In 2017, my 97 year old dad needed help. Having been disabled by two serious strokes, he was wheel chair bound and could do very little for himself. He had maxed out of his home PT/OT that Medicare paid for and I was not physically able to transport him to any treatment outside his home. My dad wanted to improve and struggled to remain positive. I was so grateful for my dad’s attitude. Then a Kiwanis friend of mine told me about Mike Hildebrand and we gave him a try.

The first difference I noticed was that every other physical and occupational therapist spent half of their time recording data for medicare/insurance requirements on their computers. Mike spent 100% of his time working with my dad. Working with Mike became the high point of my dad’s day.

Mike was reliable, always on time and kept me informed. Instead of sending me pages and pages of repetitive notes, he would send me a 15 second video of my dad crossing his legs for the first time in over a year.

I recently said to Mike at a Kiwanis meeting, “the bad news is that Mike does not accept Medicare and insurance, the good news is that Mike does not accept Medicare or insurance.

With having Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy finding a physical activity that would work for me is not easy but Michael comes to the house for each session and tailors the program for my physical abilities. Every session is different so it never gets repetitive and boring.

I have two chronic illnesses that limit me physically. I began my program with Michael in April and have been extremely pleased without a doubt. I am looking and feeling very energized on a day to day basis. I throughly enjoy every session as it’s always different, challenging and Michael always throws in some great stretching which helps with my arthritis. It’s amazing how I have come along a year ago & since beginning a program I feel much stronger and confident! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes in the next month and beyond.

My husband, Scott, has benefited from working with Michael in a unique way. Scott is a stroke survivor, bound to a wheelchair. Once insurance finished paying for 30 physical therapy visits, Scott was on his own to continue recovery and to maintain what he had gained.

We hired Michael about a year ago and have worked with him religiously every week. Michael is an integral part of the “village” that is helping Scott continue his improvement. We work with Michael in addition to a program in Richmond.

Specifically, working with Michael has helped build muscle, increase movement, strength, flexibility in weak (or paralyzed limbs), even if it’s passive movement.

Michael’s creativity has allowed for Scott to achieve the goals that he has and we wouldn’t be more pleased.

Michael is very good about working around any limitations you have. For example, I’m trying to postpone a knee replacement, so he didn’t include running or jumping in the workouts. Michael is always prompt and professional. I highly recommend him!

My father has Parkinson’s and requires special attention due to this disease. Michael has researched the best work out regimen for him and works closely with the physical therapists. Not only is Michael an amazing trainer, but a life long friend!

A few years ago I had a consultation with Michael. I told him about my connective tissue disease, my torn rotator cuff, and my impending, invasive surgery. When I gave him the list of restrictions from my various doctors I expected him to say “come see me when you’re ready to work” instead Mike said, “I’d love to work with you and we’ll find ways to work around your challenges.” True to his word he found 101 ways to work my muscles without causing pain, flare-ups or further damage. Mike knew when to push me, and when to give my body time off. If you need a trainer with an abundance of compassion, knowledge, and experience. Mike is your guy!

Michael motivates people to get moving while making them feel comfortable and at ease. He is very knowledgeable about body mechanics and modifications, which is especially helpful if you need a safe, but still challenging workout routine due to injury, limited mobility, or pregnancy.