredibly knowledgeable and treats your body holistically, rather than focusing attention on the one injury. An athlete himself, I know that the advice he gives me on training and stretching is golden. I have gone back to him regularly over the last three months and I feel as strong and healthy as I did before the injury. I highly recommend OMBE for all of its services, and particularly Erik Vose for any injury that goes beyond the need for primary care.

Pros: Warm, welcoming, relaxing and informative

Posted 11/05/09

First of all, Kristen's massage was just what I needed. Kristen is very thorough, yet non invasive during her health interview which made me feel very safe. I immediately knew I was in well trained and educated hands, and the massage results only proved it. I arrived with a nagging headache and minor injury and major discomfort in my neck and shoulder, and left feeling revived, yet relaxed without a head ache, and with less tension and increased mobility in my neck and shoulder. The massage experience was more than I expected, and the benefits improved my health! A great way to spend an hour after a busy, stressful day.

The place was incredible! It is beautifully decorated - very hip, yet relaxing; and was furnished with natural and unique pieces. To top it all off, the environmentally and organic conscious efforts throughout the space were profound! WELL DONE! Very inspiring!

Pros: Kristen's Massage Therapy, The place, Easy access from the T

Cons: None

Posted 11/04/09

OMBE's tranquil and welcoming space is the perfect backdrop for Kristen's wonderful massage. She's a professional in every way, initially addressing my issues and preferences, and then delivering a soothing and seamless massage that quickly and effectively released my areas of tension and allowed me to just let go. I didn't want my session to end, but when it did, I felt longer and wider and just floated home! Kristen is an excellent therapist with a great and warm personality. This experience exceeded my expectations in every way...it was great!

Pros: Beautiful space, excellent massage

Cons: None - it's a great experience

Posted 11/03/09

I had my first massage at OMBE with Kristen The other day, and the experience was great. OMBE has a wonderful location, right in Copely Square. Even though it's in the heart of the city, the space is very quiet. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, with a warm and inviting massage room. The complementary organic teas, and comfortable waiting area topped off my initial impressions.

Kristen was great! We went over my previous injuries, and what I would need to help alleviate my discomfort. I prefer deep pressure massages, and once Kristen found the level I liked, she delivered consistently throughout the entire massage. I left calm and relaxed, and would recommend the entire experience to anyone.

Pros: Convient Location

Cons: Parking can be difficult

Posted 11/03/09

A hidden gem in Copley Square!! I was shocked how nice Ombe is and how relaxing and comforting the atmosphere was (probably because Ombe is located between Burger King and Wendy?s). The only thing better than the atmosphere was the massage! Kristen was great and found every single knot that I had!! I have had many massages in the past, but Kristen focused on my needs and relieved some of my past injuries. I highly recommend Ombe for all of your massage and other needs.

Pros: Atmosphere & Great Massage

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/03/09

I have had many massages over the years, some in top notch resorts and health spas, but none have them have equaled the massage I received by Kristen Lutz at OMBE. She tailors the massage to meet your individual needs and goals. Her touch is extremely soothing and restorative and her impressive skills belie her years. I work in the health care profession and have met skilled healers and she is among them. I wholeheartedly recommend her

Posted 10/31/09

I have had several massage experiences in my life, but recently my massage with kristen was the best! she was extremely professional, and she targeted areas where i needed the most work. i felt she listened to my needs making my massage experience just what i needed to help my body feel better from the insults from work and running. i will definitely return frequently to kristen, as the experience was just what i am looking for. OMBE was a wonderful atmosphere and i highly recommend both kristen and OMBE.

Posted 10/31/09

The space is so relaxing, clean and beautiful. You know good things happen there. Erick is very clear when explaining how he will go about relieving your problem. You have no doubt that he is very competent and can help you. He is sure and gentle. A relaxing experience.

Pros: Erick is very sure and competent

Cons: Parking

Posted 10/21/09

I've taken yoga at several places over the years - from private classes to 40 people large group classes - and Rachael's class at OMBE is the best that I've found.

The studio is spacious and well kept - very clean - with huge windows overlooking the trinity church. The studio provides mats for class or you can bring your own.

Rachael is a very skilled instructor who is able to offer personal attention to each student (max class size is 6) but still maintain the flow of the class. She is particualrly good at noticing when students are lost and offering extra instruction where needed. This is one of the few yoga classes where I did not feel disjointed from the pace of the rest of the class.

I highly recommend!

Pros: beautiful clean space

Cons: parking can be tough during red sox games

Posted 06/28/09

Sharon was my first Pilates teacher. I was new in this country and new to Pilates, thus I was scared but she is so nice, we had fun and I worked hard talking in 3 several langages. She is wonderful person and a terrific instructor, she made me accomplish things that I thought were undoable. Thank you!

Posted 04/26/09

I just ran the Boston Marathon and Jen's massages at OMBE were crucial to my success. Not only are they incredibly relaxing but she has amazing technique. She is great at localizing the muscle groups that need the most attention. I saw her several times before the marathon and feel that her massages helped me recover faster after a long run as well as prevent injury. She's fabulous and I highly recommend her massages. I've had nothing but positive experiences!

Pros: Professional, Clean, Comfortable Environment

Posted 04/21/09

i'm not sure if my abs hurt more from the exercises or from laughing all the way through class! sharon makes the hour long class go by super quickly - and i definitely look forward to the class every week. it's a great change from a regular gym routine, and money-wise, compared to personal training sessions at a gym, is a fantastic deal for the amount of personal attention/coaching you get during the class.

Pros: look forward to working out!

Posted 04/19/09

I am just finishing up my first six week series of pilates classes with Sharon Barry, and I cannot say enough good things about my experience. As someone who has never taken a Pilates class before, I was a little scared when I signed up, but Sharon put those fears to rest within the first few minutes of class. I feel like I have gotten plenty of individual attention from her in the small classes and have learned so much already. Sharon makes the sessions fun and interesting, while constantly pushing and challenging you. I plan to continue my pilates training with Sharon and would highly recommend her to anyone else!

Posted 04/18/09

I have been working with sharon for nearly two years. My body has been completely reshaped and I feel much stronger all around, two of the main benefits of doing Pilates. Sharon is fun and easy to work with. The hour flies by and I leave feeling refreshed. I would recommend her to anyone.

Posted 04/16/09

I have had several group and private sessions with Sharon Barry. She is the perfect trainer - fun to work with but really challenges you. I feel so much stronger and flexible since working with her!

Posted 04/15/09

I've been working with Sharon for almost a year and a half and absolutely love her! I was a novice at pilates when I started and have improved dramatically since working with Sharon. The sessions are challenging and I always leave feeling great, but still fun and entertaining. The hour flies by, yet Sharon is still able to challenge my abilites and make me sore after each class. I love the indivudial attention I get from her private sessions, especially when it comes to focusing on problem body parts. A great workout for anyone, beginner to expert, who is interested in getting into great shape using pilates!

Pros: Great Instructor, Great Workout

Posted 04/15/09

Sharon's class is a positive environment where beginners feel open to learn about their "powerhouse", and more seasoned Pilates students are free to take their fitness to the next level. Sharon's knowledge is endless, and she'll make you laugh while pushing you to the edge of your fitness capabilities. During the time that I've worked with Sharon, I've felt fit in ways that I haven't been able to achieve after years of working with other trainers. I feel strong in my core and she's helping to shape my upper and lower body in ways that I've always wanted it to look. I more pleased every week. As much as I want to keep her a secret for myself, I highly recommend that people of all levels sign up for Pilates with Sharon!

Pros: Fantastic workout, Positive environment

Cons: None

Posted 04/15/09

This place is the best well-kept secret in Boston. The space is amazing-a sunny, serene studio with a panoramic view of Copley Square. Without the services at OMBE, I wouldn't have been able to train as hard as I do and stay pain and injury free. I had been searching for a massage therapist since moving from California, and finally found Jen Hernandez. I have been loyal to her massage sessions since and have used the other services to help me stay at the top of my game. Their chiropractor doesn't take insurance, but he's well worth it as he spends over an hour with me at each chiropractic session, includes massage and exercise rehabilitation in his sessions. I feel like I've made more progress working with him after a few sessions than I did when I just had adjustments. I've also done their Pilates mat classes and private Pilates reformer sessions. It took me a long time to find experienced instructors that were up to par with the west coast. I'm continually impressed with the high level of service and friendly staff.

Pros: Personalized Service, Beautiful Space, Friendly Staff

Posted 04/08/09

I love receiving acupuncture at OMBE. It is the most relaxing experience of my entire week. I started seeing Jessica because I was feeling very fatigued and my thyroid was not functioning well. I had already seen several thyroid and hormonal specialist and was taking very expensive medication, but I wasn't feeling any better and my thyroid levels had not improved. Immediately after receiving acupuncture, I felt better. My body and my thyroid are functioning so well now that I was able to stop taking thyroid medication. Acupuncture is amazing but Acupuncturists are highly individual. Jessica is a great practitioner - I highly recommend her.

Pros: effective, relaxing, easy, great

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 04/07/09

Jaylin is very focused and organized when it comes to training but she doesn?t hide behind some stern sergeant attitude. She is open, friendly and generous. Instead of just telling me what to do, she explained why we do certain exercises, in certain orders and so on? She made it easy for me to go and train on my own if I wanted to, except that I can never get the best out of me like she does. I highly recommend anyone who is looking for a real workout, one that moves you as well as your body to train with Jaylin immediately. You?ll be glad you did.

Pros: Open, Friendly, Generous, Real workout

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 04/07/09

Jen is amazing. I went to see her for my hips. I am a cyclist so my hip flexors have been incredibly tight which was causing a lot of other muscle imbalances in my legs and back. Jen is great, especially with deep tissue massage. She has helped me release my hips and my whole body feels better.

Pros: Organic, Convenient, Stress relieving

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 04/07/09

I have been searching for the right kind of yoga where there's a balance between breathing, strength, and stretching and I finally found it! I really loved Rachael's class and would suggest it to anyone!

Pros: Loved Rachael's class, great flow, beautiful space!

Cons: I live 45 minutes away but totally worth it!

Posted 04/02/09

I have only been here for yoga, but look forward to trying out their other services-- massage, acupuncture, etc. The setting is peaceful, nicely decorated, and inviting. The view of Trinity Church across the street is neat, too.

The yoga class was an hour long and a great way to start the day. I felt taken care of by the teacher. It was physically challenging, relaxing, meditative.

There are yoga mats, etc. here so it saves you having to carry your mat around, a nice perk.

Pros: awesome yoga, next to T, nice view

Cons: none

Posted 03/28/09

I visited OMBE to meet with Laura Foresta, a registered dietitian. The facility is beautiful and relaxing with free tea and plenty of space to sit and relax. Inside Laura's private consultation room my meetings have changed my outlook on nutrition permanently. I lost 65 pounds and have been keeping it off for 10 years and yet I still continue to learn a great deal from Laura and have never felt better. Her approach to nutrition is non-militant and extremely compassionate. But don't let that fool you, in the month that I have been seeing Laura weekly, I have shed an additional 10 pounds. And I know that I will keep them off because of the support and information that Laura is constantly providing through follow-up emails and meetings. Even if you know what to eat, meeting with Laura can help you actually do it AND learn even more...I highly recommend OMBE and Dietitian Laura Foresta!

Pros: Relaxing atmosphere and effective diet counseling

Cons: none

Posted 03/19/09

Laura Foresta, RD is knowledgeable, personable, nonjudgmental and tailors the education and plan to the specific needs of the individual. She has a broad base of knowledge for a variety of health and fitness concerns and meets the individual where they are as well as guiding them to setting goals to be their healthiest best.

Posted 03/11/09

I have suffered with chronic neck pain for many years, which often led to migraine headaches. I have searched for a good massage for just as many years. Jen Hernandez at OMBE in Back Bay provided me with the best neck and shoulder massage I have ever had! My range of motion dramatically improved, and my headaches are gone. I plan to be a regular on Jen's massage table!

Posted 03/11/09

This green studio in Back Bay offers excellent services in a friendly, pleasant space. A 3 minute walk from the Copley T stop, it's super easy to get to from Brookline or Bkline Village. I am extremely frugal, and I find the price to quality ratio at OMBE outstanding.

I have taken pilates at OMBE with Lisa since late 2007 (for fitness and to recover from a serious leg injury--Lisa was also my physical therapist post-op). Not only an expert at physical fitness, she is attentive, thoughtful, and a lot of fun. I am now 7 months pregnant and have been doing prenatal pilates twice a week since week 8--I feel wonderful, and amazingly have no back pain or abdominal diastesis (a common problem)! Unlike other prenatal classes I have taken in other venues, I still get a great workout (while modifying the exercises for safety). I can't say enough good things about my experience at OMBE!

Pros: Easy T access, Great management, Excellent instruction.

Cons: Sometimes the elevator acts funny.

Posted 03/08/09

I was struggling with awful low back pain for a year. The ain was in total control of my life. I would kind of heal (have bearable pain to get through the day) and then I would have worse flare-up than before. Medications were not working, physical therapy was not helping anymore. My doctor mentioned the word "surgery" a couple of times and I told him I wanted to try acupuncture before the cortisone shots, he said that he had never seen anyone in my condition improve with it. Jessica started me on acupuncture with a very positive and hopeful attitude. The procedures decreased the pain immediately. It was also helping me emotionally. I got my faith and hope back. I also took Chinese herbs prescribed by Jessica. After the pain was less, physical therapy started working better too. The pilates classes with Lisa made my muscles stronger and improved my condition even further. Lisa was very attentive to my issue and was always making me aware of the exercises I should avoid.
I've been pain free for more than a year, I finally stabilized. The people at the OMBE made one of the best back doctors in this country a believer in alternative forms of treatments.
I also love the "Go green" policy at the center. If you are looking for a place where good professionals would really care about you - this is it.

Posted 03/01/09

The professionals at OMBE Integrative Health Center in Boston are remarkably knowlegable, skilled and caring. I sought their care about one year ago, as an acupuncture and pilates client, before undergoing hip replacement surgery, and attribute my recovery to their preoperative and postoperative care. Not only did they help to prepare me for the surgery but they were with me every step of the way afterwards. Acupuncture helped with both my physical recovery and my emotional balance. Pilates strengthened me before surgery and proved to be invaluable afterwards. I would recommend that anyone facing surgery...be it minor or major, think about consulting with the caring and competent professionals at OMBE. I attribute the speed of my recovery to them.

Pros: professionalism, lovely surroundings, relatedness, clinical skills

Cons: cannot think of any

Posted 02/24/09

I was in a hurry to get back into shape after having my first child. I discovered Jaylin on by her website. Not only does she seem to know everything when it comes to exercise and training but she is both motivating and inspiring. She has me smiling through the sweat even when I show up exhausted. I always leave in a good mood. It only took me 12 weeks to get back to my previous shape but I continued training with Jaylin because it was actually fun. It?s been two years now and I?m expecting again. With Jaylin by my side, I?m confident that I will be able to keep training up until my delivery date. Melissa 37

Pros: Great Results, Good time

Posted 02/23/09

Jennifer Hernandez recently gave me a pre-natal massage. I was having trouble with some back pain and other issues associated with pregnancy. Jen really listened to what was bothering me and really gave me an incredible massage. Just the right pressure and she was very careful and concerned the entire time. She made sure I was comfortable and felt secure. My experience was wonderful and I walked out feeling great. I have to say it was the best massage I've had (after trying many other places). I would highly recommend her services to anyone.

Posted 02/18/09

I've been going to OMBE Pilates for just over a year...and have referred MANY to the class. You get an umbelieveable workout, that tones your whole body and makes you feel good. A few months after I started the class I found out I was expecting a baby. They worked with me so that I was able to maintain the workout through out my entire pregnancy, which made ALL the difference in my labor and delivery. The studio is clean, sleek and the staff is the best in the city! They use earth friendly equipment which I appreciate!
The small class is perfect for those who want to do Pilates but don't want to get lost in the back. I feel like I have a personal trainer working with me every week when I go. Each person gets special attention from the instructor.
IF YOU can get into this great class, it will be the best money you ever spent, they are the best, and will get you looking yours!

Pros: Class size, instructor, organic equipment, cost

Cons: parking

Posted 02/16/09

An old injury to my shoulder had left me unable to do most daily tasks.. Putting a shirt on, waving to a friend, even driving a car. A friend recommended that I go see Dr. Erik Vose, a chiropractor at the OMBE office.
After only a few visits with Dr. Vose, I felt like I had my arm back. My quality of life has improved and I can finally wave to all my friends again.
I can't thank him enough

Posted 02/15/09

I am an athletic male, age 26 and I pride myself on conditioning by enjoying the process of self-preservation. Although I do not follow a strict regiment, varying workouts, years of competitive sports, outdoor activities, and self-motivation keep me fit.

Two months before I first visited Dr. Erik Vose at OMBE Integrative Health Center, I injured my left shoulder badly causing chronic shoulder pain. Range of motion in my left arm decreased, and pain levels grew unbearable, leaving my left arm virtually crippled. After just one session with Dr. Vose I noticed immensely improved flexibility, and far less pain. His treatments ranged from ultrasonic massage, and electrical stimulation, to gentle, hands-on muscular, and skeletal manipulation. Through continued, and regular therapy with Dr. Vose my shoulder returned to 100 percent in just one month.

Though it wasn't long before I dislodged a rib in my middle upper back, initially causing breath-taking pain, and then very limited rotational ability. My torso became fixed at my waste ? I was stiff and in incredible discomfort.

Dr. Vose saw me right away, and by the middle of my first session he had gingerly massaged the dislodged rib back into place. Dr. Vose's gentle, breathy voice, and firm, healing touch made the whole experience rather pleasant. As I felt the rib relocate, a sigh of relief overtook me. A genuine thank you to Dr. Vose is in order because he drastically improved my quality of life!

Cheers,
Ben

Pros: Total Package

Cons: Parking

Posted 02/12/09

Dr. Erik Vose defines a new class of chiropractic health care. He's really a soft-tissue specialist correcting the muscles around the sore joints with massage, ultrasound, and cold fusion technologies. His technique truly diverges from the traditional back-cracking chiropractic dogma, allowing the body to heal more naturally and more permanently. It's not surprising, therefore, that Dr. Vose has not set up shop in a traditional linoleum-walled torture chamber typical of many cold-handed chiropractors. Rather, OMBE is a clean, gorgeous, and warm facility complete with hard wood floors, home furnishings, a soothing tea bar, and an outstanding view of Copley Square. This place defines classy. Dr. Vose is an integral part of OMBE, sharing the space with other practitioners (facial acupuncture, deep tissue massage, prenatal pilates, vinyasa yoga, etc...) who work together to create a full-body experience for their guests. I was most surprised when Dr. Vose explained (and then proved to me) that he treats all joints in the body -- not just my neck and my back. His clinical experience with athletic and sports injury fit my needs perfectly, and he has completely cured a sore knee that had been bothering me for almost a year. I've recommended Dr. Vose to my friends and family, and I'm sure you will not be disappointed. He is not only a gentleman with a smile, but a deeply caring provider, with the expertise to back it up.

Posted 02/09/09

I visited OMBE for chiropractic treatments with Dr Erik Vose and I was extremely pleased with his professionalism and friendly nature. I intend to look into the other services that are offered at OMBE. It's a really nice place too.

Pros: very clean, professional, made me feel at ease, offer tea while you are waiting

Cons: I guess parking might be an issue (although I do not drive and there is a greenline T stop one block away)

Posted 02/07/09

I remember when Jaylin first showed me these ropes (she calls it a suspension trainer) and asked me to pull by body weight up practically in mid air. At first, I thought I could never do such an exercise. Thankfully, she talked me through it and now I get excited when we work on the ropes. I have learned how to do a number of exercises that I never would have thought I could and it shows. I?m proud to tell people my age now (62) as they are always more impressed with the shape I am in.

Pros: Encouraging, Friendly, Supportive, Intelligent

Posted 02/05/09

Three years ago, I had twins. I thought I?d lose the baby weight just be chasing them around all day. I finally had to admit to myself that it wasn?t working. I was nervous about hiring a trainer. I didn?t want to get my butt kicked and feel sore all day. Jaylin asked me how I wanted to be treated, what motivates me. She is great at giving me a good workout where I feel like I really did something, but I don?t feel burnt out or sore. I?m already back in my pre-pregnancy closes and I am so much stronger. It makes carrying two 3 years olds around much easier.
Patty, 35 Boston

Pros: Convenient, Results orientated, Really cares, Reliable

Posted 02/03/09

OMBE is this amazing place in Copley Square, Boston that offers a complete range of integrative health services, from acupuncture to yoga (A to Y!), in a tranquil, "green" and professional environment. The therapists and practitioners are compassionate, skilled, and dedicate their attention to the individual needs of their clients, whether it be recovery from an injury, or general health and well-being, or treatment for chronic illness. The space is beautifully designed and well-appointed; the atmosphere is calm, positive, active; the prices are very reasonable. And as far as the treatments go, I can happily testify that Jessica's acupuncture treatments work miracles; massage with Jen is transcendent; Lisa's Pilates classes are a joy!
Even the OMBE web site is lovely.

Pros: Services, Atmosphere, Philosophy, Green-ness

Posted 02/02/09

The OMBE facility is a haven of calm and tranquility on Boylston St. in the heart of Copley Square, easily accessible from the Copley stop on the Green Line, or the Back Bay stop on the Orange Line. For after-hours appointments be sure that someone knows that you are coming, because you need to be buzzed in for access to the building.

I have been to OMBE several times to be treated for upper back pain by Dr. Erik Vose. Dr. Vose's takes a whole-body approach to treatment, addressing not just alignment issues but muscle and joint problems as well. During the first visit he asked tons of questions and took the time to not only make sure that he fully understood the problems that I'd been having, but also to explain the cause of the pain to me, and what his approach to treating it would be. Since the pain I had been experiencing was due to muscular tightness from years of waitressing and cycling on an ill-fitting bike, rather than alignment issues, the treatment consisted almost entirely of tissue work, to loosen and stretch the muscles that were the source of my pain. He taught me maintenance stretches to do each day, and those in conjunction with the gains made in only four or five visits has drastically improved my comfort and quality of life.

I would highly recommend Dr. Vose to anyone who is interested in taking an active role in improving their physical wellbeing.

Pros: public transit accessibility, atmosphere, care

Posted 01/21/09