Sep 12, 2020
by BB on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Lower Back Pain
Once again, overdoing the sport, in excruciating pain and in need of diagnosis, recovery plan, exercises and hands-on therapy. Matt again proved to be the outstanding pro he is, with rigorous diagnosis, thorough explanation and a clear plan of what to do and how. As a family of accident-prone action-heads, we all individually thank Matt for sorting us out each time. Matt is calm, thoughtful, honest and thorough. Strongly recommend.
Sep 12, 2020
by Annabel Cope on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Amazingly Clever Therapist
I have had lower back pain on and off for as long as I can remember and after a bout of chemo 6 years ago have v dodgy knees, unable to walk up stairs properly. After 3 sessions with Matt I am in better shape than i have been for years. Still a long way to go but never would I have dreamt that I would feel so much more flexible and relatively pain free after such a short time. So when back/neck are sorted will ask Matt to help me with very long term weight problems. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Mar 23, 2020
by Kevin on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
1st Class
Booked to see Matt following a GP health check which deemed me as being overweight. I work in an extremely busy office environment and have little opportunity to move any distance for exercise plus the fact cake is always available and so difficult to turn down. Matt started with the basics, understanding me as a person and what I wanted to achieve from the sessions. In a nutshell, I lost the excess weight following Matt’s exercise and eating advice, I’m sleeping better, have an abundance of energy and maintaining my new weight. What has been an additional factor is the way I now feel about myself, my mental health is in a good place, I’m 58 years old but my energy levels are better now than they were 20 years ago.
I cannot praise Matt enough for what he has done for me and have no hesitation in recommending him.
Sep 18, 2019
by Julie Rinder on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Excellent
I visited Matt for a bit of help losing weight – I thought I was doing the right things but it wasn’t working. Matt showed me where I’d been going wrong and tweaked my diet and exercise routine which brought instant results BUT he did so much more than that – with his help I’ve transformed my health and fitness and have never felt better! Matt gives you a truly individual service, tailored to your specific needs, and works at your own pace. He is always positive and professional and I would recommend him 100%.
Aug 17, 2019
by Patricia on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Back Pain
After only a couple of treatments, Matt was able to rid me of the back pain that I had been struggling with for several months. I found him to be very thorough in his initial examination and, as well as having the skillls to analyse and treat the problem, he is also a very sympathetic and genuine person. I cannot recommend him too highly.
Aug 7, 2019
by Colin Tovey on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
I went to Matt with lumber pain,lower Back and hip problems. matt was able to fix after a few sessions, great no pain. he is very cleaver and is highley recommended by me.
Aug 7, 2019
by Karen on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
You will never know how grateful I am for all your help. To think last year I struggled to walk up a flight of stairs and now I’m training to walk 100km.
I never thought I would be able to do anything like this again. You have got me further than I ever dreamed was possible.
You have literally given me my life back and I will never be able to thank you enough.
Jul 22, 2019
by Corinne Lethaby on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Lower Back Pain
I went to see Matt due to increasing lower back pain after being recommended by my husband, whom matt had helped previously. I usually can’t abide seeing doctors and physios and will do anything to avoid it. However, I can not say enough how grateful I am to Matt; he instantly put me at ease, was polite, professional, sensitive and respectful at all times. His approach was new to me but highly effective. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him – nor would my husband. Thank you Matt
Nov 19, 2018
by Jackie Hookins on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Excellent Results
When my chiropractor suggested that I should do a spinal rehab course with Matt in order to improve my core strength, I was filled with horror and remembered the humiliating times my school gym mistress had put me through as though it was yesterday. However, I knew I couldn’t carry on with the constant pain I had due to a torn disc, so I agreed to do the course. Matt was considerate at all times and treated me with respect and encouragement. Gradually my core strength improved and I was able to be more active and to live a normal life again. It was the best decision I have made in a long time and I will be eternally grateful to Matt.
May 22, 2018
by Iain on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Shoulder Pain
Matt has been great. I am a biker of nearly 30 years and as such had a few serious injury’s and matt has been able to work with me and my range of movement and pain has extremely well managed.
Jan 29, 2018
by Jo on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Massage
Matt is incredibly knowledgeable! I feel the difference every time I have a massage with him. Brilliant pressure and very professional! Thank you Matt!
Jan 29, 2018
by Sarah on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Aches & Pains
I recently referred someone with various aches/pains etc to MATT At Tarka Fitness. They were so pleased at results in first session. The dedication & experience & quality of care genuinely shines through. I’m also using MATT as a PT at the moment. He is helping me with the challenge of eating more healthily & weight loss.
I really recommend MATT. Book your session with him & find out for yourself.
Sep 26, 2017
by Colin Tovey on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Pain Releafe
I had been suffering with very bad pains in my arm thigh and lumber region. Most mornings it could take up to 10 minutes to dress. Some nights i had to sleep in a chair, because of pain.. a friend recommended me to matthew. After two sessions with matthew I was able to sleep without pain, with two more sessions and exercises he gave me, I was 60% better I have had six sessions in all and at the age of 70 I am 99% better. pain free. what was pain.. I can only speak very highly of the treatment and exercises I received from matthew and comes highly recommended.
Jul 5, 2017
by Claire on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Professional & Very Knowledgeable
I had a great 5 day PT sessions with Matt. He taught me things I didn’t realise I was doing wrong in exercises and now I can already feel and notice the results in my core after 2 weeks!!
Matt made it fun while really making me understand what and why I was doing each exercise and I have already booked in for more sessions!
I would highly recommend.
Apr 18, 2017
by Emma Lambert on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Matt arranged a week intensive training course for me and a friend. Each day was a different workout that was interesting, fun and hard work which pushed us to our limits. Totally recommend Matt.
Feb 18, 2017
by Alison on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Lovely man who does what he says he’ll do. Confident, knowledgeable, reliable.
Jan 2, 2017
by Larry on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Calf Muscle Pain
Matt’s deep muscle massage fixed my painful calf and now I am back running pain-free. Cheers Matt.
Jan 2, 2017
by Iain Mckinnon on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Tennis Elbow
I had been suffering for months with “Tennis Elbow” it had got so bad that I was struggling to do my job as an HGV driver, I saw an add on a friends Facebook page and contacted Matt Wallin at Tarka fitness, I explained my problem and he gave me an ultrasound course. After only two ten minute sessions the difference was amazing….hardly any pain and once again I could move my arm without any real pain.
I did another 4 sessions of ultrasound with Matt and now I have even managed to go back to Aikido and continue my job with little or no pain.
This young man know,s his trade and would recommend him to anyone .
Thank you so much Matt.
Jul 26, 2016
by Michelle on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Unable To Move Due To Back Pain
My husband got in contact with Matt as he had a suspected slipped disc and was in agony and had great difficulty walking. After just a couple of sessions with Matt who also gave him instructions as to what exercises to continue at home in between sessions the improvement was amazing. Would definitely recommend.
May 28, 2016
by Timothy Isaac on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Lifelong Knee Difficulties
I was introduced to Matt by someone at my gym, after having huge difficulty training my legs due to my knees cracking and popping and causing me discomfort when under any strain. My knees had been this way my entire life. After a short consultation with Matt, he put forward what he thought was the problem (incredibly tight hamstrings) and suggested how to treat the problem. After a few sessions my situation has massively improved and Matt has been giving me ongoing support on how to manage the problem whilst maintaining my training. I am immensely pleased with the results I have had, especially being as I have sought advice previously to no avail. The improvements I have seen in such a short space of time with Matts help have been outstanding. I could not recommend Matt highly enough.
Timothy, Gym – Knee pain
Apr 25, 2016
by Mandy on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Post RTC Rehab
Having suffered many fractures in my ribs and 1 in my spine due to a road traffic collision,I had been in constant pain and discomfort for several years. I’ve been down the usual paths of physio’s etc but to no avail as there is no continuous care provided. I went to Matt pretty much as a last resort as I’ve tried it all and I have to say I’m a sceptic about exercise helping my kind of issues. I couldn’t have been more wrong!! Within a couple of sessions I noticed a difference. If I couldn’t manage the rehabilitation exercises Matt would change them to accommodate my ability at that time, although I couldn’t get anything past him if I wasn’t giving it my everything. I spent a couple of months working with Matt twice a week. I see him every month now for a session just so he can check that I am still using the correct techniques. I am no longer in constant pain and discomfort. I still have odd days where I ache a bit but mostly where I’ve over done it at work or in the garden!!
Sep 22, 2015
by CB on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Matt provides a top notch and highly effective solution for the back sufferer, sports-worn or injured. The fact that he can come to you shows even in the most basic way that he understands the back sufferer, where mobility and travel can be the hardest things to contemplate. His knowledge was extremely thorough and up to date, and he clearly follows a continuous path of professional development using the latest research and practice which is so important in his field. The three of us had a range of challenges for him to tackle and his hands-on work as well as his recommendations and demos of exercises and adjusted movement have proven quickly effective and helpful. Having been treated by physios in London including Harley Street professionals I was amazed at the results we had with Matt in just a couple of sessions. We will definitely be calling on his services again when we come back down to Devon.
CB, Lower Back Pain
Jul 15, 2015
by Samantha Crowsley on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
Working towards a major fitness goal can come with some hiccups, such as muscle spasms & general aches & pains from hard training. Matt has been a large part of keeping me fit during the last few months. He has been able to pinpoint, treat and give me ongoing exercises to keep me pain free and fully mobile so I can continue to enjoy my training! Thank you Matt, keep up the good work!
Sam, Triathlon Runner & Gym
Mar 20, 2015
by Sarah Hannaford on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
I’ve been working with Matt for nearly 2 months now, to deal with lower back pain and an old knee Injury both of which have caused me trouble when running. He has managed to virtually eradicate my lower back pain I have suffered on a daily basis and my knee feels stronger and stronger after every session….I am now looking forward to running another half marathon later on this year and completing it without the issues I have suffered previously!!! Really impressed 🙂
Sarah, Lower Back Pain & Rehab
Aug 31, 2014
by Sarah Dolding on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
I’m currently working with Matt whilst attempting to lose 6 stone through healthy choices and exercise. I can thoroughly recommend him. Shakes up the programme when needed and works me to my limits. Something I would NEVER do alone. In just 4 weeks I’ve lost 5 kilos and I feel great!!
Sarah, Getting Fit
Jun 22, 2014
by Ben on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
I trained with Matthew for around 6 months 1-4 times a week. We mainly focused on increasing my strength but he also introduced me to Olympic weight lifting and we also did a lot of mobility exercises. By using these alternative methods by Matthew and partly breaking my normal gym routine I managed to get stronger even faster than before and without the fear of losing all flexibility or breaking myself. He also helped me out sorting a problem related to my shoulder and he managed to find the cause and it is now under control and thanks to that my bench press is now getting stronger every week. Matthew also introduced to my old enemy, cardio, and helped me realize I could train harder with big weights for longer periods of time if my condition was better. Matthew is a great buddy in the gym who has a great ability to adapt to the needs of his clients and he also has a lot of knowledge in sports.
Ben, Power Lifter
Jun 22, 2014
by Marilyn on Tarka Fitness & Therapy
I was never a gym enthusiast, much preferring to play racquet sports, but having set myself a target to run the 5k ‘Race for Life’, I felt that additional fitness levels were required. When I joined the University’s voluntary exercise programme, Matt was appointed one of my two personal training instructors. His professional and personal skills became evident very quickly.
I followed a clearly defined programme over a 20 week period, being introduced to new equipment during that time and being provided with the opportunity to set and improve targets on a weekly basis. For a number of weeks he was my only instructor and as a result I am able to positively affirm both his team working and individual skills. He certainly showed additional strengths and enthusiasm for being in sole charge.
From an early stage in the programme I began to look forward to my exercise sessions and was especially keen to do well and beat targets, to reflect well on the tuition provided.
I have every confidence that Matt will continue to do well in his chosen profession and will have a positive effect on his client base, improving their fitness levels and enjoyment of exercise. As for myself, I completed the ‘Race’ and beat my set target time!
Thanks Matt for an excellent experience!
