Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Knee Pain Relief in Oakland
Drew Van Zee is a dedicated pain and movement coach specializing in helping active women over 50 overcome chronic knee pain through a science-based, holistic approach. With over nine years of experience, the business was founded on the principle that knee pain stems from the brain's perception of movement insecurity rather than structural damage alone. The founder's personal journey with chronic pain and cancer recovery led to the adoption of Z-Health, a brain-based methodology that integrates mobility, balance, and vision training to address root causes. The practice emphasizes personalized coaching, neurological screening, and client education to restore pain-free movement. Clients receive tailored drills, video resources, and ongoing support to achieve lasting results.The business prioritizes client-centered care, combining expertise in applied neurology with certifications in corrective exercise and nutrition. Testimonials highlight transformative outcomes, including improved mobility and reduced reliance on traditional medical interventions. The approach is grounded in neuroscience, focusing on the brain-body connection to enhance quality of life. Services are delivered through virtual consultations and structured 12-week programs. The practice maintains a commitment to evidence-based practices, professional development, and client empowerment.
Services
Knee Pain Relief
Brain-Body Connection Training
Movement Pattern Correction
Balance & Vision Integration
Neurological Screening
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 9 years of experience in brain-based pain relief methodologies.
- Our team provides personalized neurological screenings and tailored movement drills.
- We guarantee 50% pain reduction for committed clients through proven methods.
- Our approach focuses on root causes rather than temporary symptom relief.
- We combine certifications in applied neurology, nutrition, and corrective exercise.
Associations and certifications
- Z-Health Exercise Therapy Specialist
- Precision Nutrition Level One Certified
- TRX Sports Medicine Coach Qualified
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercise Specialist
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
What people say
Lifesaver
Full range of motion
Helpful advise
True science
Exactly what I searched for
Services
Knee Pain Relief Program
This 12-week program addresses chronic knee pain through brain-body integration techniques. We identify movement pattern dysfunctions and implement targeted drills to improve mobility, balance, and visual processing. Clients receive personalized coaching, neurological assessments, and video resources to support daily practice. The program focuses on retraining the brain's perception of movement safety to achieve lasting pain relief without invasive procedures.
Neurological Screening
Our comprehensive assessment identifies root causes of pain through functional movement analysis. Using Z-Health protocols, we evaluate joint mobility, nerve function, and sensory integration to create personalized treatment plans. The screening includes immediate feedback and demonstration of corrective exercises. This process helps establish baseline measurements for tracking progress throughout the coaching program.
Brain-Body Connection Training
This training system integrates vision, balance, and movement coordination exercises to improve pain perception. Clients learn specific drills to enhance neural communication and body awareness. The program addresses vestibular system dysfunction and postural imbalances that contribute to chronic pain. Sessions include homework assignments and progress tracking to reinforce learning.
Movement Pattern Correction
We identify and correct dysfunctional movement patterns that contribute to knee pain. Through real-time feedback and corrective exercises, clients develop proper biomechanics for daily activities. The program addresses compensatory movement strategies and improves joint loading patterns. This approach reduces pain signals by creating more efficient, brain-compatible movement strategies.
Balance & Vision Integration
This specialized training improves balance and visual processing to enhance movement confidence. We address inner ear dysfunction and visual tracking issues that contribute to pain perception. Clients learn exercises to improve spatial awareness and postural control. The program combines vestibular rehabilitation techniques with dynamic movement patterns to create lasting neural adaptations.
People
Drew Van Zee
Founder & Pain Coach
Certified Z-Health practitioner with 9 years of experience helping clients overcome chronic pain. Holds advanced certifications in applied neurology, corrective exercise, and nutrition. Personal experience with cancer recovery and chronic pain informs his compassionate, science-based approach to movement coaching.
Questions
How does your brain-based approach differ from traditional physical therapy?
Traditional therapy focuses on structural damage while we target the brain's perception of movement safety. Our neurological approach creates lasting pain relief by addressing movement patterns rather than symptoms.
Can this help if I have arthritis or bone-on-bone degeneration?
Yes. Research shows structural damage doesn't correlate with pain levels. Our program successfully helps clients with imaging-confirmed degeneration by improving brain-body communication and movement efficiency.
What results can I expect from the 12-week program?
Most clients experience 50% pain reduction within weeks. Typical outcomes include improved mobility, better balance, and restored ability to perform daily activities without pain through our structured neurological training system.
How are sessions conducted?
We offer virtual sessions via Zoom or FaceTime for convenience. Each session includes assessment, personalized drill instruction, and progress tracking. All sessions include follow-up video resources for home practice.
What makes you qualified to help with chronic pain?
I hold multiple certifications in applied neurology, corrective exercise, and nutrition. With 9 years of specialized experience and personal recovery from chronic pain, I combine professional expertise with practical understanding of long-term pain challenges.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Iris Arnold
Dec 29, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
Drew is a pleasure to work with and patiently introduced me to training that I had little knowledge of previously. His methods have helped me with balance and movement issues and have introduced me to exercises I can practice on my own to improve my walking. I highly recommend working with Drew.
Drew is a pleasure to work with and patiently introduced me to training that I had little knowledge of previously. His methods have helped me with balance and movement issues and have introduced me to exercises I can practice on my own to improve my walking. I highly recommend working with Drew.
Valeria Vital
Dec 15, 2021
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Drew is very skilled at being able to focus on the area that has been needing physical therapy. He actually noticed that my gait wasn't great and we worked on some interesting, (what I thought were bogus at first) excercises but they have been really helpful in helping me improve my gait and my balance! I highly recommend him if you are not a gym buff though I'm sure he's all good gym rats!
Luis Renteria
Nov 26, 2021
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I came to Drew wanting to improve strength and develop muscle. I've always been nervous about doing free weight exercises, such as squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. So I needed a trainer to help me learn and get comfortable with free weights.
Drew started me off with exercises that incorporated mobility, and I'm glad he did. My main goal is to get stronger and build muscle, but as I've trained with Drew, I've come to realize how foundational mobility is in performing many strength-based exercises -- and I can say that my idea of fitness has been maturing with Drew. Drew is also super chill
Drew started me off with exercises that incorporated mobility, and I'm glad he did. My main goal is to get stronger and build muscle, but as I've trained with Drew, I've come to realize how foundational mobility is in performing many strength-based exercises -- and I can say that my idea of fitness has been maturing with Drew. Drew is also super chill
Dana Kirby
Nov 22, 2021
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I was referred to Drew by my Chiropractor and massage therapist to help me with safely walking and balance. I was initially skeptical as his method is certainly not conventional therapy. But I decided to give it a try. Two months later I am walking with a lot more confidence and my balance has improved but still has a way to go. I am committed to doing the exercises which has been important part of my improvement. I would recommend Drew and Z Health if you are committed to doing the exercises which are key to improvement!!
